'Tis the season where we all get on a plane and fly home for the holidays, so we might as well look good while we travel, right? Back in the day, my mom got me all dressed up to fly (these were also the days when you could smoke on an airplane, so clearly we're going waaaaay back); nowadays, you see people wearing everything from flip-flops to pajamas on a plane, and while comfort is definitely key, there's a way to look polished without looking like you rolled straight out of bed. As someone who travels pretty frequently, I have my plane outfit down to a formula. Here's what I almost always wear when I travel.
Step 1: the blazer
I will probably be buried with "Always wear a blazer" on my tombstone, but one more time for the cheap seats in the back: Nothing makes you look more pulled together than a Blazer. A blazer should not be restricting or itchy; you want it loose enough that you can layer a thin sweater underneath, and the fit should skim the body. But you don't want it so loose and oversized that you look like a 10-year-old in her dad's jacket after a family wedding. Length-wise, I like one that covers my bum, and fabric-wise, I prefer wool with stretch in the winter and linen (or a cotton-linen blend) in the summer. If it's winter and you want to get super cozy, I recommend a knit blazer (kind of like a sweater-jacket), and don't forget a scarf that doubles as a travel blanket.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Free People Simply perfect blazer | Athleta criss cross sweatshirt | Old Navy power Straight Jeans | Golden Goose superstar sneakers
Step 2: the tee
I will occasionally wear a silk blouse under my blazer, but for the most part, I go for a long-sleeved, lightweight T-shirt. You want something breathable, because if you're stuck on an unfathomably hot plane and end up sweating, you don't want your stank trapped in polyester for the remainder of your flight, however long it may be. I prefer long sleeves, because they have the flexibility to be pushed up if I get warm, and let's face it, plane temperatures can be unpredictable any time of year.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Theory blazer | Proenza Schouler tee (current season here or here) | Frame le high straight jeans | Allsaints Voltaire tote | Golden Goose superstar sneakers
Step 3: the jeans
While I have occasionally worn a dress while traveling, I've found jeans to be the most practical. A pair with a healthy amount of stretch is key—I sometimes get bloated from the change in air pressure (and from salty airplane food), and a little bit of Lycra can go a long way. Any color denim will do—I gravitate toward white in warmer months and gray or blue in cooler ones—but I prefer a straight-leg cut, as I find it's the most flattering on my shape.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Topshop blazer (similar here) | Equipment signature blouse | Frame le high straight jeans | Gucci brixton loafers (also here)
Step 4: the sneakers
There was a time when I wore heels every day. Now, at 41, there's a time and a place for them, and it's usually not while I'm dashing through an airport terminal. Speaking of dashing, I have literally had to do that more times than I care to admit, so I almost always wear sneakers when I fly. Sneakers also tend to be the most comfortable shoes for me on the flight itself, as my feet swell majorly in the air. (I recommend investing in a good pair of compression socks too.)
OUTFIT DETAILS: Free People Simply perfect blazer | Equipment signature blouse | Old Navy power straight jeans | Madewell belt bag | Golden Goose superstar sneakers
Step 5: the bag
I cannot say enough good things about Lo & Sons' Catalina tote—I love this bag so much, I own it in two sizes. I take the tote version when I travel with a carry-on suitcase, and I take the small deluxe version as my overhead carry-on when I check a bag (although as long as you don't stuff it, it fits underneath the seat too). It has a bunch of pockets and straps and compartments, and I love the slip pocket that fits over the handle of your suitcase. Pro tip: take a belt bag or small crossbody bag, and stash it in your Catalina tote to bypass the two-bag rule.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Topshop blazer (similar here) | Mango scarf | Frame le high straight jeans | Adidas sneakers | Lo & Sons Catalina tote
