More What to Wear posts for more destinations here!
Travel is never as glamorous as it seems and I’ve been on enough long haul flights to realize that no matter how cute you look stepping on the plane, pretty much everyone looks like hell when you get off after hours of stale air and bad food and no sleep.
However, there are ways to have some semblance of “travel style” on airplanes and I’ve always been of the belief that traveling shouldn’t mean you have to limit your style. When traveling, style doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t be comfortable either, so here’s some ways you can be both stylish and comfortable when traveling and my best tips for being stylish even when traveling on an airplane.
I’m never without a scarf.
No matter where I travel, a scarf is part of my travel outfit. It can serve as a blanket in-flight, an accessory to add color to a neutral travel outfit or folded up as a make-shirt armrest or pillow. They are also a great way to change up outfits while in a location and can make your whole look feel entirely different from day to day, even with the same coat or sweater. Plus they will always keep you warm!
Wear neutrals as your base and accessorize with luggage, purse and scarf.
I like to travel in black or navy as my base colors. Dark colors don’t show wear like light colors do, so when you step off that 10 hour flight, your black pants won’t look wrinkled like lighter colors might. I usually travel in black or navy leggings, with a long t-shirt or sweater, depending on the season, then a coat or jacket and a scarf.
Travel in layers.
Weather can be totally different from your original location and your destination where you’re coming from, so layers can help with this as well as allowing you to adjust your own temperature along the way. I generally have 3 layers at my disposal for a flight, a t shirt, a sweater and a coat/scarf. That way, depending on the destination and all those stops along the way, I can be prepared for whatever temperatures may arise.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Nothing is worse than your feet hurting as you’re walking the mile long airport terminals. Wear comfortable shoes that you’ve already broken in. My ballet flats or Converse low-tops are my go-to travel shoes. You also want shoes that are easy to take off for security as well as comfortable on the plane.
Be stylish with your luggage.
When I started traveling often, I knew I wanted to invest in a good set of luggage that would last me quite a few years and also a set that fit my personality. I invested years ago in a Tumi hard side carry on and it’s the best decision I made for my travels. My carry on holds a ton, rolls easy and Tumi has been amazing on things like replacing wheels and the handle for free over the years as it’s gotten a little worn down from use. I love my white suitcase because it’s easy to spot always and feels totally unique among a sea of black suitcases.
Erica says
Love your luggage! I went with the same theory as your dark clothing theory for mine, though. I’ve lived out of my little black carry-on for months at a time while sleeping on couches and hostel beds and it still doesn’t show! I opt for a soft case because I need it to fit in lots of random places, like lockers and under hostel beds 🙂
Have I told you about my (not so) secret travel pants? They are leggings-pants so they’re comfy, but also look like a regular pair of skinny pants. LOVE.
Casey Martin says
Yes you have told me about the leggings before… and I have some too that I wear all the time and love them!
Shannon at Beginnings in Bayern says
I love the color of your suitcase! And that’s pretty smart to wear dark colors, I never thought of that.
Casey Martin says
I LOVE my suitcase and it has been such a staple for me over the years!
Jane {In the Pink and Green} says
Great tips! I too always wear a scarf when I’m flying because I like having it to use as a blanket in case the plane is chilly. Plus, it’s a much easier way to accessorize your outfit vs. wearing a lot of jewelry you’ll have to take off going through security!
Casey Martin says
Yes! I’m always cold on planes so I always use my scarf to cover up.
Annie says
I love your suitcase! Orange is my favorite color, so I may need to invest in that hard-shell ;] These are great travel tips! I’ve traveled frequently and actually used some of them without realizing it. ha!
Casey Martin says
You should totally get an orange suitcase! 🙂 I really prefer the hard shell to soft, but everyone is different too.
Erika from Chimerikal says
Oooh, I like this peek into your travel style and decisions in making them.
The comfy airport shoes should also be easy to take off, since they usually make you remove your shoes! (I forget sometimes and then as I unlace my shoes, I think: WHYYY?)
Also, this could be me being paranoid, but I heard that having bright luggage signals the following to other people (in a different country): foreigner & rich. Even though that’s judging a book by its cover, I try to be as inconspicuous as possible. Oh wait, hypocrite alert! I’ve used a huge giraffe print mammoth suitcase in my travels around Europe. Hehe 😉 But anyway, I do like your luggage and I think investing in good quality suitcases is a good idea! I’ve been through many in my day…
I really enjoyed this Casey. And I’ll probably add a scarf to my travel outfit now!
–Erika
http://www.chimerikal.com
Casey Martin says
Interesting point about the bright luggage, I’ve never really thought of that. I just love that luggage so much that’s it’s become such a part of my travel routine! 🙂
And yes, scarves are amazing when traveling… so many uses!
Thanks for the lovely comments!
Erika from Chimerikal says
:)))
Asia Reynolds says
everyone usually has the same advice for airplane outfits; scarf, flats, and something comfy like leggings. At least it’s consistent lol
Casey Martin says
Yea, guess it works!
Rima says
oh yessss I agree. Flats, Layers and a Hot Pink luggage for me. I get cold easily so of course I bring a scarf.
Casey Martin says
LOVE that you have hot pink luggage… I used to before my orange Heys.
tiarenie says
you are making me want to invest in some fun colored luggage!
Casey Martin says
You should! I love fun colored luggage… somehow it makes the trip so much more fun! 🙂
Polly says
Great tips! I also bring thick socks or slippers so I can take off my shoes during the flight but not fear walking around in any grossness!
Casey Martin says
Yes! Good call… I usually have my slippers in my bag to get out during the flight too!