We've all seen people bumming around airports in raggedy sweatpants and baggy hoodies with dark circles under their eyes and a head of frizzy hair. They look like they've gone through a season of Survivor rather than just stepped of a flight. We've also all seen pictures of A-list celebrities looking totally chic and put-together at airports after a trans-Atlantic flight. Obviously, most human beings cannot pull off a leopard print mini and stilettos like Cheryl Cole - I don't know about you but I generally have about 70 lbs of something called luggage than I need to carry around when I travel internationally - but as Cameron and Kim's outfits show, you can be chic and practical when traveling by plane.
I travel to China every now and then to visit family members, which means I have to endure through a 14+ hour flight, transfers, hours of waiting at the terminal, and over a month worth of luggage. In my opinion, it's essential to look good while traveling. Not only will you feel better by looking chic, you also want to give a good impression to whomever is picking you up at the airport. Plus, you might just luck out and have a seat next to a total hottie.
But looking put together does not mean fancy dresses and pumps. Believe me, you do not want to have to worry about pulling up your dress or how much your feet hurts when you're running to catch your transfer flight or hauling your luggage onto escalators. Also, you want to be completely comfortable in your outfit because international flights can feel quite incredibly long. That means no jeans too tight, no shoes too high, and no tops to low.
The first travel essential is your suitcase and carry-on bags. While there's nothing better than a classic Louis Vuitton Pegase, at over $2,000, that's unfortunately not within most college students' budget. Don't fear though, there are plenty of fashionable and functional luggage out there at a much more budget-friendly price. Samsonite and Tumi are great tried-and-true classics that offer high-quality suitcases, duffels, and passport holders. Diane Von Furstenberg and Liz Clairborne have a wide selection of feminine rolling suitcases at reasonable prices. When it comes to suitcases, my one advice is: don't get one that's generic (AKA black). It becomes impossible to distinguish which suitcase is yours when waiting for your luggage at your arrival destination. Worst case scenario: someone else mistakes your suitcase for theirs and takes off with it. While I'm not recommending hot pink, a distinctive blue or a subtle pattered suitcase will make yours much easier to find.
I always travel with a large tote or duffel bag to carry my makeup (all in airport-approved packaging of course), wallet, passport, water bottle, cell phone, iPod, and various magazines/books to keep me entertained. Kate Spade and MARC by Marc Jacobs have some wonderful totes and Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson also have some great pieces. You want something that is roomy enough to carry all your travel essentials and preferably has a zipper to prevent your stuff from spilling out. A good, functional I.D. and passport holder is also essential as you will need to show your I.D.s several times to pass airport security.
In terms of dressing for flights, comfort is key. Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe discusses this in detail in the "Jet Set" chapter of her book, Style A To Zoe (which, by the way, is one of my favorite fashion reads. The girl really knows her stuff). That most generally means a long jersey tank, a cashmere cardigan, leggings, flats, and a cashmere scarf to protect you from the chilly plane temperature. The blanket they provide on flights is always so scratchy so wear a soft, thick cardigan instead. And, of course, never get on a plane without your favorite pair of oversized sunglasses. Throw on your sunglasses and instantly, bloodshot eyes and dark circles become a thing of the past. Waltz your way through the airport and you might just be mistaken for a celebrity.
Below are four looks that are stylish yet flight-friendly.
City Chic
This look embodies the sophisticated city girl. The silver flats, linen scarf, and the pink, cashmere cardigan will keep you comfortable during your flight. Although I wouldn't normally recommend skinny jeans, this lovely Missoni piece offers plenty of stretch to prevent the fabric from digging into your skin. Of course, if you don't want to shell out big bucks for Missoni, there are plenty of more budget friendly strech-skinny jeans out there. You might even be able to get away with a pair of high quality, dark wash jeggings. And these cute pastel bracelets add a feminine touch to finish off the outfit.
Cali Girl
This look is perfect if you're heading to a warm, seaside resort or just going anywhere tropical. The dress and cardigan are from Calypso, a luxury resort-wear brand known for their comfortable, beachy pieces (in the Gossip Girl books, Serena is a huge fan). The violet scarf goes perfectly with the lightly tinted shades and the turquoise flip-flops add a pop of color to the otherwise subdued outfit.
Effortlessly Cool
This outfit is basically what I mentioned earlier as the generic flight outfit. I love Rachel Roy's line and this tank is currently majorly marked down on their website. I used these zipped ankle leggings for this outfit because I own a pair and they're actually of pretty high quality despite being under $10 (plus, for some reason, I think zipped leggings are so much more fun and edgy than normal ones). The purple cardigan, Ray-Bans, and water-dyed scarf are subtle colors but add a lot of freshness to the otherwise all-black ensemble. I am a huge fan of Kelsi Dagger and these bright turquoise flats will keep your feet comfy and bring some exotic-ness to the whole outfit.
Sorority Prep
If you're one of those sorority girls who absolutely refuses to part with her sweatpants and signature sorority tank top, well, then this is the outfit for you. While I normally highly recommend not wearing sweatpants, you can pull it off if you do it right. First, the only sweatpants that are okay are Juicy ones, and none of those bling-bling rhinestone pieces or the kind with "JUICY" printed across the back. Those are reserved for a) some themed frat party, b) home, c) Paris Hilton.
Also, please no Victoria's Secret Pink collegiate sweats either. I admit I love my Pink loungewear but you're already pushing it by wearing sweatpants to airports, so at least keep it clean and simple.
Second, please no matching sweatsuit sets. You're traveling, not going to the gym. Also, try to steer away from hoodies and opt for a cardigan instead. A simple tank and cardigan makes you look so much more put together than if you wore a hoodie and offers just as much comfort. I added these pink sunglasses and sandals, both from Juicy Couture, to bring some more girly-ness into the outfit.
What are some of your travel tips? What is your go-to jet setting outfit?
If you're one of those sorority girls who absolutely refuses to part with her sweatpants and signature sorority tank top, well, then this is the outfit for you. While I normally highly recommend not wearing sweatpants, you can pull it off if you do it right. First, the only sweatpants that are okay are Juicy ones, and none of those bling-bling rhinestone pieces or the kind with "JUICY" printed across the back. Those are reserved for a) some themed frat party, b) home, c) Paris Hilton.
Also, please no Victoria's Secret Pink collegiate sweats either. I admit I love my Pink loungewear but you're already pushing it by wearing sweatpants to airports, so at least keep it clean and simple.
Second, please no matching sweatsuit sets. You're traveling, not going to the gym. Also, try to steer away from hoodies and opt for a cardigan instead. A simple tank and cardigan makes you look so much more put together than if you wore a hoodie and offers just as much comfort. I added these pink sunglasses and sandals, both from Juicy Couture, to bring some more girly-ness into the outfit.
What are some of your travel tips? What is your go-to jet setting outfit?
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