The question of how to dress for air travel is a common one, especially among women, and so here are my top ten tips about How to be Stylish and Comfortable when Flying.
Looking back at photos of the Golden Era (between World War II’s end and commercial jet travel’s advent in the 1960s), you can see that passengers were often dressed to impress in suits, dresses and high heels, but these days air passengers rarely put the same effort into their travel attire.
However, despite the changes in recent years, dress codes are still something you commit to when purchasing a ticket and some airlines reserve the right to refuse transportation or remove from the aircraft any guest who doesn’t meet the airline’s standards for attire.
Not only that but dressing stylishly while traveling is important for several reasons:
- First impressions: Your style can create a lasting impression on people you meet during your travels, and dressing stylishly can convey a sense of confidence, professionalism, and respect, which can help you make a positive impact.
- Cultural respect: Many countries and cultures place a high value on personal appearance and dressing well, and also impose certain dress codes. When you are travelling to a destination with specific cultural dress codes, you need to adopt these codes when travelling so as not to offend your fellow passengers.
- Self-confidence: When you feel good about how you look, it boosts your self-confidence. This can have a positive impact on your overall travel experience by making you feel more comfortable and assertive.
- Travel Photos : When you look stylish in your travel photos, it can make your memories more enjoyable to look back on. Additionally, if you plan to share your travel photos on social media or with friends and family, looking stylish can enhance the overall visual appeal of your posts.
- Adaptability and versatility: Dressing stylishly often involves selecting versatile and functional clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched easily. This allows you to pack lighter and be more adaptable to unexpected events during your travels.
However, it is important to note that looking stylish while traveling should not overshadow comfort and practicality, but it is possible to be both stylish and comfortable.
In this guide, we will explore various tips and tricks on how to be BOTH stylish and comfortable on a flight, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling and looking your best.
How to be Stylish and Comfortable when Flying
What to wear on a plane depends on the destination and season, but the key in all circumstances is to aim for smart comfort.
1.Keep your outfit simple and wear neutral colours
Keep your outfit simple, and avoid wearing complicated outfits that may be uncomfortable (or difficult to manage – for example jumpsuits when you want to use the toilets) during the flight.
You should also keep in mind the local customs and religious beliefs of your destination and ensure that your outfit will be appropriate on arrival. The key is to blend in, which means that sticking to a neutral colour scheme is always a good idea.
In addition, sticking to neutral colours will make packing easier, as you will have a travel capsule wardrobe, where everything will mix and match.
If you’re flying overnight, you may want to opt for cozy, stylish loungewear, that looks as appropriate in public as it does in the bedroom. But, do NOT wear pjyamas. Have a look below for my favourite picks, and just click on the image to find out more.
Make sure that all the clothes you are wearing, and the clothes that you pack coordinate well with each other, and you will always look stylish, while keeping your packing to a minimum.
2.Wear layers to be Stylish and Comfortable when Flying
Airplane cabins can have fluctuating temperatures, so layering is key to enable you to adjust to changing temperatures on the plane. It’s a good idea to wear a jacket and/or sweater that can be easily taken off and put back on.
You may want to wear a t-shirt or dress with leggings, paired with a cozy cardigan that you can remove as needed. Also, the right jacket will make your travel experience so much more enjoyable. Have a look below for a few of my favorite outerwear picks and just click on the image to find out more.
Also, wearing a great jacket or coat will help you to bypass strict hand luggage allowances (in fact the key to getting round overweight hand luggage in general is to wear anything that is too heavy or doesn’t fit in your luggage!
An elegant trench coat or camel coat will elevate any look. Opt for a jacket/coat with plenty of pockets that can hold your phone, passport, papers, wallets, cameras and even a tablet. This will make the journey through security controls so much easier as you won’t have to unpack your hand luggage!
If you’re traveling from a cold to a warm destination, or vice versa, dress in layers that can be easily adjusted to adapt to changing temperatures when you arrive.
3.Avoid tight clothing
It seems obvious, but avoid tight jeans, belts, or restrictive clothing that can restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort during long hours of sitting.
Loose-fitting tops and elasticated waists are a great idea as they are both stylish and comfortable when flying. Have a look below for my favourite picks, and just click on the image to find out more.
My “go-to” outfit for flying is a cream silk top with a pair of elasticated waist flowy black trousers. I add a belt, as I think it makes the outfit look more stylish, but I remove or loosen it during the flight.
If you are wearing trousers, wear loose-fitting pants that allow for movement, and avoid tight jeans or skinny style trousers that may constrict blood flow.
If you prefer something more form-fitting, opt for leggings instead, as they’re stretchy and comfortable, and can be dressed up or down. Just be sure to avoid bright colours and prints and opt for neutral colours instead.
Insider Tip : Wear comfortable underwear that won’t ride up or cause discomfort during the flight.
One of the key items to avoid wearing while flying is a “too tight” bra. A bra that digs into your shoulders and chest will only become more constraining in the air, and will make for a very uncomfortable trip.
4.Choose wrinkle-resistant, breathable fabrics:
Sitting for extended periods can cause clothes to wrinkle, so make sure to opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics to keep your outfit looking neat and presentable.
The most comfortable fabrics to wear are those that allow your skin to breathe. Materials such as cotton, linen and silk are great options, which allow adequate airflow to the skin, and will ensure you stay cool and comfortable during the flight.
Avoid fabrics like polyester that may cause sweating.
Also, To be on the safe side, avoid extremely flammable synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon
5.Wear comfortable, stylish shoes
Choose comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off during security checks. Avoid high heels or shoes that are difficult to take off and put back on, such as shoes with laces. Have a look below for some of my favourite picks and just click on the image to find out more.
Stylish slip-on shoes or slip-on sneakers are ideal for long flights as they are easy to take off during security checks and also provide enough support and comfort for your feet.
The best shoes to wear on a plane are flats, although if you do prefer to wear heels, block heels are the most stable.
Insider Tip : Closed-toe shoes are best to protect your feet as you risk bruised and battered toenails if you wear sandals. ( a lesson learned from experience!)
Avoid Flip-flops and slides, which can fly off your feet in case of emergency and which will also make it difficult if you have to sprint through the airport to make your flight (never happened to me, of course).
6.Don’t forget a scarf or a pashmina
A lightweight scarf or pashmina will not only look stylish but can also serve multiple purposes, such as an extra layer, a blanket, or even a makeshift pillow.
Have a look below for my favourite picks, and just click on the image to find out more.
Insider Tip : Tuck your scarf inside your seat belt, so that flight attendants don’t need to wake you up if they need to do a security check during the flight
7.Wear compression socks
Sitting for a long time can restrict blood flow and make your legs swell. Compression socks help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Have a look below for my favourite picks, and just click on the image to find out more.
They’re also available in different styles and colors to match your outfit.
Insider Tip : Put them on before boarding, because it can be quite a challenge to get them on in a confined space
8.How to accessorize to be Stylish and Comfortable when Flying
Accessories are also a great way to add style to your travel outfit. Scarves, bags, hats, jewelry, headbands, and sunglasses can add a pop of color and elevate your look.
Just ensure the accessories you choose are comfortable and won’t get in the way while you’re on the go. Have a look below for my favourite picks, and just click on the image to find out more.
Wear Sunglasses – Wear sunglasses for a chic look and to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight on departure or arrival.
Insider Tip : Sunglasses are also great for hiding dark circles if you didn’t manage any sleep on the plane.
Wear a hat – If you’re having a bad hair day (or even if you’re not), wear a hat. It’s a stylish accessory that can also help you hide any hair mishaps.
If you’re going to a warm climate, a fedora straw hat will be ideal. But, if you’re going somewhere cold, then I would suggest a cute wool or cashmere beanie.
Wear discrete gold or silver jewellery. Stylish jewellery will always elevate your look, but you want to avoid large, statement pieces that will slow you down at security. Also, avoid jewellery that may be uncomfortable or cumbersome. For example, avoid hoop earrings that might get caught up in your headphone wires.
9.Carry a stylish handbag/ backpack
A great handbag/backpack is essential from a style and comfort point of view.
When choosing a handbag, you need to take account of the airline’s size and weight restrictions, as well as the following :
- Accessibility: It is important to have easy access to essential items during the flight, so choose a handbag with convenient compartments or pockets to store your passport, boarding pass, wallet, phone, and other necessary items that you may need during the journey.
- Durability and security: Opt for a handbag that is sturdy and secure to protect your belongings. Look for strong zippers, sturdy materials, and a bag that can be closed securely to prevent any accidental openings during the flight.
- Comfort and versatility: Since you will be carrying the handbag throughout the journey, it should be comfortable to wear or carry. Choose a bag with comfortable straps or handles that won’t strain your shoulders.
Have a look below for my favourite picks, and just click on the image to find out more.
A backpack is the perfect accessory when travelling. It’s practical, stylish and can hold all your essential items.
10.Pack an extra set of clothes in your hand luggage
It’s always a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag, so you can freshen up during long flights.
This will also ensure that you are prepared to deal with any unforeseen circumstances, such as spills, delays or lost luggage.
You should also pack the following in your hand luggage:
- Travel documents : Make sure to pack your travel documents in a secure and easily accessible pocket of your carry-on bag. This includes your passport, identification cards, boarding passes, and any necessary visas or travel itineraries.
- Medications and Toiletries: If you take any medications, be sure to pack them in their original containers and keep them easily accessible.
- Toiletries : Include a small toiletry bag with travel-sized essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, facial wipes, hand sanitizer, and moisturizer to freshen up during long flights.
- Comfort Essentials : Make your flight more comfortable by packing a travel pillow, an eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
- Electronics and Entertainment: To stay entertained during the flight, pack your electronics such as a laptop, tablet, or e-reader. Don’t forget to bring headphones, a charger, and a portable power bank. If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget to pack a travel adapter suitable for your destination.
Insider Tip : Bring a book or magazine for a break from screen time
