the Jess Journals

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Style 101: What to Wear at the Airport/For Travel

I'm off to Hong Kong today! I normally go either over Thanksgiving or Christmas, but this year is different because a really good friend of mine is getting married in Bali. (I've never been to Bali, so I have another reason besides the wedding to be excited about it!) At the end of the month I'm also off to California for a big family reunion to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday, so I'll be traveling quite a bit during throughout the rest of September.

With three trips in my immediate future, I thought I'd leave with a Style 101 post on what to wear for traveling/at the airport. What to wear in these situations can be a little tricky especially if you're flying from one climate to another, and it also sometimes varies according to whether you're traveling on a long-haul flight (like NYC to HK - 16 hours!!) or a shorter flight. Here are my tips for what to wear to stay comfortable, go through security conveniently, and still look pulled together.

Footwear:
Having to untie and retie shoelaces when going through security is pretty annoying, so opt for flats or flip flops for ultimate convenience. In cooler weather, ankle booties with a zip (like these) or smoking slippers (like these) for a little more coverage are ideal. For long haul flights, keep a pair of socks in your carry on just in case your feet get cold, and you're set! // French Sole Certain flats, J. Crew Wordy trouser socks
Bottoms:
Unless I'm on a really short flight, I prefer not to wear jeans on the airplane. Luckily, right now "nicer" sweatpants are all the rage, which makes it easier to stay comfortable while still looking like you wore them on purpose and not like you just grabbed the first pair of pants in your drawer. // Zara Velour Trousers, Current/Elliott Vintage Sweatpants
Maxi dresses:
For warmer trips, I like to wear maxi dresses (and flip flops) as they're easy to throw on and go. I'll probably wear one for my Hong Kong to Bali flight! // Whistles Maxi Dress
Tops:
The main thing for me while traveling is I don't want my chest to get cold, so I'm all about crew neck or boat neck tees. Simple, neutral colors keep things chic and comfy at the same time. // Stylemint Classic Crew
Outerwear:
On short flights keep a cardigan with you in case the plane is slightly chilly. For long haul flights, a zip-up hoodie is convenient to layer with and you can add either a lighter jacket or parka on top to layer up if it's cool in the city you're departing from/arriving in. (In the winter, have a winter coat on over everything and just throw it in the overhead compartment during the flight.) // J. Crew Merino Tippi Cardigan, American Apparel Polka Dot Hoodie, Topshop Hooded Parka
Scarves:
Scarves are practically a must on long haul flights! Pick a colorful one to brighten up your outfit, or even a large one (like those by Theodora & Callum) so you can use it as shawl if necessary. // Theodora & Callum Berber Scarf