As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be venturing off to visit our families all across the country.
Perhaps you are lucky enough to live within driving distance of Baltimore. However, if you're like me, you'll be making the all-too-familiar trip to BWI.
I generally enjoy flying. People who complain excessively about the inconveniences of travelling are just whiners. Sure, waiting in security lines isn't particularly enjoyable, nor is the lack of legroom in the cabin. But you are flying 35,000 feet above sea level at 550 miles per hour! Why don't more people find this fascinating?
Style may not be your top priority as you prepare to catch your flight. After all, you're probably not too worried about impressing anyone at the airport. But this does not give you an excuse to entirely neglect your appearance.
In the 50s and 60s, flying was much more exclusive — travellers would ensure that their skirts and suits were neatly pressed and that their shoes were polished before taking off.
Today, glamour tends to take a backseat to convenience and comfort, especially since we now have to remove our shoes, jackets and other layers just to get through security.
However, the modern traveller does not have to sacrifice fashion for comfort.
Dressing in layers is the key to air travel style.
Far too often, I've been stuck in planes that are freezing. Personally, I'll pass on using the airline's blankets.
Instead, I'll wear a cardigan that can double as an impromptu blanket. An oversized scarf can also work nicely.
Look for cardigans and scarfs made from cashmere. Sure, it may be more expensive, but it is incomparable in its ability to be insulating, light and soft all at the same time. J. Crew has a great selection of quality, affordable cashmere pieces.
Dressing in layers is also convenient if you're travelling to a part of the world with a different climate than Baltimore. It's much easier have a sweater or jacket handy than to have to dig through your luggage.
I also always have a pair of gloves and an umbrella in my carry-on bag. Better safe than sorry, right?
I suppose you could be proactive and look up a weather report before you decide what to wear. But let's be real: you're probably going to underestimate the time required for packing, and you'll be in a bit of a rush to make it to the airport.
Taking off your shoes for security is never fun. If you can, opt for slip-on shoes. They're obviously easier to take on and off.
Although this may not be an issue in the wintertime, during the warmer months, I've seen far too many travellers wearing open-toed shoes in the airport.
Of course, your hygienic preferences are your own — but walking through an airport's security checkpoint barefoot does not sound particularly appealing to me.
Needless to say, avoid wearing excessive amounts of jewelry when flying. Although a lot of jewelry won't set off metal detectors, it's better not to run the risk.
Don't forget that you'll have to remove your laptop from your carry-on when you go through security. Store it in an easily accessible compartment — you'll want it handy for catching up on "The Wire" during your flight anyway.
Finding the perfect pair of pants to wear on a plane can be a challenge, especially if you have the pleasure of taking a long, coast-to-coast flight.
Until a fashionable pair of sweatpants is designed (don't hold your breath), I'll stick to jeans. However, look for jeans made with a small percent of Spandex (less than 5 percent).
This may sound funny, but a bit of Spandex in your jeans will deliver a more comfortable, flattering fit. Don't worry — your jeans won't exhibit the typical conception of Spandex (read: you won't look like a product of an exercise video from the Eighties).
With a little bit of planning and effort, you'll be on your way to looking great for your flight. Besides, don't you want to impress your parents with how put together you look when they pick you up from the airport?
Travel safely and have a great winter break, wherever you may be spending it! Just don't forget about your style.
Got questions or suggestions about style and fashion? Email me at fashion@jhunewsletter.com.
