I have a conflicted relationship with air travel. On one hand, the dehydrating cabin air, hours of sitting in one place, and plane food that leaves much to be desired doesn’t exactly make a winning combination. But as someone who travels quite a bit for work and play, I’ve discovered that being “trapped” on a plane can also be a wonderfully freeing opportunity to read and listen to podcasts, journal about what’s going on in my life and business, and embrace a rare moment of boredom that allows me to listen to my thoughts in a way that doesn’t usually happen in the busy day-to-day.
When it comes to what I’m wearing on a flight, you’ll find me in pretty much the same outfit all the time; I’ve got my formula down and it’s cozy enough to curl up and snooze in but cute enough so that I don’t feel like a slob when I land at my destination. In other words, I can throw it on and not give it another thought. Scroll on for my winning in-flight wardrobe formula (including links to the actual pieces I’ve been wearing lately), and I’d love to hear about your travel wardrobe tips and must-haves in the comments.
Fitted bodysuit + lightweight sweater
I like to wear a tank-style bodysuit as my base layer because it won’t ride up while I’m sitting or get bunchy under a sweater, and it always looks sleek balanced against looser pants or shorts. Bonus points if it provides enough support so that I can skip wearing a bra. Over the top, I’ll throw on a boxy cotton crewneck sweater in case the plane is chilly. If I don’t need the sweater, I’ll tie it around my waist or just throw it in my carry-on.
Pull-on shorts + slim joggers
In the summer, I love the look of a loose pair of linen pull-on shorts paired with a cropped sweater (see above.) Paired with cute sneakers, I feel comfy enough to conquer the world, or at least jog to my gate if I’m running late at the airport. 😛 Since I can’t stand to get cold on a flight, I always roll up a pair of slim-fitting jogger pants that I can change into if needed, especially if it’s an overnight flight where I want to get cozy and snooze. In the cooler months, I’ll just ditch the shorts and wear my joggers to the airport.
Sneakers + no-show socks
For me, sneakers are a must for air travel for a few reasons. For one thing, I just feel more energetic when I wear sneakers, and when I’m going through security and have a long day of travel ahead, I need any extra spring in my step I can get. Also, I like having on a little pair of no-show socks for when I go through security so I don’t have to let my bare feet touch the gross floor when I take my shoes off. (Seriously picture athlete’s foot germs all over that floor, gym class-style.) And finally, I always need sneakers when I get to my destination anyway, so why not just wear the shoes that take up the most room in your suitcase?
In my carry-on: sheet mask + cozy socks
Bonus items! For max comfort in-flight, I bust out one of my favorite sheet masks and put it on when the plane is taking off so that my skin doesn’t become a dried up prune in the air. Sure, you might get a few weird looks from strangers, but YOLO! I’m all about any little luxuries that make air travel feel a bit more luxurious. Other necessary item is a pair of super soft, super cozy socks that will make you feel more like you’re curled up on your couch at home that in a tiny seat that barely reclines. Especially on a plane, it’s the little things that go a long way.
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Do you guys have any in-flight wardrobe essentials that never let you down?
