With the recent flurry of flight cancellations and tech drama, you may be swearing off boarding a plane for a while. Recently, when talking about traveling with some friends, the idea came up that next summer we, may take a very big trip to Vancouver Island. Having been before, I know that would include at least two layovers, renting a car, and hopping on a ferry. While the idea of multiple modes of transport with little ones is daunting, what’s not worrying me is what to wear to the airport. I’m by no means a frequent flier, and I rarely have ever flown for work, but I have racked up enough miles to know what to wear at the airport for maximum comfort, a bit of style, and getting through the security line with relative ease. Here’s a rundown of what to wear and what NOT to wear for TSA-approved looks.
First up, avoid hard-to-remove shoes. Anything with laces or zippers, let alone buckles, should be left at home. Instead, try a closed-toe slip-on. A closed toe is key to keeping your feet cozy, and being able to slip your footwear on and off easily will ensure a more comfortable flight. Plus, it saves you time going through security. Allbirds’ Tree Loungers are made of breathable eucalyptus tree fiber with a foam sole that mimics the anatomical flexibility of your feet. Or check out Birdies’ Starling flat with its diamond-quilted footbed, offering optimal comfort and a loafer-inspired silhouette for a more polished travel look.
Next up, a zip or magnet closure bag. Not having to worry about your personal items spewing all over the floor during turbulence makes for a much smoother travel experience versus trying to stuff a stiff, gaping, wide bag under the seat in front of you. Baggu’s Zip Duck bag is so cute and soft that it makes me want to book a trip just so I can use it. With an interior patch pocket, durable taped seams, and a 40” adjustable strap with top carry handles, this could easily become an everyday bag as well as your travel go-to. Plus, it comes in a variety of prints. I’m eyeing up the navy strip and the navy green check. Look to DSW’s American Leather Co. leather shoulder bag for a more traditional shoulder bag in black, brandy brown, or sage green. This bag is designed with three different compartments, including a handy magnetic snaped exterior pocket for easy access to travel essentials like your passport and boarding pass.
I live for a good pair of jeans, but for a flight of any duration, I don’t want to be troubled by button flaps and rigid denim. Comfy but tailored trousers are a great airport bottom half. There’s a fine line between relaxed and sloppy, so you’ll want a pair that finds a balance between breathable with clean lines so as not to feel restrained. Everlane’s Chino in Buttersoft is a high-waisted pant crafted in soft Tencel Lyocell fabric. These pants are slouchy but feature a curved to tapered leg to give a laidback but put-together look. Check out Zara’s Linen Blend Straight pants for a more relaxed fit. Normally, I’d stay away from wearing linen to travel as the wrinkle factor just looks messy. However, these pants come in black or navy, and the darker shade camouflages wrinkles and crinkles for a chic, loose look.
With the bottoms covered, let’s turn to tops. Is there anything more miserable than freezing on a flight? Yes — freezing while sitting next to a screaming toddler. The solution? A cozy, funnel-neck sweater and a sippy of milk. Mango’s High Collar Sweater comes in black and ecru and is rendered in a fine knit fabric. The straight silhouette keeps you warm without being bulky. For something a bit roomier, check out Gap’s 24/7 Split-Hem turtleneck that fits loose on the body, hitting at the hip. Turtlenecks can also help with the baby; they are great for playing peek-a-boo.
On the accessories front, I like to keep things pared down to purely functional pieces like watches, sunglasses, and baseball hats. However, I wear a lot of delicate jewelry and used to wear it en route. There have been some close calls and straight-up losses, so now my carry-on includes a travel jewelry case. This way, upon arrival, in addition to freshening up, I can also pop on my standard rings, necklaces, and earrings to look more like myself at my final destination. Monos’ Travel Jewelry Case feels very luxurious, made out of vegan leather, and has a modular design with removable components to remove earrings and ring panels as needed. Benevolence LA’s Plush Velvet Square Jewelry Box comes in 9 different shades, can be personalized, and features a secret earring compartment, a built-in compact mirror, and three rectangular divisions. And at $24.99, it would be a great bridal party gift. I think I know what I’m getting my close girlfriends for Xmas this year.
Having a functional “uniform” for traveling just takes one less worry off your list, especially if traveling with young children. Hopefully, some of these ideas will be helpful for your next flight, whether that’s this summer, for the holidays, or in years to come.
