The airport is a dilemma. What to wear or what not to wear?
Comfort, practicality and style are three words that are oftentimes hard to work together.
Those three are what we need when we travel.
There is nothing worse than feeling out of sorts in a cramped space for endless hours, wearing clothes that aren’t functional and at the same time feeling dowdy or at worst badly dressed.
I am old fashioned and still care about the impression made when travelling.
I won’t wear a tracksuit and flip-flops to the airport; I will dress as if I am going out and about but with a side order of the practical.
I don’t want to appear as if I just woke up, jumped out of bed and threw the closest thing on my back.
Travel, once upon a time, was glamorous. Those days are done and there is nothing dazzling about an airport or an airplane except for the destination. Hopefully, it makes up for the crowds, the delays, the frustrations and the tiredness that is inescapable when travelling.
I have a uniform of sorts that gets heavier or lighter depending on the season. The look doesn’t change. A few key pieces have proved themselves time and again. I might not be dressed for the catwalk but nor am I embarrassed and hiding behind dark glasses.
What to wear?
The feet.
Depending on whether it is carry-on only or checked baggage I wear a low boot or a pair of sneakers. They are both easy to remove and comfortable.
The pants.
Once upon a time jeans were my choice but now I wear simple black pants that don’t require a belt. It’s exhausting getting undressed and re-dressed to pass through security and every small measure that makes the transition easier is worthwhile.
The top.
A black tee shirt or a black turtleneck is the choice depending on the season.
I have learned the hard way wearing light colours. At least if there is a small accident on board, black will mop up the mess and get you to the destination feeling not too shabby. I am sure we have all had the spill and turbulence experience or the clumsy companion who is ever so apologetic when the red wine sploshes everywhere.
The coat.
Let’s call it the “army” jacket.
The khaki “army” style jacket has been a revelation for travelling and the colour lifts the all black. I wear different weights depending on the month but the one thing all jackets have in common is a surplus of pockets. I like to have my phone within reach, the reading glasses are a non- negotiable and then there is the passport. It is much easier with those essentials to hand than delving into the handbag constantly.
The bag.
I have a few combinations that involve the cross body and a large handbag.
Sometimes I wear the cross body and carry a large handbag, at other times simply one or the other. On any trip I have both tucked in the luggage somewhere.
The extras.
A large pashmina scarf and silk square plus a cashmere sweater and leggings for long haul travel. Then there are the woolly socks.
Often I feel as if I should deviate and change my “uniform”. To wear something new, branch out in a different direction would be more interesting but I know through past experience I won’t be as comfortable, feel as together and will revert to my tried and true travel wardrobe next trip.
Anything I am missing? xv
The Airport Dilemma
shoes and pants
zephyr boots // stan smith sneakers // j. crew pants
tops
gap black tee // alexander wang turtleneck // equipment cashmere sweater
coats
sanctuary lightweight khaki jacket // dkny faux khaki anorak // vince parka
bags
le pliage crossbody // longchamp leather handbag // oscar de la renta silk scarf
