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Fashion Friday: Airplane Travel

Anita emailed me this week with this question:

Hi, I am a 50-year-old female who is five-nine and about 145 lbs.  I am looking for something stylish, yet comfortable for my 11 hr flight to wear.  I am also looking for a stylish handbag for the plane.

By the way, the subject line was: Trip to Maui.

First of all, MAUI?  Can I come along in your suitcase?  I’ll even drag it around the airport for you, like your own personal bellhop.  Whatddya say?  Is it a deal?

Eh, on second thought, I don’t think that will work for me.  I have never been on a plane for nearly 11 hours and I’d like to keep it that way.  I know, I really should get out more, but I hate confined spaces and the feeling of not being in control of my vehicle.  I guess I’ll never be a world traveler.  But this post isn’t about me, is it?

I’m all about trying to find that fine line between stylish and comfortable for airplane attire.  I think the first key is to wear layers.  You can go from hot to cold in all of 30 seconds on an airplane, so it’s a good idea to have a light sweater or jacket that you can easily slip on and off.  Darker colors are less likely to show dirt or that unfortunate dribble of Coca-Cola when you try to take a sip right as the airplane hits an air pocket.  And of course jersey knits are less likely to show wrinkles than, say, linen.  Oh, and the last thing you want to wear tromping around an airport is a pair of heels.

So.  With all that in mind, how about something like this?

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(Ignore the shoes.  I would not recommend wearing that shoe within 10 miles of an airport.)  But the Martin skinny pant is sophisticated, age appropriate, and they should be comfy because they have some stretch to them.

Or you could go for a cropped pant in a similar style, like the J.Crew Minnie.

minnie

Then I’m thinking of some type of cardigan wrap that you can throw on if you’re chilly and stuff in your chic oversized tote bag if it’s warm.  Perhaps this?

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Or, if you like something more tailored, what about a traditional cardigan like this?

 

cardigan

With a simple tank in a neutral color, like this?

tank

In fact, I actually love this whole outfit on Wardrobe 911.  Those shoes (or something like them) would be perfect because they are comfy and stylish.

Me Too makes an extremely comfortable shoe.

me-too

Or, if your feet aren’t particularly fussy, Target has these.

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And these.

You also asked about a handbag.  I’m going to vote for a nice roomy tote that can accomodate all of your personal items as well as your sweater and a book — or a Kindle.  I love my Kindle (well, it’s technically my husband’s, but what’s marriage about if it’s not about sharing?) and it’s perfect for travel because you can download another book if you finish the one you’re currently reading before you get back home.  But I digress.

Let’s see… a bag.  It’s pretty spendy but I was lusting over it this leather tote this morning as I was sipping coffee and perusing the Garnet Hill catalog.

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Or.  (Be prepared to drool.)  This one:

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I just love that gray one.  I want to marry it and have its babies.  But alas, we are star crossed lovers because I would have to mortgage my house to pay for it.  I don’t know what your budget is for this outfit, but if it’s anything like mine, perhaps we should look around for another option.

AHA!  Look at this: Old Navy Womens Faux-Leather Totes.

Old Navy Womens Faux-Leather Totes

Tada!  My work here is done.

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Don’t forget to visit the Fashion Friday headquarters over at Big Mama‘s place.  And if you wrote about fashion this week, feel free to link up below.

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14 Responses

  1. I love Fashion Friday – it’s my favorite weekly post you do. Now, I feel like we need an update on your running too, I’ve been wondering how that is going.

    1. It’s going. LOL. That’s about all I can say for it. I probably hit the pavement about 2x a week. I’d like to do better, but my knees are protesting a bit, and I am having a hard time staying motivated. But I’m still doing it! I ran this morning, as a matter of fact.

  2. Yes, thank you for recommending MeToo flats. They are the absolute BEST and your feet thank you endlessly. Plus, they have loads of different styles and aren’t budget breaking.

    Love your blog! I read it each morning with my first cup of coffee..

    Cheers,
    Jessica

  3. I kind of love those cropped pants, but there is way too much puffiness on this body for pants that fitted. 😉 I also love the gray bag. Gray makes me smile.

    1. Yeah, I tried them on and they didn’t work great for me. My waist is a different size than the rest of me. UGH.

  4. When you have the babies with that stunning gray bag can I have one of the offspring? I asked Mr E for $240 (figured I could cover S&H myself) he quietly asked why, the kind of why that means if it is worth it yes, I showed him the bag and he said no. What kind of man would deny his wife the perfect bag? Oh yeah, one that has a mortgage, two car notes and two kids to take care of. Guess I’ll go on dreaming.

    I love the idea of that first cardigan, with the second cropped pants and a colorful tank with a nice pair of flats.

  5. I like the idea of the tank top and cardigan because when the plane is on the runway and stuffy-hot, it’s good to be in something light. And then when the plane is aloft and it’s freezing and you can’t get the attendants’ attention, you can use the cardigan for a little blankie. Or shmoosh it into a pillow. Or cover your head when you want your seat mate to stop talking. 😉

    I would really want to be in leggings and a tunic though because I’ve been on 13-hr flights and believe me, all those rules about being a lady and sitting properly? forget it. I’d also want the biggest bag I can fit without being charged extra so I can have an extra shirt, make-up, toiletries, snacks and all that I’ll need for the 11-hr flight and the recovery after wards, before they tell you they can’t find your luggage. 🙂 ha.

    1. I didn’t think of leggings. Good call. Of course not everyone feels comfortable in them (me included) but they are all kinds of comfy.

  6. I think I’d really love reading on a Kindle. It seems so convenient and cost-effective. It’s definitely on my wish list for “sometime in the future.” 😉

  7. Jo-Lynne,

    OMG – Thanks you so much. Loved the tops, great ideas – not too much into wearing jean type pants on a 13hr flight and OMG that 2nd purse was to die for. I wish I could get it, but hubby just wouldn’t understand. Then you show there Old Navy bag, there is no comparison. Anyway, I now have some ideas for what to wear – so thank you. I look forward to reading your blog in the morning. Anita

    1. Anita, I’m so glad you found it helpful. Yeah, I hear ya on the pants. Another commenter suggested leggings; they might be a better option. With a longish tunic and ballet flats, they can be very stylish.

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