Sources:

(all remixed but shoes and bag)

• Red leather tote – Claudia Firenze, via TJMaxx
• Black jersey dress – ON
• Black wedges – Connie, thrifted on recent trip to Colorado
• Gray top – Target
• Red button pendant – Brookberrys on Etsy
• Pashmina scarf – World Market

Endnotes:

Today’s outfit was designed around the idea that I will be on an airplane and going through airports for a large chunk of my day. I wanted to be comfortable, stylish, and quick to get through security.The latter especially played a role, and if you’ve flown recently, you know what a difference a security-friendly ensemble will make.

We all three love wearing a comfortable jersey dress when flying because it’s like wearing sweats or pj’s without actually looking like you just rolled out of bed. It’s a great way to be comfortable when you’re squished in that tiny seat and you don’t want your  jean waistband digging into you tummy. The added advantage – the lack of buttons, metal clasps, or belt buckle also make you more likely to zip right through the metal detector.

I knew I wanted to wear this black jersey dress for my flight today and then I came across this image in the June issue of Lucky:

I’ve mentioned already that I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to a red and black color combination, so this outfit idea was right up my alley. I chose not to wear my gladiators like the image above suggests and instead throw on my new mary-jane wedges that I recently thrifted. I have been excited to wear them and I thought that the mary-jane sandal would make for a better pairing with the knee length hemline of my dress (vs. the maxi dress showed in Lucky).

Lastly,  I’m sure to grab a soft pashmina scarf to wrap around myself on the flight, where it’s guaranteed to be chilly once we take off. Ensconced in soft jersey and pashmina wool, I’m certain to arrive at my destination comfortable and well rested.

What do you like to do to ensure a happy flight experience? S.

8 July 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

18 Responses to “8 July 2009”

1. Sarah L
   July 8th, 2009 @ 9:57 am

   How funny/appropriate that you posted this today when I just landed from a flight myself!

   Comfortable shoes that I can easily take on and off for security are a big priority when I fly. I have bad knees.) Today I wore my comfy Sketchers en route and then changed into dressier patent wedges once I landed.

   Packing lightly is a skill I am still learning. It really is less stressful when your suitcases aren’t incredibly stuffed or heavy!

2. D.
   July 8th, 2009 @ 10:08 am

   I completely agree with Sarah L. Typically when I fly I wear something incredibly comfy (not pjs) yet somewhat stylish. In my opinion, jersey knit must have been made with flights in mind. I have also become the Queen of layering with travel in mind due to living in the south. It’s always ten-twenty degrees (or more) warmer here than where I’m flying therefore a simple cardigan works wonders in summer/spring weather or my go-to NorthFace fleece.

   Speaking of flights, I am flying to the Netherlands in a few weeks…any tips for what to pack? They have a similar culture/weather as Germany (didn’t you travel there recently?) and I’m wondering what essentials would be good items to bring with me? I need versatile day to night pieces that may create multiple outfits. I don’t want to pack everything in my closet plus I need some more professional options due to a business-related meeting during my time there. Have any suggestions?

3. Sal
   July 8th, 2009 @ 10:25 am

   Jersey all the way! I usually go with leggings and a jersey tunic, which I find equally comfy to a dress … and a bit warmer.

   Those wedges are darling. You ladies really do have amazing luck thrifting shoes.

4. Kate
   July 8th, 2009 @ 10:34 am

   The jersey dress is a fantastic idea for travel. My airport challenge is that I don’t like being barefoot when shoeless going through security. That means socks, which means pants. Doesn’t it? Or is there a better way…?

5. Diana
   July 8th, 2009 @ 10:34 am

   Looks like you’ve got comfortable airplane style down perfectly. I’m so glad that you stayed stylish – I think it’s ridiculous that some people wear pajamas on airplanes.

   As for me, I like to wear comfy jersey knit dresses and shoes that are easy to take off when I fly. I combine this with a tote, water bottle, fashion magazine, and shawl for chilly temps and I’m ready to go.

6. Albs
   July 8th, 2009 @ 11:18 am

   I like your thoughts on comfy, yet stylish, travel clothing. I prefer to wear slip on shoes when flying, since it can make the taking off (and re-donning) of shoes at security a bit easier.

7. DirtyLAWndry
   July 8th, 2009 @ 12:13 pm

   I opt for comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes as well. However, I still can’t figure out how to pack lightly.

8. Albs
   July 8th, 2009 @ 12:35 pm

   I agree with Diana -pajamas on airplanes is bad form.
   Thanks for posting so much about traveling fashion and packing, I’ve found it very helpful!

9. msmeta
   July 8th, 2009 @ 1:17 pm

   I wore a very similar outfit on a recent transatlantic flight, including the pashmina, but I wore leggings under the dress. Perfect.

10. Katie K
    July 8th, 2009 @ 2:01 pm

    S, you must be a mind reader! I’m leaving tomorrow on vacation and I’m taking a flight from Milwaukee to Boston. While I was packing, I realized that I had no idea what to wear on the plane–wear a cardigan with jeans and risk being warm, wear shorts and risk being cold? I added a dress to the pile, not knowing when I would wear it but now I know exactly when I’ll use it! Thanks!

11. GingerSnap
    July 8th, 2009 @ 2:04 pm

    I love the concept of your blog. The academic world needs a little dose of fashion!

12. Clare
    July 8th, 2009 @ 2:49 pm

    S, I love your travel outfit! For years I traveled in the most casual ensemble I could find. This usually meant baggy jeans or sweats, sneakers, and some combo of t-shirts and hoodies. It literally wasn’t until maybe 2 years ago that I started to put more thought behind the fashion side of air travel, and lo and behold! I found I was comfier too! I pretty much stick to a strict diet of jersey skirts/dresses, my comfiest leather boots, layered tops and a scarf. Not far off from your outfit!

13. piglet
    July 8th, 2009 @ 3:17 pm

    Oh I agree, a pashmina is a must when flying.

14. penny
    July 9th, 2009 @ 12:04 am

    Heey, I agree with Sal on the leggings and tunic!Girly and practical! But I also always carry a pasmina that so far has served me as a scarf, as a small blanket and once on a ship even as a mattress so as not to sit directly on the floor!!

15. admin
    July 9th, 2009 @ 10:54 am

    Hi everyone! Thanks for such great comments, as always, they are a pleasure to read!

    @D – Have a great trip to the Netherlands, that sounds fantastic! I have yet to leave for my year abroad to Munich, but I did post my packing plan here:
    http://www.academichic.com/2009/05/27/how-to-pack-for-a-research-year-abroad/

    and an annotated version explaining my choices here:
    http://www.academichic.com/2009/05/28/one-year-capsule-wardrobe-annotated-edition/

    I realize that you need far less things and more season specific items, but maybe these posts could serve as a starting point?

    I would suggest pieces that can be layered, mostly solids (because they mix and match so easily) with some patterned accessories or jewelry to diversify each look. And items like a dark pant or skirt that can be made casual for day or polished for a professional look given your shoe and accessories choice. Same with blazers – pack one that fits well and can be a day time jacket with jeans or a suit separate with that dark skirt or pant. Hope these suggestions help!

    Also, if you’re only going to one location (and can unpack at arrival), try the bundle packing method! I’m sold since trying it out for this post:
    http://www.academichic.com/2009/05/30/unpacking-methodologies-rolling-vs-bundle/#more-3987

    I’ve been using it since and swear that it keeps things less wrinkly and takes up less room. Happy travels! S.

16. Audi
    July 9th, 2009 @ 11:38 am

    I never fly anywhere without a good pair of earplugs, since I always seem to be seated in the screaming child section…

17. Amy
    July 9th, 2009 @ 1:18 pm

    Thanks for the tips on flying and looking stylish. I am mighty scared and anxious when I fly and tend to put zero thought into what I’m wearing, which results in jeans/pumas/cardigans. However, as I do more flying, it has struck me that perhaps I should put as much thought into travel attire as I do with the rest of my wardrobe. These thoughts usually occur as some lovely woman disembarks looking stylish and impossibly fresh!

    I agree with Audi on the earplugs – screaming children are never pleasant.

18. 15 July 2009 - Travel Style : academichic
    July 15th, 2009 @ 11:54 am

    [...] from last week, when I wore it for my flight to my parents’ house and from my discussion on travel comfortable clothing. I wore the same jersey dress to fly back in for all the reasons I mentioned then, and once more, [...]

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