Dressing Smart, Not Sharp for the Airport

Why do people no longer dress nicely when traveling in an airport? Because ain't nobody got time for that! Traveling by air used to be a novelty, and an expensive one, so people felt the occasion required a bit of dressing up. And by dressing up I mean dressing to the nines.

Now that traveling by plane has become so accessible, and dressing up has become so redundant, travel attire has become more lax. But it's not just about being comfortable, it's about being smart!

As someone who spent a lot of time in and out of airports, I am a self-proclaimed travel expert. I know where the best terminals are, I know how to finesse better seats and I know how to dress efficiently for the airport. Weird flex I know, but dressing smart can mean a world of difference if you're running late, the plane is a little extra cold that day, or you're stranded at an airport. Fasten your seatbelts cause today we're talking about dressing for the airport, and that definitely won't be my only airplane joke.

TIP # 1: Shoes matter!

Not to be dramatic, but shoe choice is crucial. Have you ever been stuck in the security line behind someone who decided to wear boots? By the time they are done untying them you've missed your connecting flight. Don't wear shoes that take a lot of effort to get on and off. It will make security less painful and the people in line behind won't hate you.

I know most of you are thinking "sandals would be perfect" but they're not for one very specific reason: no one should EVER be barefoot in the airport. It's a garuntee that you'll have to take them off going through security, and before you even realize what has happened you're barefoot in public. My go to footwear for travel is always a pair of tennis shoes or slides (worn with socks!!). They are super easy to put on and take off and you'll have your socks to protect your feet.

TIP # 2: Hot & Cold

Every time I travel by plane I always run into the problem of how cold or how warm to dress. Am I leaving somewhere that's sunny and 75 for an ice tundra? Will I be sweating after security and then freezing on the plane? If I wear shorts and a t-shirt I am too cold, but throw on some jeans and now I am too hot.

This is when you layer on the layers! My go-to is to layer a t-shirt with a sweater over it. It's casual and comfy, without being a bum, and it allows you to adjust to whatever temperature the current situation might be. If I get over-heated running around looking for my gate I can take off my sweater real quick and through it in my carry on. Then if I get cold on the plane, it's right there if I need it!

TIP # 3: Emergency Outfit

For someone who has gotten stuck in an airport overnight, this one hits close to home.

Not only are you not where you need to be, but you've been in the same clothes all day and any change of clothes you have are in your checked luggage. Cue emergency outfit! I always pack and extra pair of clothes in my carry on just incase. It doesn't have to be elaborate, just

a pair of leggings and a t-shirt will do just fine. It won't take up a ton of room in your bag, but it'll be worth it when Delta tells you you'll be spending the night in the Austin airport!

Short, simple and sweet but these airport tips could be the difference between a great trip or a crash landing!

xoxo,

Alex