Cupcakes and Cashmere

Leaving on a Jet Plane

July 17th, 2008

Vacations are always welcomed, but the act of traveling from one place to another is never fun. Though I detest airports, consistently over pack, and think that planes are the equivalent of arctic penitentiaries, I’ve acquired several techniques that make being away from home that much more comfortable.

What not to wear:

Though I realize my aversion to the Juicy Couture tracksuit is relatively extreme [see above for Elmo comparison], there do exist stylish alternatives that are equally as comfortable.
Additionally, convenience should always be top of mind. Since we’re required to now pat around in bare feet while heading through security, socks are a must. Any excess buckles, ties or zippers should also be avoided at all costs.

What to wear:

Since the temperatures in airports and air crafts are never predictable, layering is a must. My go-to outfit when traveling consists of stretchy leggings, a cotton top, a wrap sweater and athletic ballet flats.

DKNY’s Cozy Cardigan speaks for itself. The drapey fabric and asymmetrical hem allow for multiple styling options, including a make-shift (and sanitary) blanket on the plane, all while appearing casual and chic.

After reading in a recent magazine that Vera Wang lives in Danskin’s Supplex Ankle Leggings, I was immediately sold. Made of their Supplex fabric that doesn’t fade or pill, I like how they’re full-length since I think the mid-calf ones are past their prime.

Since running shoes are bulky and a hassle to un-tie, ballet flats are a perfect choice. Stella McCartney’s Thala are ideal for walking long distances and can even be folded up to easily fit into a crowded suitcase.

What are your travel musts?

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  • Vivian

    Thank you, thank you for that!! It’s perfect… exactly what I need! Your tips are so good, I love the airport outfit. And I laughed at the sweatpant combo picture…. I’ve seen to many of these!

  • http://entirelyofficial.typepad.com entirely official

    thank you for trashing the track suit, juicy or otherwise I have not and never will own one

  • http://www.raimenturbane.blogspot.com Raiment Urbane

    I love this post!

  • http://www.diamondcanopywinn.blogspot.com winnie

    I’m off to Hong Kong on Sunday and plan to wear full length leggings with a comfy grey dress over the top and a loose fitting t-shirt underneath. May have to post this look prior to leaving! Great post!

  • http://fashionchalet.blogspot.com fashion chalet

    you’re telling me, the chocolate cones made me make myself one :P luckily we had some chocolate frozen yogurt in the freezer and cones. ;)

    & I love those gladiator boots, even though my Hubby detests them… :/

  • http://seasonal-lust.blogspot.com/ seasonal lust

    I was just looking for a wrapped sweater!! =)

    linked you.

  • http://thewanderingalchemist.blogspot.com/ sam

    great airplane outfit!
    i’m glad you didn’t go with the tracksuit.

  • http://fashionherald.blogspot.com Fashion Herald

    of course, Vera is the original legging girl! thanks, this is awesome, and i love the cozy cardigan.

  • http://www.budgetlexicon.com Budgetlexicon

    I love your comment on the Juicy track suit. When will the soccer moms that hang out at Starbucks learn that a Juicy track suit has never been nor will ever be flattering. I find their track suits so repulsive that I boycott all things Juicy.

  • http://thesweetvictory.blogspot.com Thu

    i so should have thought of wearing flats when i went on a trip in march. i didn’t know they were going to make us take off our shoes. taking off chucks and putting them back on were a hassle!

  • http://secretista.blogspot.com Secretista

    Love your picks! I want that sweater! I’ve been looking for one just like.

  • http://observationmode.blogspot.com/ enc

    That cardigan is brilliant.

  • http://tonialexis.blogspot.com Toni Alexis

    This came right on time for me! Im leaving on a jet plane next week and I have an asos wrap sweater that will be perfect! Flats are a great idea also!

    xoxo

  • http://sharonrosepixie.blogspot.com/ Sharon rose

    Happy travelling and a great post too-this DKNY cardi is so versatile and gorgeous!!

  • http://agirlbrushedred.blogspot.com Farren

    i’m so glad you posted this! haha. =) i’m leaving on a trip next month so i definitely needed a post like this. knowing me i will probably wear the strappiest sandal i own and then get all enfuriated when i have to take off all those straps to go through security!

    i’m with you on the tracksuit! ugh. =/ please just go to fashion heaven already! or fashion hell! hehe.

    and the calf leggings are definitely out. but i’m lucky because i’m short so i can buy calf leggings and they’d be down to my ankles. =) so ankle length leggings would probably swallow my feet! hehe.

  • http://daisychaindreams.blogspot.com Laura

    Ohh do get the OPI polish and make me jealous, or make me go buy it too!
    I’d love to trade links, shall add you now =)

  • http://www.zestyperspective.blogspot.com Jessie Cacciola

    those shoes are pretty darn cute. :)

  • http://www.itslasfactory.blogspot.com Laurel

    Em, I’m glad we share the same hatred for JC sweatsuits. I swear, EVERY SINGLE GIRL in Reno wears those and I get to see at least two a day while en route to class. I really don’t see the appeal…especially while traveling. The DKNY wrap is utterly perfect for flying, I always get chilled and that is probably the best way to go!

    Hey, so I wanted to ask you – from your profile, are you still doing advertising in CA somewhere? I’m just trying to keep my options open for when I graduate.

    Thanks, lovie!

  • http://www.youreverydaystyle.blogspot.com Tina

    I’m glad you made this post – I don’t like it when people wear tracksuits on the plane. Usually, I like to wear a simple tee with a comfortable hoodie, jeans, and flats, or a loose-fitting sweater, jeans, and flats.

  • Samantha

    Oh my goodness
    I finally see someone who absolutely HATES juicy sweats

    I live in Staten Island and its practically a UNIFORM to go outside in juicy sweats.
    My travel necessities include my nice black leggings, a pretty loose fitting AA shirt and a big grandpa cardigan.

  • Vivian

    There are no excuses for a track suit!! Even on my 18-hour flight to Seoul, I wore jeans, a sweater and slip-on boots. It was comfy and cute.

  • http://www.lulu124.blogspot.com LuLu

    wonderful tips!! i always envy those people who are able to change clothes on the plane and look glamorous when walking down the airport, but personally i love to fly so i guess i’ll have to learn how to do that sooner or later xD i would also choose leggings and ballet flats for the same reasons, and layering my tops is where the fashionista’s sense of creativity comes in ;) xoxo, lulu

  • Hayley

    Great travel outfit! I am always cold on airplanes, so this wrap is the perfect alternative to a blanket. And it looks great when you’re ready to get off the plane!

  • http://alwaysinstylenyc.blogspot.com/ Always In Style

    I looooove this look – that DKNY wrap is so chic, I can’t wait for ShopBop to get it back and those ballet flats are fab as well but I’m not sold on those Danskin leggings because I bought a pair and they promptly started coming undone at the seams…not cool for a pair of leggings that cost over $30!

    (and yes, they were in my size, not too tight!)

  • http://persiantea.blogspot.com/ persiantea

    OMG! i love the cozy cardigan! i want it. actually need it!

    good find.

  • http://www.dafashionista.com Diabolina

    Am a wrap sweater addict.

    LOVING your blog!
    D

  • http://www.thebudgetbabe.com Budget Babe

    anyone who sees the brilliance of Vera and her trademark leggings is OK in my book. new to your blog…and loving it! :)

  • http://style-ishwedding.blogspot.com tiffany

    you actually hit my typical travel outfit right on the nail.

    Sometimes I wear a dress with my wrap cardigan and then slip on the leggings later. I usually do start out in heels since I travel business and am usually in the lounge before the flight but the flats come in handy when I get off the plane and head towards the long walk to baggage claim.

    ugh. i am so sick of tracksuits.

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