I can’t think of anything worse than spending hours inside an airplane wearing an uncomfortable outfit. You have to dress up sensibly, or you’ll have to suffer through the consequences once you are up in the air.
But we aren’t suggesting you go straight to the airport in your sweatpants. We suggest following these tips and tricks below to create a comfortable look that won’t compromise your style (you’ll never know who you’ll bump into in the plane!). Clue: You’ll need a good pair of pants.
1. Oversized button-down shirt with slim-fit pants
Be inspired by Liv Tyler’s low-key outfit. An oversized button-down shirt hides a belly pouch, so you won’t have to be self-conscious about it when you are in the plane, getting comfortable in your seat. It’s also quite a versatile option. You can either let it hang loose or keep it tucked in if you want a more polished look.
Liv Tyler spotted arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles on January 4, 2014
Just like the actress, have an oversized coat handy so you can fend off the cold. Punctuate the look with a pair of sneakers.
Get the look: DSQUARED2 Skinny Jeans, $319.64 / Alberto Biano Double-Breasted Coat, $582.46 / Current/Elliott The Perfect Shirt, $198 / Lanvin Sporting Low Sneakers, $545.22
2. Tartan print is not only for Christmas
There’s something about tartan print that gives an outfit a much-needed style boost. A tartan shirt, for instance, can instantly amp up a basic jeans look. Take a cue from Carey Mulligan, who wore her tartan shirt with a leather jacket. Finish off the look with a pair of sunglasses and a pair of flat leather shoes.
Carey Mulligan arriving at LAX in Los Angeles on December 6, 2013
Get the look: Valentino Skinny-Fit Jeans, $479.41 / Free People Little Bit of Sugar Top, $89.60 / Fendi Color-Blocked Lambskin Jacket, $2,959.63 / Jimmy Choo Studded Monk Shoes, $411.39
3. Knitted sweaters always work
If you have no idea what to wear for your long flight, try a sweater. It’s comfortable and such a versatile piece. You can copy Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s outfit. She wore a chunky knitted sweater with a pair of black pants. To keep her style in check, she draped a collarless jacket over her shoulders and capped off the look with a pair of ankle boots.
You can also wear a collared shirt under your sweater. If it’s cold where you are going, it will give you extra warmth. If it’s not, you can simply shed off the sweater to reveal your collared shirt underneath.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley arriving at LAX in Los Angeles on December 4, 2013
Get the look: Proenza Schouler Skinny Jeans, $278.21 / 3.1 Phillip Lim Cropped Sweater, $295 / Giambattista Valli Printed Cropped Jacket, $1,432.36 / Isabel Marant Scarlet Boots, $1,053.63
4. Opt for slouchy pants
Comfort should be at the top of your priority when traveling, so make sure that what you wear won’t cut off circulation. That said, slouchy pants are your best friend. Follow the footsteps of actress Sharon Stone. Her printed pants are chic, but they look comfortable as well. She even made things more interesting by wearing a statement metallic jacket.
‘Basic Instinct’ actress Sharon Stone departing from LAX with a friend, wearing a copper-colored jacket, printed trousers, and white shoes in Los Angeles on November 12, 2013
Get the look: Stella McCartney Heart-Print Trousers, $549.54 / Daftbird Button-Down, $74.20 / Unconditional Metallic Blazer, $1,510 / Repetto Lace-Up Shoes, $228.68
5. Wear shorts with tights
If you are quite the accomplished jet-setter and you are getting bored of wearing pants for travel, try Miranda Kerr’s stylish garb. She wore a pair of denim cutoffs with black tights. The outfit screams chic, especially with that coat draped around her shoulders.
Miranda Kerr arriving at Narita International Airport in Japan on November 12, 2013
Get the look: IRO Modena Denim Shorts, $157.17 / Cedric Charlier Paneled Sweater, $397.50 / Saint Laurent Classic Long Overcoat, $3,066.18 / Chloe Susanna Ankle Boots, $1,124.66 / Sofie D’Hoore Fever Pantyhose, $70
6. Loose printed shirt with a button-down top
Master the techniques of layering, and you won’t have a problem coming up with different travel outfits. Take Kate Bosworth’s outfit as an example. She wore her striped shirt with an open button-down shirt. Keep it casual with a pair of faded or bleached denim pants.
Kate Bosworth at LAX on November 5, 2013
Get the look: Proenza Schouler Skinny Jeans, $278.21 / Bella Dahl Button-Down Shirt, $128 / Proenza Schouler Striped T-Shirt, $280 / Saint Laurent Johdpur 40 Boots, $941.16
7. Moto jacket over a printed shirt
Young actress Chloë Moretz took the ribbed pants to another level of style by wearing them with a leather moto jacket and a floral-printed shirt. Want to inject more toughness into your outfit? Go for leather boots.
Chloë Moretz arriving at LAX in Los Angeles on October 18, 2013
Get the look: Saint Laurent Skinny Jeans, $426.19 / Pencey Karolina Floral Wedge Blouse, $71.50 / Kenzo Leather Biker Jacket, $2,340 / Kenzo Easy Rider Boots, $412.83
A 10-hour flight doesn’t sound so daunting anymore when you are all dressed up for it, don’t you agree?
Credit: WENN