Seems like there are some classes of criteria for stuff to wear:
Air travel logistics:
Shoes that are easy on/off, and suitable for walking (or running if connecting flight).
No excessive amounts of items that need to be removed at security screening.
Large enough secure enough pockets for passports and other items that need to be carried safety but easily accessible by you.
Consider that you may be sleeping during a long flight.
Climate:
Suitable for climate at origin, in aircraft, and at destination – layerable with items in carryon for different or changing climate.
Not so bulky so that it cannot fit in your baggage if you need to remove layers because it is warmer.
Purpose:
Suitable for wearing at the destination during your trip (particularly on the day of arrival), so as not to have it be extra items beyond what you need to bring.
I love these comfy pants from Lands End. Can be dressed up or down. They fit slim, but not as clingy as leggings. They go on sale for 40% off fairly often.
Maybe I should say I wear form fitting pants that are very soft and stretchy. Because they are form fitting, I usually wear a long but nice shirt or blazer over them as I don’t like to have my body that “revealed” when wearing form fitting attire, and I’m not obese or anything.
The point for me is that they are soft, stretchy, something I could curl up in and sleep in and yet also be suitable for walking around in public. Very important.
Will also add that I always fly business or first on really long flights, so I am able to quasi lay down and at least try to sleep on a long flight. Thus the love for pajama type feel in traveling clothing.
I particularly like that they have some animal print items in that fabrication this season.
TravelSmith is another online retailer that is (obviously) geared to travel attire and accessories. I find their styles to be a bit boring, however. And, I don’t think you are a boring dresser @conmama
Lastly, Boston Proper has some clothing designed for traveling as well.
I do think shoes are absolutely the most difficult part! I like cute shoes and that concept is often incongruent with comfort and the among of walking one does while traveling. If you have sandals that are good for walking and are comfortable, I think those would look fine with a slim-legged pant or maxi dress. I have had swelling occur on long flights as others have mentioned, so sandals that have adjustable straps (if you take them off and put on socks) would be important to me.
You’ve gotten good advice. I hope you find a new uniform you like!
Even the new “reformulated” version is very good. It is warm and packs small. And it can be handwashed! I have spilled red wine on my light blue scarf and was able to wash the stain out in the plane lavatory.
@maya54, I love those sneakers! I might have to order those but OluKai runs a little wide for me. I usually have trouble with slip on sneakers but those are tempting
I’m with you, I like to wear closed toe shoes on the plane also, one reason being that unless I have boots, they are by far my heaviest shoes. And socks, not just for the plane ride but for going through the airport.
I have precheck but the last time I flew, my number didn’t get on my ticket and I had to take off my shoes. Of course that was the one time I had sandals on! Ugh!
to the people who say Athleta or lululemon. I would probably go for Athleta just because they make petite sizes and they fit better.
Yes to closed toed shoes. I always carry socks with me when I travel and put them on just prior to going though security. Then I put the socks away and wash them.
I own about 10 pairs Toms. I think they are great travel shoes. I even have fleece lined ones for winter. Easy on…easy off, and I find them comfortable. I’m particularly partial to the cute polka dot ones I have.
I pretty much always fly in the same thing-jeans with some stretch, a breton striped top, and a v-neck sweater. Long red pashmina style scarf to bundle up in when the airplane gets cold. If I’m flying in the winter I just wear boots and socks - I have a navy blue quilted jacket that is my staple 3/4 of the year, and most of my travel wardrobe revolves around what looks good with that jacket! If I were headed somewhere really hot, I would wear khakis with some stretch, a short sleeve breton stripe, my cute pink flats, and probably pack a navy cotton cardigan. My khakis are ankle length, fitted and would be fine with sandals, but it’s never occurred to me to wear sandals on a plane? I’m generally kind of grossed out by peoples feet, including my own. (Even with a pedi-I just…don’t like looking at toes up close.) I’m sure your toes are perfectly presentatable though! I also don’t take my shoes off on the plane, even when I fly to Europe. I think my longest flight has been 8 hours and I haven’t found it necessary.
Stretchy jeans and layers on top. I wear my bulkiest shoes or boots so I don’t have to pack them, my most comfortable bra (!), and always have a wrap. It can double as a pillow of sorts.
This prolly doesn’t pertain to international travel, but my new thing is starting to pack for short trips in a backpack so I’m hands free in the airport! I’ve been borrowing my kid’s Herchel but I’m now on the hunt for a chic black backpack for one or two night trips.
Count me as another who likes wearing stretchy slacks of some sort on the plane as well as layers—tank, covered by long-sleeved top topped by button down long sleeved top and then a vest or long sleeved jacket on top of that, depending on my mood. I always have zippered pockets for top layer do I can zip in items for safekeeping (like earphones, boarding pass, etc). My footwear are always socks and walking shoes. I wear the same general outfit, no matter where my destination.
Flights generally range 5-12 hours, so I want to be comfortable. I generally leave my shoes on but may loosen the laces. I am Global Entry, so rarely have to remove shoes for TSA.
I usually wear black leggings under a dress or tunic. White t shirt or tank under the dress or tunic. Long cardigan as the next layer. If I’m traveling to a warm location I can pull the leggings off when I land. I always bring a pashmina to use as a blanket or to have around my face when I sleep. I also like to have a vest or lightweight down jacket in my carry on. I tend to get cold on planes.The last five years I’ve brought along compression socks. I put them on right before boarding if I’m in economy. Right before take off if I’m in business. My feet swell when I travel and I find compression helps a lot. I used to wear Toms on the plane but I now sometimes wear a knit sneaker. I think my next travels will be in a tree runner sneaker from Allbirds.
I am also rethinking my bottom layer as last year I bought a pair of lightweight pants from Gap that I wore a to. Last year on my Washington state trip. They wouldn’t work for a cold weather trip and I’m not sure if they would be warm enough for a long plane trip. I’m also interested in looking at some of the jogger styles from Athleta. I have two longer flights coming up later this year so I’m open for change.
@conmama, I just found these, but I haven’t ordered them yet because I’m waiting for their 20% off coupon to come through my email. They are a hybrid of leggings and a skirt.
I also layer my clothes and use the really good silky camisoles by Van Heusen. They are sooo soft! Their outlet mall usually has them on sale for less than $10. https://vanheusen.partnerbrands.com/en/stretch-tank-top-1950-002
I wear invisasox with my huarache sandals, (with the right colors, you can’t tell you have them on), but I bring bulky socks in my carry-ons, and put them on, over the invisasox. When we land, I take off the bulky socks.
I often wear sandals for airplane travel (then switch to socks if I want to nap or get cold feet). I’ve never had issues with the on wet bathroom floors - that may be because they have rather chunky soles. What would concern me is overly long pants that might drag on bathroom floors - I avoid those.
My MIL always preferred skirts - thought airport bathrooms were easier that way.
I usually wear 7/8 Athleta leggings, same as @basket. I pair with a long fitted tank under an off the shoulder slouchy sweater. When I get to where I’m going, if it’s hot I pull of the sweater and tie it around my waist. I wear no show socks and my Coach Felix sneakers. I am so bummed they don’t make them anymore.
They are slip ons ( no laces but elastic around the tongue). I have them in brown and black and they are great for going through security and honestly some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned!
If there’s an issue with weight of the carryon it’s easy to stuff this vest to the max. It lends warmth and looks pretty darn good (well, unless you’ve stuffed half your carry-on into the pockets). I’ve also been wearing it at my destination instead of carrying a purse.
I bring what I’ve affectionately named my ‘colonoscopy socks’. Those things they give you when you go in for a procedure - nubby anti slip knobs on the bottoms. I pull these over the compression socks once on the airplane.
As for shoes - it depends on the destination. Boots if appropriate and sneakers otherwise. The sneakers might not be - in the words of Heide Klum ’ fashion forward’ - but since I workout everyplace we go, they serve a purpose.
You could absolutely wear jeans with your sandals if you cuffed the jeans to show your ankle bone. But I have a hard time with jeans on flights. I get sweaty or uncomfortable. I need true pajama level leggings.
