Style - plane and simple

Jet Set Barbie from the Fashion Fever Barbie Flickr site

Sorry for the hiatus - I've been quite busy this last few weeks with work and travel for purposes thereof...hence the subject of this post - the style of air travel, or lack thereof.

Okay, most of you have flown before. Don't worry, I'm not about to dictate that you have to get dressed up a la America's Next Top Model in seven inch heels, fishnets, forties-style frocks and cute little hats to board your next flight to Tacoma. As much as we'd all like to look like part of the jet set when we step on and off the plane, I have little doubt that sitting in those seats for five hours in a get-up like that would be the aerial equivalent of Chinese water torture.

BUT - I think there is a way to find a happy middle ground (or cruising altitude, in this case) between comfort and style. I've seen both ends of this continuum on the many flights I've taken lately. The first are those who take their comfort a little too seriously - ie. the level of sartorial comfort people really shouldn't even step out of the house with to take out the garbage. You know what I'm talking about - ripped sweats, scuffed crocs, hair a bird's nest hastily assembled on top of the head. Yes, there are even those folks who refuse to let the red-eye get the better of them, showing up for their flights in their full pj regalia.

Alternately, there are the would-be jet-setters. Tottering down the ramp in skinny snakeskin heels, painted-on jeans, and tight leather jackets - they exude confidence - just as they'll excuse discomfort an hour into their overseas flight.

SO - what's the happy medium? Here are a few tips for staying relatively fresh and fabulous 35 000 feet in the air (and beyond).

Style and comfort aren't mutually exclusive.

Whether you're heading to a business meeting or a tropical holiday, there are options that will keep you looking stylish and feeling fine. Choose dark, tailored jeans with some stretch to them; or slacks that fit you well but don't hug your curves too closely. This is a personal thing - but I also tend to go for darker colours when I fly, because you never know when you're going to end up in an unfortunate situation like a flight attendant chucking a glass of juice on you during bad turbulence (it's happened to me!), and changing clothes in the airplane bathroom isn't always possible or desirable. If you're heading to a business engagement, I suggest a pant suit over a skirt - skirts tend to ride up during extended sitting sessions, and planes can get quite chilly. If you're insistent about wearing something more lady-like, try a tailored yet flowy dress in a solid colour and a comfy fabric like jersey or cotton.

Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics when at all possible - your linen suit may look crisp as you pass through the gate, but by the time you come out on the other end, you'll look like a sharpei dog.

Don't wear anything too constricting, flesh-baring, or complicated. Try to avoid tops that tie in the back, because the last thing you'll want on a five-hour flight is something pressing into your back.

Dress in layers - maybe a simple fitted tee and a sleek hooded jacket - in fabrics that move and breathe. Though planes tend to get chilly in the air, it's always good to have a contingency plan if it happens to get uncharacteristically warm - I've spent some uncomfortable hours sweating in heavy sweater and boots - on overheated planes delayed on the tarmac due to the raging snowstorm outside. Not fun.

In terms of shoes - I generally go for comfort with sleek sneaks or flats. As for other accessories, I haul a big leather tote on board as my carry-on, full of travel necessities like lipgloss, brush, compact, deoderant and any other little things you can use to freshen up as you come in for a landing, especially after a loooong flight.

So, just a few tips to help you be both style and travel savvy. I'm flying again tomorrow, so hopefully I'll practice what I preach and have a comfy yet classy flight!