I don't know about you but those shorts just screaaaaam comfort.
When the fashion mags do their occasional and sometimes odd "airport style" roundups, we usually end up with towering heels, knee-high boots, way up-there shorts and for some off reason, big hats. Interestingly enough, Elle's celebrity slideshow of A-list aviators show a surprising amount of sweatpants, sweatshirts, and sneakers. It seems these ladies are leaving their toe-pinching shoes and derriere-extraordinaire togs for the red carpet or strolling around town.
If you look around in the airport, you will spot some maybe-crazy ladies dressed to kill, mincing along in their stilettos and skin-tight pencil skirts and think, damn. I should have tried a little harder.
But imagine being them on the actual plane—when you're stuck in a tiny claustrophobic space, a crying baby to your right and a huge hairy man on your left. How about those heels and come-hither skirt now, huh? It's just not practical. Or comfortable. Or sane.
So unless you're a glutton for punishment—hey, we've all got our things—do yourself a favor and strike a balance. You don't have a wear a sweatsuit onesie a la Rihanna (even she looks like hell) and you don't have to wince your way across the globe either.
Here's a real guide of flight endurance—jokes aside and polished practicality abound:
First of all: No mascara!
Airports inevitably bring out the vanity in us—we're jet-setting, hence, we want to look fabulous with our fellow globe-trotters.
It's an understandable desire, but whatever you do—spare yourself the horror of itchy, blood-shot eyes surrounded by mascara crumbles.
Fly mascara-free and you can rub your eyes and splash yourself with water anytime you like.
Happiness sans humiliation guaranteed.
Second: Set your feet free!
Pack your more scintillating—and decidedly sexy—shoes in a carry-on so you can greet your destination in proper style, but avoid donning them during the flight.
You'll be itching to take them off and if you're barefoot sans shoes that's simply a no-go.
Wearing some sassy high-tops, loafers, TOMS, sandals, or even flip flops to give your feet a break.
30,000 feet can wreak havoc on your tootsies
Third: No belly pressure
This might sound obvious, but airplanes demand a lot of sitting down—there's only so many times you can traverse the aisle and slide by the stewardess to the bathroom. Or for water. Or, "just to stretch."
Sitting down doesn't work with tight jeans, skirts or, God forbid, jump-suits. They'll ride up, bunch up and just plain irritate.
Elegant active wear—which I know sounds like an oxymoron—such as soft pants, a cool t-shirt and a cardigan (or, say, a denim shirt) is your best option for winter time.
Heading someplace balmier for the holidays? Opt for long, loose dresses or roomy short ones. As fabrics and cuts should be very simple, compensate with bold, fun prints.
Fourth: Always carry a scarf!
After Douglas Adams utterly sage advice in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's, which urges it's readers to always have a towel, the scarf is the second most useful item on earth.
It will keep you warm, serve as a a pillow when you're tired, a back pillow when the tiny seat becomes unbearable, a face-mask when the Caribbean sun is beaming through the windows . . . and it will accessorize your outfit and show the citizens of the world you care about your appearance.
But not too much.
Five: Get the right bag
One thing you surely can't go without is an easy-to-manage—and good looking as hell—carry-on. Why not make a humble item into your focal fashion statement?
Use those gift cards from your eccentric aunts this season to treat yourself to a colorful, gorgeous suitcase set and just bring it when it comes to the bag. Whether it's rainbow-ed plastic, leather, sequins, nylon, alligator skin or faux fur . . . just make sure it has wheels.
As cute as that messenger bag-looks in the store—empty—you're going to instantly regret that decision when you realize Gate 65 is half a mile away from check-in . . . And you packed 6 hardcover books. And your rain-boots. (And apparently some bricks because this thing weighs a ton!)
(Images: Facebook unless otherwise noted.)