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Sometimes I have this fantasy that I’m a fashionable jet setter.
Flying from one fabulous city to another, in a pair of stilettos and a chic leather bag on my arm. Daintily crossing my legs while sipping Perrier water on the plane. Of course, my hair would also stay perfectly curled the entire time.
Real life: My hair is in a messy bun (not one of the cute ones). My makeup is nonexistent or smeared. I have a mystery stain on one shoulder of my wrinkled shirt and baby drool on the other.
That is just the reality of long-haul flights.
Even if you are flying first class, being stuck on in one little spot for 6+ hours makes you feel wrung out. Especially if you’re flying with a baby (read more about how to do that!).
“But really…”, you ask me, “Doesn’t really matter what I wear?”. Yes, it does!
The outfit that you choose to wear on the plane is so important to both how comfortable you will be on the plane and how you feel as a human afterwards (but really…).
Deliberately dressing is actually an important part of planning a long-haul flight because it makes the whole flight go smoother. The more comfortable your outfit, the better you will sleep and be able to stay in your seat on the plane.
If you follow these 5 rules, you will be able to put together an outfit that will make your long-haul flight much more enjoyable.
1. Know yourself
Are you the kind of person that comfort is their #1 priority when it comes to getting dressed? Yes, I’m talking to you person that wears leggings every day. (No shame in that, I’ve been there! Just don’t be the person who wears obvious pj’s to grocery shop.)
Are you the person that feels underdressed leaving your house without hair and makeup done?
Choosing your outfit for a long-haul flight, you might find that your comfiest outfit is a pair of well worn-in jeans and a pullover. Maybe it’s a soft and stretchy dress. Or maybe it is those dependable leggings and long t-shirt.
My point is you shouldn’t “dress up” or “dress down” just because you’re traveling if you’re going to be adjusting and uncomfortable the whole time! While I may love my soft leggings, my best friend would feel awkward being dressed so casually in public.
This is a great “dressed up” long haul flight outfit. The dress is super comfy (similar one here with pockets on Amazon) and the cardigan (similar here) helps keep me warm on cold planes. I am wearing ankle boots (here on Amazon) that are easy to take on and off and I can walk miles in them!
2. Comfy clothes = comfy long-haul flight
Even if you are a gal that dresses up most days, you will never be grateful you wore a sequined top and heels that slightly pinch on an eight-hour flight. Find clothes that are comfy within your style.
When planning an outfit for a long-haul flight, look for materials in your closet or while shopping that are soft and cozy. For example, don’t bring the shirt that itches “just a little” because it will drive you crazy before you land.
Think about going through security when dressing for travel. Ditch the belt and shoes that are a pain to take on and off. Opt for comfy and easy to take off jackets and shoes for screening.
Avoid anything that digs into your skin, like tight elastic bands.
Likewise, you don’t want to have to be adjusting your clothes continuously the entire time. Don’t wear the skirt that’s a little too short or the shirt that rides up as you sit for too long.
If you are normally a contacts person, consider glasses instead for the flight. Then you won’t have to choose between your eyes burning like the Sahara or being blind.
Give the outfit a trial run before the flight. Make sure to wear it for a whole day so you will know how it holds up over time and if you are still comfortable.
This long haul flight outfit is a go-to for so many people because it’s so warm and comfy!! Notice how the sweater (similar here on Amazon) and boots (here’s my exact pair, they will last you forever if you take care of them) are a little nicer so you don’t feel like your in pj’s.
3. Layer, layer, layer!
Airplanes are notoriously cold. My friend that was a flight attendant told me that it is done on purpose because people tend to get motion sickness more often on warm planes.
Some airlines do pass out blankets, but they are usually thin and unhelpful. When planning your outfit for a long-haul flight, bring layers to wear.
Again, you will want each of these layers to be comfortable themselves so you don’t have to choose between cold or itchy on the plane.
When packing layers, keep your destination in mind. You won’t want to have three coats to tote around Hawaii for a week.
A light jacket works really well for most people (like a hoodie, pullover, sweater, fleece, etc.). I also like to keep my legs and feet covered with longer pants or a skirt and closed toed shoes.
Blanket scarves are fantastic multi-taskers as they can make great blankets to wrap yourself in.
4. Choose clothes that will wear well
By the time you get to the airport three hours early for an international flight, fly for eight+ hours, layover, fly some more, get to your hotel and check in, it’s been a long time. Sometimes more than 24 hours.
Unless you are a Victoria’s Secret model, you are not going to look your best. Choose clothes that make this as little obvious as possible.
Choose dark colors that will hide stains and fabrics that don’t wrinkle.
Sometimes your clothes are going to get sweaty and smelly too. It’s going to happen and it’s miserable for you (and you pray the people around you don’t notice) but you can help lessen it a bit. Choose clothes that are freshly laundered and stink resistant materials.
Wool and certain athletic materials are very good at odor eliminating, whereas cotton seems to be the very worst and hanging onto stink!
This long haul flight outfit is great because it feels like normal clothes!! The pullover is actually a workout top that is cute (a cheap similar one here on Amazon) and the jeans are Hudson brand which are the most comfortable and flattering jeans I’ve ever owned (get a pair on Amazon)! Flats instead of these adorable Rifle Paper Co Keds (similar here on Amazon) would also be great.
5. Look good and feel good
I’m a believer that sometimes you gotta just fake it till ya make it!
When you put forth a little effort into adding a little sophistication, it will go a long way into making you feel put together when you land.
Unlike my international cosmopolitan day dream, I don’t think it’s ever possible to not feel at least a little crappy at the end of a long-haul flight. (If you’re a parent it’s pretty much guaranteed.)
But try to do something to dress up just a little.
Wear a nice necklace or scarf that says “No these leggings are not my pajamas! I’m fashionably laid back.”. Bring a leather jacket instead of a hoodie (you’ll fit in better in Europe anyways). Put a little makeup on or have your hair done.
Yes, your face and hair will get messed and shirt will get wrinkled, but you know that you put an effort into. And you will feel better about yourself for it. Even when you are dead tired.
Love it? Save it for later on Pinterest!
I hope you feel a little more confident about how to dress for a long-haul flight.
The more you practice your outfit the better you will feel. Yep. I just said to practice your outfit.
Give it trial runs and edit. Wear it on a flight and edit. Learn what works and what doesn’t and edit.
Your long-haul flight outfit does matter in how comfortable your flight is, how well you sleep and how you feel when you land.
What do you wear when dressing for a long haul flight?
