October 11, 2024, 1:45 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
On vacation, we all want to travel, preferably to faraway countries. Sure, we can travel in jogging bottoms and a hoodie, but real fashionistas travel in style. STYLEBOOK asked the experts and compiled the 6 best styling tips for traveling.
The class divide in air travel doesn’t begin on the plane but at the airport. While the rest of us board the plane in baggy jogging bottoms and no make-up, celebrities show up in great outfits. No wonder – because there are numerous paparazzi lurking between check-in and the security gate. “Why don’t people dress nicely when they travel?” asks author and journalist Philipp Tingler in his book Leichter Reisen, in which he also gives tips on the correct travel dress code. In other words, what the celebrities can do, you can do too! However, if you dress up too much at the airport, you will literally look out of touch. Make-up should remain discreet, and clothes should fit comfortably. We reveal which essential items you should choose to travel in style and comfort:
Overview
Layer your clothes stylishly when traveling
Layering, often referred to as the ‘onion look,’ is perfect for the plane. Not only are we sometimes warm and sometimes cold on board – the temperatures at our destination are often different from those on departure. It is advisable to wear a top, a shirt with long sleeves, and a cardigan made of wool or cashmere. This way, you can dress or undress as required.
From the waist down, there’s nothing better than chinos, recommends Philipp Tingler: “They go with everything, they are correct yet casual, and you can even squeeze them into your hand luggage because they are lighter than jeans and don’t crease.” If you still don’t want to do without your beloved jeans, they shouldn’t fit snugly but should have some stretch – for comfort. It’s best to avoid tracksuit bottoms, as they seldom appear stylish when traveling. And dresses or skirts can be worn all day on vacation.
The right material
Look for breathable materials such as cotton or wool. They ensure a good body climate, absorb sweat well, and neutralize body odor to a certain extent. Silk and linen are not recommended when traveling – they are too delicate and crease-prone. Synthetic fibers such as polyester accumulate body heat, make us sweat more quickly, and smell rather strong after a short time. It’s better to spare yourself and your fellow travelers from this discomfort.
The right shoes
It is said that shoes are the calling card of an outfit. And when flying or at the airport, you may also want to stand out. That means yes to comfort, but no to trekking sandals and hiking boots. Loafers or slip-on shoes made of leather are perfect for flying; they are always elegant, and you can slip them on and off quickly. Travel expert Philipp Tingler recommends sneakers for traveling. A sleek, white pair can elevate your travel style to business-class levels.
Classic, muted colors
An airplane is not the setting for carnival festivities. Give your eyes and those of your fellow passengers a rest and opt for classic, muted colors such as blue, grey, black, cream, white, and olive green. Additional advantage: these colors can be perfectly combined with each other.
Keep an SOS change of clothes on hand
No, you don’t have to change your outfit twice during the flight, as told by Vogue boss Anna Wintour. But for longer flights, it is advisable to carry the following emergency kit in your hand luggage: a T-shirt/top, a pair of underpants, a pair of socks, and a change of trousers. Why? After an eight-hour flight, the need for fresh underwear is understandably great. What’s more, it’s probably happened to everyone on a flight that tomato juice or chicken curry ended up on your clothes instead of in your mouth.
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Rely on little helpers
The plane can quickly become as cold as a refrigerator. To avoid freezing or catching a cold, take thick socks and a cozy (cashmere) scarf with you on the plane. The latter can even be used as a pillow. A baseball cap pulled low over your face can provide some privacy and replace your sleeping goggles. A fashionable necklace or a striking bracelet is a great trick to quickly stand out from the crowd. But always remember: accessories like necklaces and rings that require time-consuming removal at security can test the patience of fellow passengers. So less is more. And keep in mind: “Sunglasses should only be worn when it’s sunny,” advises Philipp Tingler. “Whenever you are indoors, do without dark glasses in front of your eyes.”