Few things stress me out more than figuring out what to wear to the airport.
First world problems, I know.
Listen, I’m certainly not complaining about the traveling we get to do or minimizing any actual, real, valid life problems – I’m merely stating a simple fact. I have serious issues figuring out what to wear to the airport.
I have too much dignity to go anywhere in my pajamas.
Pants dictating the temperate across my rear-end aren’t my jam (hottie).
Leggings make me feel like a mom, so those are out. (Yes, I know. I am a mom. Geez.)
Will I be hot? Will I be cold?
I’d love to wear a dress and keep it simple, but we all know passengers would see more of VS underpants than my actual face if I did that. So – no.
It’s always about comfort, functionality, and style for me. And jeans. Because so far this year I’ve spilled my Starbucks down my leg on two flights and avoided serious burns only because of my jeans. I thank the jean Gods for that one. Anyway; airport style varies, and you should really dress for you. When we fly and the kids aren’t with us, it’s easier for me to dress. When they are with us, I find myself gravitating toward darker colors so they can’t make a (noticeable) mess of me if they spill something.
Says she who spills her coffee every single time.
Not Your Mama’s Jeans
I’m a dark wash girl all the way, and I looooove a good pair of quality jeans. 7 For All Mankind is my favorite, but I do love some Rag & Bone. These are my favorite skinny jeans, but I also like these boyfriend jeans, too. They’re comfortable, they wear well, and they are super flattering on all body types.
Not-So-Basic Tees and A Sweater/Blazer
On top, I like a basic tee. Layers are helpful, so I like to bring either a sweater or blazer with me. Blazers are for the times the kids aren’t with us, and sweaters are for when they are with us. Why? I don’t know, really, but sweaters just say “Good mom” and blazers kind of say “Bad-ass” to me. Since “good mom” and badass kind of go hand-in-hand, the sweater says it all when the kids are in tow.
Try this sweater, this blazer, and this one.
I like my tees longer in the back and tucked in up front. I never wear a belt when I travel, even though I miss the opportunity. I already have too much stuff with me to want to spend additional time disrobing at security, to be honest. Nordstrom always has my favorite basic tees, and I’m linking this one, this one, and this one for you, too. They’re fab. And each one is a little bit more than basic. It’s comfort on a brand-new level.
Shoes For Comfort and Style
Flats, friends. I once navigated the LaGuardia a 5 am in a pair of 4-inch Manolos sicker than you even want to know after having entirely too much wine at the Plaza the night before, and I regretted every moment of that day. Hashtag true story. Hashtag lesson learned.
I’m a big fan of my Reva flats – but now you’ll need to go with the Minnie ballet flat – and my espadrilles. I don’t love sandals or flip-flops in the airport, though. My toes are always cold – and in case you didn’t know, I always spill my coffee. Feet safety first, y’all. But really, choosing the right shoes that are both comfortable and a little unexpected can really make a boring outfit a little more exciting.
PS – My Tory Burch espadrilles (pictured above) are on sale right now for only $79!
Accessories, Accessories, Accessories
Wear the belt, girlfriend – I won’t, but I should. Earrings, hats, great shoes, great sunglasses, great handbags; it’s all you need. When you have the right accessories, you’re going to love how you feel even when you’re in a basic white tee and some skinny jeans. Personally, I think a bigger bag is perfect in the airport for all your little extras, but I’ve seen women in their smallest crossbodies rocking them like it’s their job. It just depends on what you prefer.
So, now you know that I’m all about simplicity and ease when I travel. I need to be comfortable and not worry about how many people might see my lady bits, but I need to feel confident in what I wear, too. It’s helpful when the kids are with me and I need to bend over to pick things up, get 396 things out of the overhead bin, and I spill my coffee all over myself they make a mess and I’m their victim. What’s your favorite go-to travel item?
Tiffany Raiford 