Dressing up to travel: yea or nay? Also, how do you entertain yourself?

missdelilah

This article popped up on my FB feed: http://www.slate.com/articles/life/a_fine_whine/2014/09/dressing_up_for_air_travel_in_defense_of_looking_nice_on_a_flight_or_train.html

It got me to wondering, seeing as so many of us have travel coming up, how you ladies see the whole experience.  I think it's an absolute no to wear your sweats or pjs to the airport, but I'm changing as soon as that seatbelt sign first turns off.  If the travel is less than four hours, I don't bother packing the sweats in the carry on.  And yes, I will wear them again at my destination, but remember that most of my travel involves going to visit friends and family in places I've previously lived.  I spend a certain amount of time hanging around the house, enjoying not going out.  

Oh, and why is old, comfortable clothing some sort of sensory assault?  My clothing is always clean when I get on the plane.  That should be enough.  What I wear isn't the business of the person sitting next to me.  And, as someone who flies often, I can honestly say that dressing well won't get you an instant upgrade, like this article suggests.

What do you guys think?  Go classy, or comfy, when it comes to travel?  Not saying that you can't do both simultaneously, but this writer is talking about doesn't sound comfortable for travel longer than about two hours.  

Also, what do you ladies do to entertain yourselves while you're traveling?  If I'm flying, I'll write letters, or sometimes do a bit of needlework if I can get the equipment past security.  Otherwise I always have a book or e-reader on me.  I can't write on the bus or train, but reading and needlework always occupy me (although embroidery/needlepoint goes in tandem with an audio book on long trips).  I'm so curious as to what everyone else does.

lovesclimbing

I dress nicely, but not fancy. Jeans, a nice top, but not fancy (what I'd wear on a normal day or to work, but my work is pretty casual).

I would never wear sweats or pajama pants or anything like that, but that's because I would never dream of wearing those in public ever.

And I may get flamed, but I personally feel that sweats and/or pajama pants should never be worn in public. (Except for sweats maybe worn after working out on the way home.)

afox007

Whatever shoes will take up the most space in my luggage, usually knee high boots or wedges, plan my outfit for me. So as a result I always look nice, obviously boots and pjs would make me look insane not sloppy!

As far as entertainment, if I know its a long flight I deliberately stay up all night before I leave so I sleep the whole way. Otherwise a few books and some over priced booze keep me occupied.

larrygaga

I am a fan of jeggings, a cozy sweater, hiking boots and maybe a scarf.

I dress comfortable, but appropriate. I will not be carrying clothes to change in unless I would want to change immediatly when I get there.

This video has lots of swearing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzcBDXyJO_w

doeydo

I would just wear whatever I am already wearing (probably snowboots, jeans, and a sweater or sandals, shorts, and a t-shirt) if it was a shorter flight or I would wear some more comfortable clothing if it was a longer flight.  Why the heck would I dress up to sit there and probably sleep in?  Who the heck am I trying to impress?  

Also, like JennaMarbles, I kind of have 3 looks.  Mine doesn't include the athletic look though, just jeans and a normal looking shirt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5Th-egJp1Y

RebeccaFlower

lovesclimbing said:

I dress nicely, but not fancy. Jeans, a nice top, but not fancy (what I'd wear on a normal day or to work, but my work is pretty casual). I would never wear sweats or pajama pants or anything like that, but that's because I would never dream of wearing those in public ever. And I may get flamed, but I personally feel that sweats and/or pajama pants should never be worn in public. (Except for sweats maybe worn after working out on the way home.)

I agree with everything, especially the bolded. I saw a guy in the grocery store who took a double take at me and after I rolled my eyes, I kept thinking that I could never take him seriously because he's wear ratty sweats in public haha

There's also a woman down my block who walks her dog in PJs all all hours of the day.... 8am, 2pm, 7pm...always in PJs. I judge that. 

doeydo

RebeccaFlower said:

lovesclimbing said:

I dress nicely, but not fancy. Jeans, a nice top, but not fancy (what I'd wear on a normal day or to work, but my work is pretty casual). I would never wear sweats or pajama pants or anything like that, but that's because I would never dream of wearing those in public ever. And I may get flamed, but I personally feel that sweats and/or pajama pants should never be worn in public. (Except for sweats maybe worn after working out on the way home.)

I agree with everything, especially the bolded. I saw a guy in the grocery store who took a double take at me and after I rolled my eyes, I kept thinking that I could never take him seriously because he's wear ratty sweats in public haha

There's also a woman down my block who walks her dog in PJs all all hours of the day.... 8am, 2pm, 7pm...always in PJs. I judge that. 

When I lived at home and we had a lab, I would take him  out in the morning in my pajamas and sometimes later at night in my pjs, too.  I am not going to take the time to pick out an outfit and change in to it, walk the dog, then come back home and change back just so people driving by will think I look cuter.  That said, people who always wear pajamas or think they can pass as regular clothes need a makeover, and there are so many in my town.  

RebeccaFlower

doeydo said:

RebeccaFlower said:

lovesclimbing said:

I dress nicely, but not fancy. Jeans, a nice top, but not fancy (what I'd wear on a normal day or to work, but my work is pretty casual). I would never wear sweats or pajama pants or anything like that, but that's because I would never dream of wearing those in public ever. And I may get flamed, but I personally feel that sweats and/or pajama pants should never be worn in public. (Except for sweats maybe worn after working out on the way home.)

I agree with everything, especially the bolded. I saw a guy in the grocery store who took a double take at me and after I rolled my eyes, I kept thinking that I could never take him seriously because he's wear ratty sweats in public haha

There's also a woman down my block who walks her dog in PJs all all hours of the day.... 8am, 2pm, 7pm...always in PJs. I judge that. 

When I lived at home and we had a lab, I would take him  out in the morning in my pajamas and sometimes later at night in my pjs, too.  I am not going to take the time to pick out an outfit and change in to it, walk the dog, then come back home and change back just so people driving by will think I look cuter.  That said, people who always wear pajamas or think they can pass as regular clothes need a makeover, and there are so many in my town.  

I should have clarified, this is absolutely every day. I've lived here a year and never seen the woman in real clothing. I would start to feel really crappy. Like when I'm sick for multiple days, I have to at least put leggings and a cardigan and it makes me feel better, but maybe that's just me.

climbingsingle

I'd never fly in sweats or pajamas pants. I never leave the house like that either. 

When I fly, I dress causal, but I also make it a point to look put together. Nice jeans, flats, a cute top, and some nice jewelry. If it's a very long flight, I'll pack something a little more comfy in my carry on (a sweater, socks). 

I read when I fly. I'll upload a ton of books onto my tablet. I rarely ever watch TV or a movie on a flight. 

lyndausvi

I've worn sweats on a plane before.  All those flights were 8+hour long, some as long as 18 hours.  A lot were red-eyes.  I do not give a flying fuck what others think.  I want to be comfortable.  If you judge and will not take me seriously, that is your problem.

For my standard around the country flights I'm wearing jeans or pants with a nice top and cute cardigan.  Shoes vary depending on location and time of year.  Most times it's the bulkiest pair so I don't take up too much room in my bag.

Standard entertainment includes a book, trashy magazines (only time I read People, US, etc) and a big Suduko book.    I only watch in-fight movies on long flights (5+ hour).

wandajune6

International flights get yoga pants or something similar. Shorter flights get comfy jeans or a maxi skirt.

But most of my travel is same-day travel so I end up flying in suits and heels. Which I hate.

Inkdancer

I definitely believe in the combination of cute and comfy. If I am traveling, I am either wearing a maxi dress with a shrug and a scarf, or leggings with a tunic and a sweater. I entertain myself with a fluffy book and my iPod, although I do tend to get motion sick so I often sleep.

theartistformerlyknownas

I'm also in the "no pajama pants in public" group. I try to dress in whatever will make security the easiest plus be comfortable while still being real clothes. For Sunday's flight to Spain that'll be a cotton maxi dress and flip flops. In the winter, sweater dress, leggings and slip-on boots. No buttons or belts or shoes that are hard to get on and off cuz ain't nobody got time for that.

My in-flight entertainment (for international flights) is a glass of red wine, an Advil PM, and hoping not to drool.

ShellD13

RebeccaFlower said:

lovesclimbing said:

I dress nicely, but not fancy. Jeans, a nice top, but not fancy (what I'd wear on a normal day or to work, but my work is pretty casual). I would never wear sweats or pajama pants or anything like that, but that's because I would never dream of wearing those in public ever. And I may get flamed, but I personally feel that sweats and/or pajama pants should never be worn in public. (Except for sweats maybe worn after working out on the way home.)

I agree with everything, especially the bolded. I saw a guy in the grocery store who took a double take at me and after I rolled my eyes, I kept thinking that I could never take him seriously because he's wear ratty sweats in public haha

There's also a woman down my block who walks her dog in PJs all all hours of the day.... 8am, 2pm, 7pm...always in PJs. I judge that. 

I plead guilty as charged.  H and I wake up at 5am.  I don't have to shower/get ready for work until 7:30am and we have a new puppy....I have (and will continue to) walk the puppy in my PJ's as many times as he requests to go out before I shower.  I'm not going to dress up just to go back inside and undress/shower and I really could care less what my neighbors think ;-)

ETA: The answer to the original question...

Depends on the length of the flight and the destination.  I tend to get very cold on planes so I will typically wear nice jeans, a casual shirt/sweater.  I also leave my jewelry in my purse and wear easy on/off shoes to get through security faster.  If I'm flying to FL to visit family in the summer, I absolutely pack a change of clothes in my carry on to avoid heatstroke once I'm off the plane.  As for in flight entertainment, I like to load up my nook with books I want to read, tabloid-esqe magazines, or a book of logic puzzles - but it really depends on the folks sitting near me.  If they are loud or obnoxious, snoring, etc... I put in ear buds and try to drown it out with inflight TV.

lyndausvi

I'm guilty of going out in sweats and PJs to walk the dog. In a downtown city.    Whatever.  

ElcaB

doeydo said:

RebeccaFlower said:

lovesclimbing said:

I dress nicely, but not fancy. Jeans, a nice top, but not fancy (what I'd wear on a normal day or to work, but my work is pretty casual). I would never wear sweats or pajama pants or anything like that, but that's because I would never dream of wearing those in public ever. And I may get flamed, but I personally feel that sweats and/or pajama pants should never be worn in public. (Except for sweats maybe worn after working out on the way home.)

I agree with everything, especially the bolded. I saw a guy in the grocery store who took a double take at me and after I rolled my eyes, I kept thinking that I could never take him seriously because he's wear ratty sweats in public haha

There's also a woman down my block who walks her dog in PJs all all hours of the day.... 8am, 2pm, 7pm...always in PJs. I judge that. 

When I lived at home and we had a lab, I would take him  out in the morning in my pajamas and sometimes later at night in my pjs, too.  I am not going to take the time to pick out an outfit and change in to it, walk the dog, then come back home and change back just so people driving by will think I look cuter.  That said, people who always wear pajamas or think they can pass as regular clothes need a makeover, and there are so many in my town.  

I used to change into normal jogging shorts before walking my dog at 5 a.m. every morning, but now IDGAF and just wear my pajama shorts or pants. No one is awake to see me, anyway, and even if they were, it's dark out.

I go for a combination of cute and comfy. Leggings, an long, flowy, open front cardigan, and a scarf are usually perfection. 

I bring books because using any electronics on a plane scares the crap out of me --- not because of any interference with the flight, but because I'm terrified I'll turn it on when I'm not supposed to and get yelled at by the flight attendants. 

Maggie0829

If I have to sit in a crowded airport for an hour or more before my flight and then for however long on a cramped plane you can bet your ass that I am wearing comfy clothing, which means sweats/yoga pants and a hoodie or a t-shirt with a zip up.  I will say that the sweats I wear out aren't my "hey my puppy bite some holes in them and I also painted my house in these and accidentally dropped pasta sauce down one leg" sweats.  When I travel I am typically travelling for pleasure and I am really not trying to impress anyone.  If I travel for work (usually by myself) I typically travel a day early or arrive earlier in the day and then change into more appropriate work clothes if need be.

As for walking my dog, I walk her in my PJs or sweats all the time.  The only time I don't is when I take her out before I go to work because at that point I am dressed for the day.  But when I get home the first thing I do is get changed into something comfortable because work clothes for me are not comfortable.  I then walk her around in gym shorts and a tee or sweats and a tee.

Sorry not sorry but when I go out in sweats it is usually to run to Target or the food store.  I am in no way worried about impressing anyone and if you feel the need to judge me solely on what I am wearing when I am picking up a gallon of milk then that is your issue.

jenna8984

I have a standard outfit that I've been wearing on every flight for years. Black Victoria's Secret workout pants, sneakers, plain white tank, black cardigan. So yup, I'm the sweatpant girl and I don't care because I'm comfy as hell! They are nice pants though, very thick material not like leggings and could almost even pass for black dress pants from +15 feet away.

I'm always freezing, so as much as maxi dresses and flops look cute to me, I'd be way too cold. And jeans, ew never. They are just too tight and restrictive. I'm that bitch who puts her foot up on the window sill and knees to chest so I need flexibility lol.

As far as passing time, I always sleep. even if it's a 7am flight and I slept the full night before I don't have trouble sleeping through flights.

jdluvr06

It depends on what I'm traveling for. If it is for work I try to dress nicer. If I'm going on vacation or something I go for comfy. I haven't worn pj pants to the airport but I do walk my dog in my pjs and if I'm home when it gets here I'll go get the mail in my pjs.

lurkergirl

We always dress nicely to travel, even for road trips.  I usually wear a sundress and flip flops (most of our trips are to the beach--nobody is judging my flip flops when we stop in Eufala, AL), and he wears a collared shirt and shorts with shoes and socks. 

On planes I read, and in the car we have long talks and sing-alongs

Maggie0829

jenna8984 said:

I have a standard outfit that I've been wearing on every flight for years. Black Victoria's Secret workout pants, sneakers, plain white tank, black cardigan. So yup, I'm the sweatpant girl and I don't care because I'm comfy as hell! They are nice pants though, very thick material not like leggings and could almost even pass for black dress pants from +15 feet away.

I'm always freezing, so as much as maxi dresses and flops look cute to me, I'd be way too cold. And jeans, ew never. They are just too tight and restrictive. I'm that bitch who puts her foot up on the window sill and knees to chest so I need flexibility lol.

As far as passing time, I always sleep. even if it's a 7am flight and I slept the full night before I don't have trouble sleeping through flights.

@jenna8984 - Are we the same person?!  A window seat is a must so I am that Southwest traveler who is hovering over my computer ready to check-in the designated 24 hours prior so I am guaranteed a window seat.  I then comfortably prop my foot up on the wall/window area and tuck the other in under my butt.  I also am always cold on flights.  Socks are a must and so is a hoodie.  I have worn jeans only a few times on flights and each time I would secretly unbutton my pants so that it didn't dig into my stomach during the entire flight.

Liatris2010

If I am getting on an airplane I am wearing yoga pants. Judge away, I'll be too comfortable to care. My go to flying outfit is yoga pants, t-shirt, and fleece, usually with sneakers, so I can wear socks and not be barefoot in the airport (gross). I don't own pajamas, but I am not afraid to wear what I would wear to the gym to in public. If you don't like it, avert your eyes.

jenna8984

@maggie0829 love it!!

southernbelle0915

I wear whatever I feel like wearing. It depends on my mood, the weather of my destination, and whether I'm going directly to an event.

Sometimes (particularly for flights where we have to leave the house at 4 or 5am) I don't give a shit and I wear full on sweat pants/yoga pants/spandex and a hoodie. Judge me. 

Most of the time though, I'm wearing jeans, sneakers, a comfy tshirt and a fleece. 

larrygaga

lyndausvi said:

I've worn sweats on a plane before.  All those flights were 8+hour long, some as long as 18 hours.  A lot were red-eyes.  I do not give a flying fuck what others think.  I want to be comfortable.  If you judge and will not take me seriously, that is your problem.

For my standard around the country flights I'm wearing jeans or pants with a nice top and cute cardigan.  Shoes vary depending on location and time of year.  Most times it's the bulkiest pair so I don't take up too much room in my bag.

Standard entertainment includes a book, trashy magazines (only time I read People, US, etc) and a big Suduko book.    I only watch in-fight movies on long flights (5+ hour).

You are so on the mark.

jdluvr06

I forgot about the entertainment part. I either read or play on my ipad.

southernbelle0915

I sleep on all forms of public transportation, including planes. If it's a super long flight or I can't sleep, I look at SkyMall and all the stuff I want. Including, but not limited to, the 6 foot statue of Big Foot. I need this for my yard. 

I also watch movies, read, and make lists of stuff I want to do.

SBmini

I travel a lot. When I travel for work, I dress up, but I am not inherently uncomfortable in my work clothes. I don't even mind traveling in heals. However, when I travel on vacation I go full comfort mode. Typically my most comfortable pair of jeans, or if it is a really long day of travel- I'll do yoga pants. 

As for entertainment- I read or watch movies on the tablet. I typically get a new book or two at the airport for the plane- its the only time I really sit and read through something, so I enjoy that. Husband prefers music, magazines and movies. 

Fran1985

I don't judge what people wear at all, but I totally understand what he is saying. I think there is a middle ground there, which is basically cute comfy. At the airport I see a ton of just really sloppy looking outfits (holes in sweats, giant sweatshirts with stains, etc) If it was just one person I wouldn't judge, but I think he is talking about the general mass. You just kinda look around like hm, everyone literally looks like they rolled out of bed. I think everyone should just wear whatever they want, but I get what he is saying about airports.

I usually wear a maxi skirt or knit skinny pants and a fitted tee and sweater.

sarawifenow

When traveling, I usually opt for a nice pair of jeans or slacks, flats that I can slip on and off to get through the security line, and a shirt with a cardigan so I don't get too cold. I am not a PJ/sweatpant girl in general...I would much rather just not wear pants! (I think I would get judged hard if I did that in public though).

 

Entertainment is usually a book or talking to my travel companions. I rarely travel alone.

southernbelle0915

SaraBrideSoon said:

When traveling, I usually opt for a nice pair of jeans or slacks, flats that I can slip on and off to get through the security line, and a shirt with a cardigan so I don't get too cold. I am not a PJ/sweatpant girl in general...I would much rather just not wear pants! (I think I would get judged hard if I did that in public though).

 

Entertainment is usually a book or talking to my travel companions. I rarely travel alone.

I can't help it: