Always argyle – I don’t know why!
For me, the single most crucial decision in travel is what to wear on the plane. It’s all well and good to say that I’m carrying my luggage onto the plane, and thus I’m not going to be trapped in these clothes forever, but…
- One may be “requested” to check one’s bag. Thus, it goes where no man has gone before, and you may not see it for quite a while.
- Flight delays. You may be wearing these clothes a LOT longer than your schedule suggests.
- Hotel check-in timing – when we arrive in Paris, it will only be about 8 a.m. Arriving in the city between 9 and 9:30, we will be HOURS too early to check into our room. Thus, my first three or four hours in Paris will be spent wearing these same clothes.
I see lots of people who fly in pajamas, or sweat suits. Knowing that the first thing I’m going to do after I leave my suitcase at the hotel is head to a cafe for some breakfast, I choose to be nicely dressed for that and for the sauntering about the “quartier” which will follow.
Don’t even ask what Vivienne thinks of public pajamas!
Perfection! much the same choices as I wear on longhaul flights, but so much more elegant!
I recently did the long haul from Sydney to London, about 22 hours in economy, plus return. I always wear a patterned top as no matter how careful you are I always manage to spill or drip something on my top over that long period, a pattern can amouflage these mishaps.
I'm wondering when people decided it was acceptable to wear pajamas in public! As a former college professor, we had to repeatedly remind students they were not allowed to wear pajamas to class.
I wish you could be the well dressed femme sitting next to me on my next flight. I do much the same thing on the long haul. Carry on is the only way to go. The thought of anyone going thru my bag for any reason gives me the vapors. Well done, Vivienne.
I believe that being dressed well to fly overseas has hidden benefits. Twice my husband and I have been upgrade. We were both dressed well…I believe that helped in the upgrade. Pajamas in public, ug.
I think the problem is that many people today have no concept of what is appropriate attire. High schools and colleges should have a mandatory class for all students about appropriate dress and how to behave in a business setting and in dealing with the public. I can't believe what is considered acceptable outfits for work. I know I live in a small town and the economy stinks, but you wouldn't believe some of the things I see. Horrors. If people can't dress appropriately for work, then, of course they will think it is ok to wear pajamas in public. I also think that a contributing factor is in our continual worship of Hollywood and reality TV types, who also have no concept of appropriate dress even when they have a stylist to dress them. Thank you all for letting me rant – I will now get off my soapbox!
Are those stretchy pants?
Sort of. They're Eddie Bauer Bremerton cut – side zip, no waistband, and a bit of stretch in them. I couldn't wear a belt for any amount of money, as I am the single most short-waisted person alive, and I have found that these pants are invaluable. I seriously think I have 5 or 6 pair of them…
Beautiful Janice!! My travel outfit for my upcoming trip to France will be quite similar… but I do have a confession to make. I do bring a pair of boot cut yoga pants in my "personal" bag. My routine on long haul flights (10+ hours) is to try and sleep for part of the flight and the yoga pants are so comfortable I find I sleep much, much better! When the cabin lights dim, I slip off to the bathroom, brush my teeth and slip on the yoga pants. Back in my seat, I curl up with my blanket and settle in for a nap. Prior to landing I slip back to the bathroom, brush those teeth again and slip my pants back on. Couldn't agree with you more about not checking bags although for my upcoming trip I will have to.. (sigh)….
What is the brand of the black satchel? Lovely outfit and I love the jewelry.
I am wearing my first scarf with an outfit today and my husband who very rarely comments on my outfits said it was a "good look for you". So thank you very much for inspiring me to use scarves. This particular one was a gift from a friend in a colorway that I do not have in my wardrobe. I realized I did not have to have a matching piece for it but could wear it with my neutrals. It is a lovely animal print scarf in cool olive tones from Africa. I think it will see much more wear than it would have if I had not discovered your blog!
Nice travelling clothes. I once had a coffee pitcher spilled on me during turbulence, and I have not boarded a plane in light colored clothes since. Returning last weeken from a cross country trip, I could not help but notice how many sloppy people are travelling. I remember the days when you dressed up for plane rides.
Am I the only one who wishes they could meet Janice and Vivienne!? :)
I look for argyle cardigans whenever I go through airports. ;-)
My thoughts exactly, I wish she would schedule a Vivienne Files meetup, either in Chicago or when I happen to be in Paris. I'd consider making the from NYC!
"making the trip" that is, my excitement over the idea overcame me for a moment :D
Me four. If I win the lottery, I want to go shopping with Janice. To heck with Disney world.
Karen
Not at all. I can only imagine them chatting in a cafe on a Paris boulevard (on a rainy day like it is today in NYC) and I would love to be sitting down with them to enjoy a hot cocoa and a croissant, and some good conversation. I think we probably all feel the same way.
Anybody can meet me – any time at all! If you're in Chicago on a Saturday, let me know, and we can get together for breakfast/brunch/lunch or afternoon tea! Most of my Saturdays are free until late afternoon, and I'd LOVE to meet you…
I love your travel outfit ideas (as seen here and in your other travel capsules). Usually I have worn dark slacks and a print blouse (the spill factor worry). I am going to try your travel outfit idea next time I travel. One additional item I bring is a pair of cotton anklets. I slip them on when I have to remove my shoes while going through security. It gives me the creeps to walk bare foot on those dirty floors. The socks have also come in handy when my feet get cold on the plane.
I too abhor the sloppy dress that I see so often at airports.
This morning, in Paris (what an excellent sentence…), I saw that they had disposable footies available for going through security. What a civilized gesture…
I love this travel outfit and could see myself in it. PJ's in public??? Don't get me started!
Isn't it amazing what people will rationalize doing for the sake of practicality/comfort or whatever they will call it.
I travel in almost the same outfit – except my cardigan is not argyle :) In fact, I am going away for a long weekend (not to Paris) next week and this is a perfect refresher! I usually wear Eileen Fisher's washable stretch crepe pants on flights because they feel like pajamas but look so polished. Plus they are easy to wash out if they get dirty.
For long haul I almost wear the same, except that I wear dark black stretchy jeans (most comfortable for me) plus a little cotton bandana around my neck for cool or perspiration and a big cashmere shawl, that doubles as something to keep me warm and it also feels "cuddly". Because my body seems to expand on a long haul flight, all my clothes have to be extremely comfortable, yet classy and nice looking (shoes as well).
In my carry-on hand luggage I have a set of toiletries in small sizes, a baby pillow and an extra set of underwear, t-shirt and sock/nylons, just in case my suitcase doesn't arrive with me.
If running around in the plane, I always wear shoes. I never understand how people will walk in socks to the toilets, when the floors there are pretty yuckie :-( most of the times.
I really like your selection of clothes and accessories! :-)
Is that a Tumi carry on? I'm wondering if you have ever had a problem with it fitting in the overhead. I was just about to buy one, but was warned off the hard sided cases.
We were on a 767 (somewhat smaller plane) both directions this trip, and my bag had to go into the overhead sideways, rather than "wheels first" as it would usually go. But even with the little overhead bins, it still fit. Mine is only a 20 inch sized, though.
Thanks Janice, I am looking for a bag for life, and I only take carry on anymore. The Tumi looks like a good investment. PS I LOVE your packing lists, you make it look so easy! :)
As the date of my trip approaches, my panic about what clothes to take ramps up. It is such a relief to refer to these posts!
I notice that you took a quilted jacket. I'm going to London and am debating whether to take a classic black trench or a warmer black quilted jacket. Did you find that your quilted jacket fit right in with the Parisian look? Do you find the right jewelry and scarves make it dressy enough?
Yes, I was very happy with it – but we didn't do anything really knock-down drag-out dressy. Even when I wore a dress, it was with tights and flats…
Taking flights can sometimes take a long time, especially when going overseas, so it would be best to wear something that you are comfortable in. Choose something that is easily adjustable for different weather conditions. =)
Corina Ogan
I love my inflatable neck pillow, in addition to the one I am given on board. It keeps my head so steady. That, a window seat, an eye mask, and a glass of wine with my first meal and I am off for 4-5 hours. Great on oversea flights.