elnap29

After getting advice on this topic last year, I wore Chico's Zen Pants (black, jersey knit with wide stretchy waistband - yoga style pants) on a long flight. They were perfect for comfort and sleeping. Layers of cotton T's (short sleeve, long-sleeve), and a light-weight fleece top. Thick comfy socks. This is now my standard travel outfit. Looks nice enough, too.

desdemona01

Another vote for the travel knits. I've got quite a collection from Coldwater Creek. Those, and my mary jane Crocs make it pretty comfortable

j_999_9

amwosu: Neither, according to some posters here. It apparently is the footwear equivalent of the nehru jacket.

Carmensb

I read somewhere that when traveling by airplane, to never wear synthetics, especially nylons, whether hosiery or clothing. The reason is, if the plane catches on fire, the nylon melts into your skin and is very painful and difficult to remove in the hospital. Wear natural materials like cotton. If you are lucky enough to survive an airplane crash and/or fire, you do not want to add trauma to your wounds by having your nylons melt into your skin. Have a great time in Italy! We are leaving for Alaska next month and we are really excited!

madameX

I'll add my tacky insight to the excellent suggestions from many above:

Yes, I pack a "next day" change in my carryon in case I get stuck or need refreshing, i.e. fresh top, fresh underwear, ziploc of makeup/moisturizer I can't live without.)

However, since the gymnastics of changing underwear can be tricky in small bathrooms (and some airport bathrooms are not amiable for being in at all,) I wear a narrow panty liner in my panties when I travel. As the flight wears on, or before arrival, I remove the liner and feel like I have a relatively fresh pair of panties.

And I'm in the club of comfy-not-sloppy knits; skirts; socks for the plane; ballet flats; layers for who-knows-what temperature on the plane AND airports! A few times, I think I got the upgrade over others because I dress relatively nicely, not ready for the gym.

Therese

I'm a bit claustrophobic, a problem that's exacerbated by a too-warm cabin as well as turbulence. So in addition to wearing (usually) comfortable, slightly stretchy dress pants and dress shoes that I'll be able to slip in and out of (just bought a great new pair in France, nearly flat black leather mules with a pointed toe), I pretty much always wear something very, very lightweight right next to my skin, typically a camisole with a built-in bra (comfortable for sleeping). That way if I get too warm I can get down to that layer without scandalizing my fellow passengers.

Over the camisole I usually wear something pretty structured like a blazer: dresses up whatever I'm wearing, nice layer of warmth if I need it, and since it's relatively bulky I wouldn't have wanted to pack it anyway.

I also take some sort of shawl that I can use a bit like a blanket around my shoulders (leaving the airplane blanket for my legs and feet). I usually take a pair of socks to change into for the flight (and sometimes just throw them away when the flight is over). I've recently started using noise-cancelling headphones and love them. I don't like eyeshades, as I find them uncomfortable.

Lawchick

Wraparound dress (allows for expansion) eg DVF - and a pashmina.

If its winter - I wear high heeled boots (room for expansion). If its summer I wear high heeled sandals.

I just don't do casual.

Therese

I do occasionally wear dresses on flights, and go one better than Lawchick, choosing dresses that have no waist at all. I've got a cool black sleeveless knit that can go either summer or winter that I particularly like. I wore it to Lisbon in March with a jacket over it in a contrasting color and a paisley shawl to tie the colors together. Black boots (low heel rather than high heel).

The only drawback to the dress approach is that I typically wear tights with boots, so then I've got to make sure that they're not support stockings, as otherwise the waistband is less than ideally comfortable. No problem in summer, when I'd go with slingback pumps.

jgarvey

Wear some thin socks, just until you get past security. Walking bare-foot across those floors? Yuck!!

kfusto

I would not wear a dress nor heels on a long haul flight.

A knit or microfiber pair of nice black slacks with a twin set is my personal choice, worn with low heeled mules. I carry a pair of thin socks in case my feet get cold.

Therese

Most recent flight home from Italy wore a cotton dress in a flowered print with tan dressy mules (low-ish heel). Very comfortable (no binding anywhere, full skirt let me move around very easily, even crossing my legs since I was sitting with my thirteen year old daughter and we could invade each other's space at will) and attractive enough to prompt positive comments from two different flight attendants.

robjame

We got bumped up to First on a BA overnight flight and the first thing they hand you as you get on the plane is a pair of pyjamas.
Now if it is acceptable in First....

Mimar

Coming in late here... First of all, I never wear white or light colors for a plane flight. One little bump and you've got coffee or red wine all over you. And eschewing both doesn't help; it can be your neighbor or the flight attendant who does the spilling. Last month at Heathrow I saw a woman dressed totally in white linen. Not a good idea.

I too wear shoes with velcro closures to allow for swelling at high altitudes.

But I like to be a little better dressed. Not only for service at the airport and on the plane. I have a theory if you arrive at a hotel well-dressed, they'll give you a better room.

peggybauer

These days it is almost impossible to be upgraded for free, (and if you are, it's usually based on FF status, or how much you paid for your ticket. The way they stuff you into the plane with so little space, I think I should be able to wear whatever is comfortable. I choose to wear cotton (fear of fire), plus it breathes.

lindam

We missed a flight in Frankfurt,due to weather. We then were waitlisted on a flight to Chicago. We were on pins and needles as they were calling passengers onboard. We were among the last to be called, because they seated us in business class!! I am convinced they chose us to be in business class, because we dressed the part. We looked like we belonged there!

BlueSea

Winter: Khaki trousers with lycra and elastic waistband, and long or 3/4 sleeves black or navy stretchy cotton top (no T-shirts), and light black ankle socks and black slip-on mules.

Summer: Capris, also with lycra and elastic waistband, and black or navy tops (again no T-shirt) or collared polo shirt, and slip-on sandals that are loose and comfy. I take a lightweight cardigans for the "air-conditioned" planes!!

All freshly laundered and ironed before flight - so I do not stink!!

suze

No t-shirts because of fashion or some other practical reason? Just curious.

BlueSea

I like to dress and look reasonably good so I do not wear T-shirts.

kerouac

From the CBS News site:

"Lynda White, who teaches etiquette classes and calls herself "The First Lady of Manners," said many young people have gotten lax on what to wear and how to act - possibly influenced by Hollywood stars. She recommends "business-casual" outfits for the plane because you might be seated next to a potential employer or business contact."