Remember the golden days of flying when women would get all dressed up and carry a surreal vanity case, and men would put on a suit and match it with a leather briefcase?
Traveling was considered a luxury and passengers got dressed for the occasion.
Technology, economy, democracy transformed this luxurious experience into an affordable one to any passport holder with a valid visa (yes some of us need visas) and credit card.
With time, lots of our fabulous and less fabulous habits have ceased to exist -- like smoking (not complaining), being courteous to other passengers (I do miss the days when men used to help ladies store their hand luggage), dressing the appropriate way (no people, Juicy track pants don't fall in that category nor do cropped tops or low waisted trousers or Khakis with humongous utility pockets).
Though in my humble opinion, it doesn't take a lot to travel with style and comfort. Here are some (hopefully) inspiring tips for both genders.
For Women
- Keep your look simple: Wearing mostly black or off-white is an easy option. You don't have to think about coordinating colors. Just throw on a complimentary color to your monochrome look, such as red or burgundy, for a touch of flair.
For Men
- Jacket: When traveling for work, pack your navy suit pants but wear your jacket. Hang it up when you board and it'll still be fresh when you land.
As public space, especially in airports and on airplanes, has become a sort of personal and intimate territory, it is highly recommended to apply elegance and style not only to your looks, but also to your behavior and your respect for other passengers.
Have you noticed how each seat on the plane is like a private room with people crashing and deploying an arsenal of magazines, books, smartphones and tablets to impose their private conversations on other passengers?
Being stylish extends to elegant manners, too.