Travel: What to Wear

I thought I'd do a post about what I wear during travel - not because anyone asked or anything, but just because I've settled into a pretty good groove lately.  It's taken a lot of trial and error, but I've finally figured out what works for me.  I primarily fly on longer distance flights - most of my flights average 3 or 5 hours (some as long as 6.5), so here are some things I definitely do NOT wear when flying:

• Jeans - I used to wear jeans a lot when flying, because they were casual, a good weight (helps with the cold air on planes), and wearing them meant they didn't take up space in my suitcase.  However, after several cross-country flights and leaving the plane feeling like a bloated, stuffed sausage, I stopped wearing jeans on planes.
• Boots - I wore a pair of boots on a plane once -- from Boston to London.  By the time we landed, my feet were so swollen that the boots were pinching them like crazy.  Never again!

Now, if I were flying a short distance (say, 2 hours or less), I might consider wearing jeans and/or boots, but for the flights I normally take, they are definitely a no-no.

After a little bit of trial and error, but I have found my favorite type of pants to travel in - a soft, jersey/knit pant in a loose fit.  Right now I have been wearing these J.Crew ones (Dreamy Cotton Pant).  I like them because they are not constricting, they've got a nice wide, soft waistband, and they are long (I don't like travelling in short bottoms because my legs get really cold).

The next thing that is a "must" for me when travelling is a wireless bra.  I love the Victoria's Secret PINK lace bralettes.  They are supportive but soft and non restricting - perfect for long flights, especially if you're sleeping.  Generally any breathable and soft (are you sensing a trend?) wireless bra is good for me.

For a top, I usually wear a long tank.  I don't usually like to travel in sleeved tops, especially not long sleeve shirts.  I really like the J.Crew favorite tanks - they are nice and long, so you don't have to worry about them riding up in the back (something I worry about all the time), and they don't have sideseams, which is always nice (one less thing to rub up against you and irritate you during the flight).  I've had mine for years and they hold up great, too.

I also almost always wear a hoodie when I travel.  I usually go with a zip-up hoodie so that it's easier to take off if needed (going through TSA, if the plane is surprisingly warm).  I always pick a hoodie with kangaroo pockets (for holding plane tickets, my iPod, etc.) and a generously sized hood (for putting over my eyes to help block out any little lights on the plane if I'm trying to sleep).  The PINK Perfect Zip Hoodie is my favorite.  I usually size up to have a nice, loose fit.

Lastly, for footwear, I have been wearing these casual, no-lace sneakers from Old Navy.  They don't have a ton of support, but they are loose so they accommodate any foot swelling that occurs.  No laces makes them a really good choice for going through security, and they're plain enough that they "go" with anything really (depending on what color you get them in I suppose).  I also usually wear socks (crew socks) - I've tried the ones that just go around your toes and your heel and athletic ones as well, but because they don't really cover my ankles, my feet are always cold.