How To Travel In Comfort And Style
At a wedding this past weekend, I chatted with a friend-of-a-friend who I hadn’t seen in a while. She reads my little ole blog, and while preparing for a recent business trip wondered, “What would Laura suggest I wear on the plane?” This was perhaps the biggest compliment I’ve received since I started blogging. So Kirsten, this one’s for you!
The first business trip I ever took was quite a big deal for my circa 2003 twenty-four year old self. I flew to Switzerland to coordinate a big internal meeting, and had a seat on the plane next to my department’s VP. Terrified of reading my usual Cosmopolitan magazine in front of him during the long flight, with articles such as “How To Look Good Naked,” I went out and bought Fast Company and The Economist and pretended to find some enjoyment in them. Too bad I wasn’t as thoughtful about what I was wearing in front of the big-wig.
That’s right, people – I wore a velour tracksuit from Victoria’s Secret. It was black and my midriff was definitely not exposed, but HELLO?! A tracksuit in front of the VP? What the hell was I thinking? I was thinking about comfort on a red-eye flight, and nothing else. Ugh. My face is as red as that velvety outfit above just thinking about it.
Fortunately I proved myself to be a capable person on that trip, and the VP has permitted me to take many more since then. Now that it’s almost 2011, I’m 32 and have considerably more responsibilities than I did way back when, so I have to look the part.
Blazer, J. Crew, $230
Jeans, Banana Republic, $49.50
Long-sleeve tee, Banana Republic, $30
Rolling laptop bag, McKlein USA @ eBags, $150 (5 color choices and great reviews)
Tote bag, Coach, $298
Scarf, LOFT, $34.50
Pumps, Clarks @ Piperlime, $70
I’ve tried laptop backpacks and messenger bags, but at the end of the day a rolling bag is best. After all, nothing is more unattractive than bad posture! Pair it with a roomy but not huge purse (extra points for the cross-body optional strap) to hold all your in-flight necessities. The one above has a convenient outside pocket to stash your ID.
Wear your suit jacket so it won’t be crushed in your luggage.
As for shoes, the most important advice I can give is to not be that jackass in the security line who has to untie double-knotted sneakers and holds up the whole line. I purchased a pair of Clarks pumps at Heathrow airport in London a few years ago, and they are super comfortable.
When planning your accessories, think simple and non-metallic, like beads. Otherwise you’ll again hold up the line when the TSA asks you to remove all your metal bangle bracelets, and I will be the one behind you giving you dirty looks. Just kidding. 
Sort of.
No business travel in your future? Don’t fret – I’ll have tips tomorrow for looking good while flying to your in-laws for the holidays.
You’ve got my travel look down! If it’s not a blazer it’s an oversized scarf/wrap!
You crack me up, I remember that trip! I can’t wait until tomorrow since I can’t see myself traveling for business any time soon! Plus somehow, librarian just doesn’t have the same ring as marketing goddess does it
I love this post and your outfit picks. The story about traveling with your VP is priceless. I am usually pretty good when en route to a business trip…it’s when I’m coming home that I get lazy and slip on my running shoes and a comfortable pair of jeans. Oh, and I openly scowl at people who are not prepped for the security line…are there really people who still don’t know that you can’t bring liquids on the plane!?
Great idea for a post Laura.
Thanks for the info ! I enjoyed your post !