Sound familiar? There really is no feeling like realizing you will be stuck on a 3 hour flight with no jacket, cardigan, throw blanket, what have you. To avoid becoming a temporary airplane popsicle during your summer travels, I’ve rounded up my favorite ways to layer on frigid planes.
The Base Outfit
Before we get to all of the cozy cardigans and warm wraps, let’s begin with your base outfit. It may sound tempting to wear a short dress or shorts on a plane in 90 + degree weather, but I usually refrain unless I’m boarding a quick 30 minute puddle jumper in somewhere like Belize that screams to be half-naked. Leg-baring outfits will make you feel cold faster, and unless you have a throw blanket handy, you will be miserable the entire flight. I like to opt for maxi dresses, linen pants, lightweight or boyfriend jeans, and a cute top. Feel free to mix and match comfy separates, just make sure you have a generous amount of coverage.
The Packing List: Your On Board Attire
Now It’s Time to LAYER
I like to think there’s a reason for Miley’s ever-famous lyrics of “I hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan.” Girl was COLD on that flight. Ah, how I love a good cardigan! A good cardigan is a frequent flier’s best friend. Depending on location and time of year, I keep an arsenal of sweaters and cardigans in my “closet.” Whether it be a chunky knit or light beach option, you will get every penny’s worth out of a good layering piece. Also, don’t be afraid to add on optional layers such as oversized denim jackets (currently obsessed), anoraks, or trench coats. Finally, scarves can be used as blankets in a pinch. Always have one in your carry on!
The Packing List: Cardigans, Jackets, & Scarves OH MY
…A Word on Footwear
Now that we have most of your travel attire situated, let’s talk shoes. The perfect travel footwear is open to interpretation because I know some people who refuse to travel in open-toe shoes and some who travel in flip flops. I think traveling in heels is a general no-go we can all agree on. Personally, I prefer to wear some sort of sneaker on long international flights so that I can take off my shoes and still have some warmth with socks (for the love of God please wear the socks so other passengers can sleep and smell in peace). On short flights, I’m not against open-toe shoes like sandals and flip flops. My feet sometimes get a little chilly but if the flight is under two hours, I can deal. Below are my favorites this season!
The Packing List: Flats on Flats on Flats
Do you have a special game plan when it comes to airplane attire? Are you a sneaker gal or sandals all the way?
I wear uggs on board but carry flip flops for when I get off plane. I carry a light hoody and usually wear yoga pants. I’ll also carry my fav Tommy hillfiger jean jacket unless it’s freezing in my carry on tote. I find uggs are easy to slip off and I’ll even carry a pair of socks in that tote under the seat
Sounds like you have a good routine. I find that I get warm in Uggs unless I’m in really cold environments, but they are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever put on!
Lesley,
I love this !
I’m a sandal girl all the way. Doing first European trip that will involve a lot of walking. Any suggestions on a great shoe in the sandal family ?
The Eileen Fisher ones she suggested a few weeks ago are AMAZING!!!!!
My favorite sandals of the moment are Eileen Fisher’s sport platform sandals. Posted about them in another blog post of mine “The Best Travel Shoes for All Weather Types.” Check them out 🙂
Love this! More outfit and style posts please! I like hearing about your cute but practical suggestions.
Great! Thanks for commenting – love to know when y’all want more of something specific!
You have showcased some really good styles for summers, along with them OTBT flats can also make a good addition in the list, https://www.otbtshoes.com/collections/travel-lite, these flats are great in both style and comfort.
Lately my go-to plane outfit is adidas superstars, cropped leggings, bralette, soft high neck tank top, and a free people thermal. If I get hot, I can also take the thermal off and tie it around my waist.