Over the River and Through the Woods...

For the girl who is always put together, try this mix of casual and professional. I am willing to let myself go a little in the airport. And by let myself go I mean let my appearance go. I am not a celebrity, paparazzi will not be waiting outside baggage claim when I arrive. But some people really like to look pulled together at all times. More power to them. Here is what I would wear to look chic in the airport.

I love the mix of this outfit - the denim and canvas mixed with the printed blouse and skinny cropped black pants. It takes the look from office appropriate to dressed-up daywear. I would wear a comfortable flowly blouse in a fun print, like this one from Topshop (which has a bunch of adorable printed tops right now). I would not wear anything skin tight to the airport. That's just uncomfortable. Over the blouse, instead of a sweater or blazer, pull on a denim jacket to obtain that casual chic look. 

Wear black skinny pants on the bottom. I love these slouchy-skinny ones from Calvin Klein. They look both comfortable and flattering. Worn with black heels, a blouse and a blazer, you're ready for the office. But with a fun blouse and other relaxed pieces you will look appropriate for a day of travel (or lunch with a friend).

I cannot say this enough: I beg you to stick to flats. It may be tempting to wear boots or heels, but pulling those off and on is always a hassle. And honestly, why would you wear heels to the airport?  Wear red flats to pick up on the accent colors in the blouse. Of course, different blouse, different flats - remember to coordinate appropriately. Finally, use a canvas bag in a complimenting color as your carryall: like this one from Lands' End. It will add to the easy casualness of the look. 

Skinny Pants by Calvin Klein

Over the River and Through the Woods...

For clothing, my top goals when traveling are comfort and efficiency - then style. When all three are combined, I've found travel-apparel gold. Leggings, a long cardigan, flats and a scarf is one of those outfits.

I know there is a whole "leggings as pants" debate. People take sides, it gets ugly. But I have to say, I am a fan of the simple black legging or jegging when it comes to plane flights. There are not as sloppy as sweats and are far more comfortable than most jeans. They are also stretchy - perfect for all that contorting in your seat to get comfortable before you can sleep. 

Keep colors neutral throughout the outfit, but feel free to mix and match them. Wear a basic white tee, long sleeve for this season, under a thick knit cardigan. I like to wear a thick marled wool cardigan from JCrew or a DKNY cozy, but I also quite like this one in a narrow cable knit from All Saints. Here is the caveat about leggings as pants - your top must cover your butt. That's why I recommend a long cardigan such as this one.

In terms of accessories, layer with a circle scarf which can double as a pillow on the plane. Scarves are also great to hide the wires of iPod earbuds so you can keep listening to music even after you've been warned to turn off all electronic devices. Wear flats - simple, comfortable black ones are ideal in this case. They will easily slip on and off when you go through security. And use this LeSportsac metallic carryall as your carry on - both stylish and functional.

Skinny Denim by Forever 21

Over the River and Through the Woods...

It's that time of year again - visiting the relatives season that is. Everyone seems to be hopping in a car or on to a plane. If you're going to be riding in a car for several hours, there may not be a stylish choice, but in this week's posts I am going to address airport chic. I find dressing for the airport close to impossible. I want to look stylish, as I strive to look stylish as often as possible, but going through security in cute boots, or heels and in the on-trend layering of the season is just ridiculous. In our current atmosphere where pat downs are more aggressive than your yearly physicals it makes no sense to dress too well to the airport. Taking off those boots or cute shoes and all those layers then having to hoist them back on is just too much work. Since we are heading into the busiest travel time of the year, I thought it wise to blog some cute and appropriate airport looks. Here is my first recommendation on what to wear to the airport:

First, I would wear a comfy sweatshirt-top. Not a shapeless sweatshirt, but a sweatshirt-top. There is a notable difference. I like this one from Urban Outfitters. You can't tell in the image but the edges are trimmed in chiffon and there are patches on the sides and under the arms in silk. I also quite like the ones from American Apparel as an alternative. 

For warmth - don't you always find planes freezing? - tie on a scarf in a solid color like this pretty blue. Scarves are a nice layering piece and won't be too much of a time suck come security. 

Wear a pair of slim boyfriend jeans, or whatever your comfiest pair is. I have a pair of really well broken-in AGs that are cigarette leg, but so soft, they are my go-to pair of travel jeans. 

I think it is imperative to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off to the airport. I recommend Toms. They are so comfortable, they are cute, and they have the added bonus of doing some good - for each pair purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. 

Finally, carry a Longchamp bag that compliments your outfit - I like the color combo of the blue scarf, red Toms, and olive bag. Longchamp bags are my absolute favorite carryalls. They are durable and stylish. I have two - one in navy and one in beige. Now that you've got your outfit all ready, don't forget your favorite celebrity gossip magazines and you're good to go. 

Relaxed Denim by Madewell