LEFT SEAT STYLE

August 11, 2015

Left Seat: The Pilot in Command’s spot. My favorite seat. My last post got me thinking about what I wear when I fly. For the most part, it’s identical to what I would wear on an airline, so I thought I would share the similarities and differences between my outfits as a passenger and as a pilot.

Headsets always bug the crap out of me. For whatever reason, I can’t find a quality headset that doesn’t either bug my ears or bug the top of my head. I love wearing earrings so, especially when I’m flying, I bring a cosmetic bag that I can put my jewelry into. This is also nice in an airline, when the flight is long and you want to catch some Z’s but there’s pesky earring posts poking into your neck. Or necklace, or whatever the case may be. A little cosmetic bag is the perfect place to keep them so they’re easy to find when you disembark.

Although I’ve been known to wear my Miller sandals pretty often when I fly, it’s way better to wear something close-toed and with a back. The last thing you want is to have a flip flop get stuck in the rudder pedals or breaks. I get away with the Miller’s because the top part is so large that they don’t come off easily at all. But boots, or even better, sneakers are best. Something flat and secure. If I really want to wear a certain pair of shoes where I’m going, I’ll toss them in my bag or in the luggage compartment and change once we’ve landed. In an airline, closed shoes are just better in a gross airplane and airport. Keep a cuter pair in your carry-on (I’m obsessed with this Longchamp version!!) to switch into on the ground.

Airlines get cold. Bring a cardigan (this cape-style cardigan goes with anything and tucks away nicely). As for a Cirrus, well it’s usually unbearably hot when we fly. I might toss a light cardigan in the back, but tank tops and t-shirts keep me cool up front. My skin also tends to get a little dried out and dull when I fly. I pack a little powder sometimes, but a lip gloss or lipstick is my go to. A bold color distracts from sleepy skin and it’s tiny enough to tuck away into an already full purse or overnight bag, or your jewelry stash bag.

SKIP ANYTHING TIGHT. Except maybe leggings. Tight pants, dresses, skirts, or tops will only get uncomfortable with seat belts and crowds. Plus salty airport food and travel is a surefire way to a food baby and uncomfortable bloat. Getting into a small airplane in a dress is no easy feat, but it can be done. A more loose fitting skirt is the way to go because you can hold it down as you climb in. A pencil skirt is just gonna ride up and flash everyone. I also like to make sure there’s some length to it, no minis, because a preflight inspection and climbing in require lots of bending. Bending is something you’ll also do at a crowded airport to if you have to leave your luggage on the ground or pick something off a low shelf. Surround by lots of pilots and people, err on the modest side. Unless you’re into public flashing. In that case, you do you. If not, I love a jersey (or similar) midi on an airline, it’s comfortable and stretchy, but still super fashion forward.

I’m more inclined to grab a low wedge when I’m airlining, the added height makes me feel a little more confident as my skin starts to fade. Plus, it’s hard to slouch in heels! But I keep a pair of flats accessible for the flight and if there’s lots of terminal walking. These outfits are pretty perfect for either method of aerial travel – simple and comfortable. They’re ultra cute and outfits like these leave lots of room in a travel bag!