‘What on earth are you wearing?’ my best friend asks, staring at me in utter disbelief.
It’s 6am and we’ve met at Luton airport, ready for a flight to Lisbon for a weekend away. I’m dressed in platform wedges and a dress – she’s in trainers and a matching grey tracksuit.
While it might sound as though I’ve dolled up for an occasion, that’s not the case at all. This is my standard airport attire.
On a recent trip to Riga, Latvia, I was dressed much the same – albeit in a more winter-appropriate manner.
Black trousers, a fur coat and my trusty heeled boots were my uniform this time around – never stilettos, though. I wouldn’t ignore the safety risk associated with heels that could puncture an escape slide in case of emergency.
Why, you might ask, would I wear something so uncomfortable on board when I could opt for something more pyjama-esque like my fellow passengers?
Despite what you might think, it has nothing to do with wanting a last-minute upgrade. In fact, I’ve never even asked for one – nor been offered.
And even though I believe each to their own, and would never judge or question someone else’s outfit choice, my reasons for dressing up are threefold.
On a recent trip to the Baltics, Erin wore heels and a fur coat during the journey
Arriving in Lisbon city centre straight from the airport – wearing a maxi dress
Choosing fashion over comfort is not for everyone – but our writer is a fan
First and foremost, you will never ever catch me in tracksuits or activewear outside of the gym or my own home.
Having spent several years of my life living in Paris, I know this is perhaps the number one fashion rule French women abide by.
You’ll never spot a true Parisienne in leggings and a hoodie in public.
Secondly, taking a flight – especially a short-haul one – is no excuse for slovenliness.
Last year, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged travellers taking flights to dress better on board. I have to say, I agree.
Gone are the days when taking a flight was the height of sophistication – back when women wore dresses and hats and men wore suits.
But a girl can dream.
We may live in an era where UGG boots, tracksuits and oversized fleeces are the most common sights on planes, but I feel differently – I’d much rather give up two hours of excess comfort to look my best. Controversial, I know.
Dressing up on board helps to project an image of confidence
Another typical outfit Erin’s worn for a work-related travel trip
An hour after landing at Paris airport – just for a quick weekend getaway
Finally, I believe the way we dress projects both an external image, and helps to reflect how we want to feel on the inside.
When people stare at me at the gate and on board, I don’t even mind – I know I look ridiculous, but at least I feel put-together.
We all know that age-old adage: ‘Dress for the life you want, not for the life you have.’
When I’m flying, this is how I want to feel. I don’t want to be a tired, sleepy twentysomething heading on a budget weekend away.
I’d much rather convince myself I’m a glamorous, sophisticated jet-setter, a la Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Kennedy, waltzing on board with a black coffee in hand and a (fake) designer handbag in the other.
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Why I wear heels and dress smartly on planes – despite everyone making fun of me
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