The Brand You Want to Travel in
For some of us, getting ready for the airport is comparable with getting ready for something resembling a black tie soirée. No matter how long the flight is, or how early in the morning the alarm sounds, looking good is top priority─even if the airplane seat provides little room for a de la Renta ball gown. For others, comfort on an hours-long flight is non-negotiable, no matter how just-rolled-out-of-bed your outfit looks.
When it comes to travel attire, it’s hard to go wrong with some kind of athleisure-inspired look. While we can’t say we’re necessarily experts in the athleisure department (TBH─it’s all cute), we know a thing or two about outfitting, especially when it comes to travel. There’s no question that comfort is a must when traveling, be it on a plane landing halfway around the world or in a car heading across the country. Let’s be real─jeans in any of the aforementioned situations are simply not welcome on the itinerary.
But we’d be lying if we said comfort was the only element to consider when dressing for a trip. We can’t dare sacrifice style, right? Looking good means feeling good, and that means dressing to impress─not only for yourself, but for the airline you intend on flying with. Yes, it’s true, some airlines are sticklers with dress codes. And sometimes, our go-to pajama and slipper get-up (finely accessorized with an airplane pillow situated around our necks, of course), while definitely our first choice, is not always the best style choice when boarding a flight.
Luckily, we know the perfect brand that delivers on all the necessary fronts, and you’ve probably heard of it. Athleta is a fan favorite in the athletic wear industry, not only for the unarguable chicness factor so-effortlessly offered in each of their thoughtfully designed pieces, but also for its affordable price range, unrelenting emphasis on empowering young girls and women in all aspects of life, sustainable practices, and *of course* versatility. Whether you’re dressing for a match on the tennis court, a brunch with your girlfriends or a flight to your travel destination, Athleta should be your new go-to.
And, since the brand checks off our travel-related needs, AKA always keeping ease and style top-of-mind, we decided to highlight a few of our favorite pieces that will not only meet dress code requirements, but also provide airplane-seat-approved comfort without sacrificing looks.
Anything But Jeans . . .
First and foremost, a pair of Athleta’s city pants, the brand’s sophisticated take on office-appropriate athletic wear, are essential. Whether you just left the office or are attending a corporate brunch once you hop off the plane, these pants will dress to impress. The brand was sure to deliver to each and every fashionista, offering everything from cropped trousers to joggers to wide-legged gauchos, with ruched-waistlines and feminine bow-tied finishes. But the undeniable sophistication and style is hardly the best part. Nearly all of Athleta’s city pants are made from some breathable, stretchy, wrinkle-resistant mixture of spandex and polyester. In other words, the perfect blend for comfortable travel and flaunt-able style. From muted grays to army greens, the brand’s close-to-neutral palette will match any airport outfit you effortlessly throw together.
Layers for Days . . .
We all know airports can get chilly. And by “chilly,” we mean freezing. And if there’s anything Athleta has mastered (besides everything) it’s a cardigan wrap. Whether you’re in need of something easily-removable (like this wool cashmere cardi or this loose-fitted cocoon wrap) or something more all-encompassing (like this mock neck hoodie or this pocket-adorned hooded sweatshirt), it would be hard to find a piece you could resist.
Dressing It Up . . .
For those of you who tend to fall in the first category of travelers (those who treat plane travel as a black tie soirée), you’re in luck. While the brand may not compare to de la Renta, Athleta’s dress/jumpsuit arsenal is not one to disappoint. From chic sweatshirt dresses to poolside-ready skort dresses and elegantly belted cropped jumpsuits, your dress-to-impress desires will be happily met. Swank, functional and totally airport-approved? Uhh, yes please.
Terminal Sprints . . .
We’re not perfect, and we’re definitely not always on time. Is it just us, or does every trip to the airport feel rushed?? Whether you forgot your passport at home and had to turn around or you discovered that highway traffic literally never takes a break (even in the wee hours of the morning), you’re probably running late. Even if you’re not a runner, the sprint to the terminal is one you need to make, and in record time. Thankfully, Athleta also excels in the shoe department. Go figure, right? Brands like Teva, Superga and New Balance are often featured on the site, offering styles that are both perfect for the mountain or ready to be styled for a day on the town… or, of course, fit for sprinting across the airport.
Baggage and Such . . .
Obviously an airport-inspired lookbook (wait, does this pass for a lookbook?) would not be complete without some carry-on recommendations. If you’re into the fanny game─why wouldn’t you be?─you’ve come to the right place. Athleta’s water-repellant fanny packs are not only stylish, but also extremely practical and large enough to store all of your airport necessities, like passports, phone chargers, snacks and (you guessed it) hand sanitizer. But, perhaps you’re in need of something a little roomier. And if that’s the case, say hello to this spacious tote, capable of storing all of your in-air essentials. Don’t worry, both are security-checkpoint-approved.
