35 Comments
May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

Appreciate the airport fit ideas-- I just did LAX to JFX and totally agree-- the outfits were wild. I'm looking for the perfect oversized shawl/scarf that can double as a blanket. Would love any suggestions!

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

Janessa Leone has a great one!

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C by Bloomingdales makes a wonderful cashmere throw. I have one for my office and one that's for travel!

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Tartan blanket company

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

So true on airport fashion! Look presentable people! For travel, a sweater coat is always a good layering option.

Book: Lessons in Chemistry.

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author

Oh god I love that one.

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

My travel uniform is a matching set of some sort - wide legged pants always, usually a boat neck top that’s French tucked, and a matching or contrasting jacket or blazer (or in the summer, good ol’ denim). I’m with you on the sneakers (though I’ve been wearing a pair from Frankie 44 and they are heavenly - so comfortable), and my personal item is a massive Naghedi tote that has Bottega vibes but is durable for all the things.

I’m in a reading rut, so have been in my comfort re-read era and just delved through my favorites from Abby Jimenez (Life’s Too Short, Yours Truly, Part Of Your World). Excited to check out these newsletters and everyone’s book recommendations!

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Love a matching set for the same reason I love a dress: one and done!

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THANK YOU! Much needed reminder that there is a way to be comfy, hygienic and appropriate for the airport. One of my go-to outfits is a maxi dress with a slouchy cardigan. It’s comfortable, covers my legs all the way (my personal rule is no skin touching the seats back or bottom) and allows me to adapt to temperature (thicker cardigans in the winter, lighter ones in the summer). If I’m not wearing sneakers, I wear my Rothy’s pointy flats because they never set off the metal detector (been surprised before with other shoes).

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No skin on the seats is a personal rule for me too!

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

hi. thanks for airplane dressing ideas. I must be covered from head to toe on plane. Never cold but never want to touch anything. Can I sleep in Abercrombie wide leg pant on long flight? short, regular, long? are these leg lengths. Also, commando. need one for mid calf Missoni dress. what do you recommend. ps. love your podcast. try not to miss an episode. thank you!

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

I travel mostly for work and the rule of thumb for consultants was/is wear your biggest pair of shoes to avoid packing them (usually boots or sneakers). I always wear a pair of black jeans or black 'casual' slacks and a sweater/shell (thin merino wool cashmere blend sweaters from brooks brothers for me) with a blazer you immediately fold/hand to the stewardess so it doesn't wrinkle. You don't want to travel in a suit if you can help it (but we've all run through an airport in full suit and heels at least once to catch a flight). Seriously, I can spot a fellow consultant 20 ft away - the men wear dark wash jeans, button down shirt/polo with a sweater, tumi or Briggs and Riley luggage and a blazer. The women usually wear what I described above or with a long open cardigan instead of a blazer.

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Briggs & Riley is a pilot fave too!!!

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

THANK YOU for your service related to airport dressing. In addition to being dedicated to a travel uniform approach, I’ve always believed that travel isn’t a reason to dress like all social norms or personal stand have been decimated. Again, while that may sound judgmental, it needs to be said. Also, the Phenomenonal “Read a Book” hat is a good addition to a dressed down but still nice travel look and in keeping with your initial request.

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This hat must be mine!!!!

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Reading (and sun protection) is fundamental. And never goes out of style!

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Oh and books! I’m really sucked into Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club right now. (Am also reading Vanity Fair but taking my time.)

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author

Putting it on my list!!!

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Thank you thank you thank you! As you said you don’t need full glam at airport but it doesn’t hurt to take an extra beat to decide how you’re presented to the world.

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My whole thing (and no shade to folks who don't care) is that I inevitably run into people I don't want to run into when I look my worst. So to avoid that, I try to not look completely disheveled, and it usually keeps the nemesis away!

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

I've recently started traveling regularly and hadn't thought that I wear a travel uniform but after reading this, I realize there are some patterns!

I wear band t-shirts over a maxi dress or with wide-leg pants, the biggest shoes I packed for the trip since I'm a strict backpack-only traveler, a ballcap to shield from overhead lights or your seat-mate's A/C vents, and I keep a sweatshirt handy for warmth and as a pillow.

I've also gradually replaced all my black basics with red versions and it makes me look more chic even if I'm wearing the same types of pieces. Red always matches red, unlike how pinks don't always play nice when they're different temperatures.

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I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

Thank you! I couldn’t agree more regarding what I’ve seen at the airport. Are your outfits the same for long-haul travel? Looking presentable becomes even more challenging when you’ll be sleeping in the outfit.

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For long-haul/overnight I tend to wear that same stretchy maxi dress but skip a shirt with buttons. Will do a t-shirt like the Anine one and an oversized sweater or sweatshirt mistress, plus the coat. I also don't mind Vuori black joggers for long-haul flights!

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May 21, 2023Liked by Hillary Kerr

For long haul flights I tend to wear clothing I can sleep in (leggings, sports bra, tank, cardigan) and then stick a change of clothes in my carryon and change on arrival. Maybe I'm a weirdo but the clothes I wear on the plane are gross and I must change asap.

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Strong agreeeeee

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I also feel the need to change out of my clothes I wear on the plane as soon as possible. This may be the way to go.

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I’ve always been afraid of skirts on planes but if it’s pilot’s daughter approved, I’m in. (Also, have you/do you ever get nervous flying?)

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Totally down for a skirt. I used to wear the stretchy ones from American Apparel back in the day. And yes, I get nervous from time to time. I was never worried until 9/11, then was on one of the first commercial flights out of JFK after, and not long after had my first panic attack. They were intense for years, until after a serious heartbreak, at which point I was so depressed I didn't care if the plane crashed, which is very dark, but weirdly helped me fly without meds/many issues?

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Thank you for this call to action! My mother has long emphasized dressing for air travel - and she is not someone who is overly formal but always put together.

For your first outfit (love both BTW), how do you style the shirt over the dress?!?! Inquiring minds would love to know!

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Book Rec: I'm currently reading 'Cleopatra and Frankenstein' by Coco Mellars (a fantastic page turner full of flawed, relatable characters involved in the advertising and creative industries in NYC), and also 'The Creative Act' by Rick Rubin. Both books have me running to hop in bed at night and read them, which is saying a lot for someone with a toddler and 10 month old!!

P.S. Loved this round up. Also thanks for the COS introduction!! More COS recs always welcome <3

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Oh, and I have an old Cuyana alpaca wrap I love wearing on the plane, especially in the colder months. Bonus: it doubles as a blanket for those late night or long flights!

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Just finished Don’t Call Me Home by Alexandra Auder - really loved it!

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