Ask Angie: (and everyone) Suggestions what to wear for long flights to SA? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: (and everyone) Suggestions what to wear for long flights to SA?

claire

Our trip to South Africa is coming in a few weeks, and I think I'm all sorted for clothes while I'm there. I found the perfect dress for a vineyard wedding on deep discount at Shopbop, and the rest is beach clothes and casual for the game drive and the beaches and family events.

But getting there, ugh! Nine hours overnight to London (in economy, there were no upgrades to be had). A ten hour layover where we'll pop out to visit family, so it's cold! Then 12 hours to Capetown. I'm planning on wearing Nike trainers for walking comfort, wool undershirt with a cashmere poncho and a packable down jacket, but I'm stuck on what else.... Jeans and change into tights on the plane? Or just wear nice sweats and call it sporty luxe? I hate flying as it is so I know I'm overthinking this part, but any suggestions? I need comfort for sleeping/travel, but also want to look decent for London, then be able to change quickly on arrival as it will be hot! How do I do all of this at the same time? Any suggestions?

General

39 replies

Latest reply was from karymk

Mellllls

Veteran

I think sporty luxe is a good option. I know opinions vary on this but in my opinion, it's an overnight flight, thus comfy lounge clothes should be the norm. I'm sure Angie will have a brilliant solution, though. I think she has done this flight!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, that's tricky, especially with the complication of the layover. Will you be able to shower or at least freshen up and change before you see people in London? If so I'd be tempted to have two outfits, one with stretchy pants or skirt for the plane, and jeans for visiting (for warmth reasons too). I don't like wearing jeans on long flights, or wovens at all really. I'm all about knits and layers.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have done this HECTIC LONG trip many times - and always economy class. It is brutal, but I have become practiced at it which helps.

(By the way, I *highly* recommend flying Emirates next time you do this trip. Cheapest option too. They overnight and pay for your lodging and food in Dubai, and it's an excellent way to refresh between flights. Emirates is right up there with the very best airlines like Singapore and Cathy Pacific. I really mean the BEST. None of other airlines I've travelled - and have travelled many of them - have come close to that level of service, comfort, meal quality, flight attendant polish and luxury in economy class.

We have also actually done the exact same thing as you - stopped over in London for 10 hours in-between flights. I dress up when I travel, but of course, am also very comfortable. I wear the same thing:

Jeans
Cami
Fine gauge pullover, semi tucked
Theory blazer
Burberry scarf
Belt
Flat booties
BIG handbag and hand luggage
(Coat on my arm if I need it - otherwise it's packed)

I do not change at all, but refresh with clean undies in Dubai. Obviously I showered and washed my hair in the hotel layover in Dubai. I usually just clean my face/neck and reapply make-up at the stop over in London or Paris, and brush my teeth.

Surprisingly, none of my clothes are creased. My Theory blazer is AMAZING that way, and I keep it on during the entire two flights. It probably surprises you that I don't wear stretchy clothing during a 38 hour flight because what I wear is just as comfy, and makes me feel more pulled together. And like you, I REALLY don't like flying.

That said, Sporty Luxe is not a bad idea. But do make sure you feel pulled together enough for the high streets in London.

Are you South African, crackers?

Diana

Veteran

On my last long flight, to Japan in December, I did fake skirted leggings with a knit mini and comfy leggings, along with a luxe sweatshirt and flat boots. I also had a big pashmina and long, lightweight cardi. I always size up my leggings so they're super comfy. Here's the link to my outfit:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....y-to-tokyo

In warmer weather I like my jersey sack dresses best for flying, with or without leggings. Oh, and lately I opt for a wireless bra (actually, just a bralette, often) as it's comfier to sleep in and less awkward than unhooking my regular bra during the flight, which was what I used to do.

I generally look dressier than many other fliers because of the skirt or dress, even though it is basically pajamas. LOL.

claire

Angie, we've always wanted to fly Emirates but the extra day to get to Seattle from Vancouver is always a bit of a turnoff for us. And we've been a bit spoiled in the past with BA upgrades (you really should try the pods at least once!!).

My DH is South African, I'm not although this will be my fifth trip and I love it there more than he does. DS (10) considers himself South African even though he's born Canadian!

I am surprised you can fly that long in jeans! You sound so polished, I'm thinking more casual, I may have to rethink this.

Laura, good thinking, maybe jeans for London and tights for the plane.

Diana, I always fly in a sports bra now, I'm so tired of my underwire setting of the security. And I was thinking the EF skirted leggings would be perfect until I showed DH them, he hated them. Next! (I'm giving him just this one).

Disha

I flew to India last time, 20 hours with a layover, in the athleta prima capris. I cannot recommend sporty luxe enough!
I felt like it was a step-up from sweats, yet it was very comfortable. A bit chilly when landed back in the U.S. though!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah, Crackers. You're coming from Vancouver, BC. That does change things. And BA upgrades do help when you're flying BA. I'm thrilled that we can fly Emirates now because it has made a huge difference.

I'm very comfy travelling in my jeans (which aren't too tight). I feel sloppy travelling in leggings or knitted pants - another type of discomfort, if that makes sense. It's my feet that have to feel VERY comfy, and I need to wear warm things because I get very cold on planes.

Is your hubby from CT?

claire

Disha, love my Prima capris too! They are coming with, but a bit chilly for the plane this time.

Angie, I know exactly what you mean about staying warm on planes. I'm always cold anyways, but cold on a plane is a whole nother type of cold. I bring big thick socks, cashmere poncho, pashmina scarf and a little packable down jacket for airports and London. And I recently discovered Icebreaker camis, they are the best for warmth. But I know what you mean, if you don't feel like you, whether that's polished or what have you, it's just uncomfortable. I'm very casual anyways so if I were too polished I would have the same discomfort.

Hubby is from a town just outside Jo'berg originally, then Capetown. We are going to be spending this trip doing the Garden Route and few days nearPlett, a game drive for the little guy, then a holiday house in Camps Bay. It'll be hot but I can't wait!

Gaylene

Veteran

I'm with Angie in using jeans as my go-to pants for a long flight. Actually, my flight outfit is almost identical to hers--jeans, cami, lightweight knit top, scarf, and jacket, except my Jag jeans don't have a waistband so no need for a belt and I'll often wear my leather sneakers instead of booties in the warmer months.

My handbag is actually TWO Longchamp Pilages--a larger tote size and a smaller handbag size. The tote is folded in the handbag size until after security. Once I am through security, I pull out the tote-size bag and use it to hold my smaller bag and necessities for the plane trip. The Pilage tote stays at my feet so I don't need to go into my carryon in the overhead compartment for the duration of the trip. Once I am at my destination, the tote size gets folded back in the handbag Pilage so it is readily available if I need to carry groceries or other purchases, or need to stash a coat or scarf as the day progresses.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I haven't flown that long, but I have done 16 hours with 3 kids under 5 (glad those days are over) and it is pretty surreal. I like to take off my shoes on long flights so I make sure to bring very thick socks and shoe easy to slip over them for when I need to get up. Enjoy your trip!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OH. SO FUN. Greg is Capetonian, and we've been up the garden route many times - Knysna and Sedgefield, and stayed in Plett too. Camps Bay is stunning, although we spent more time on Clifton 4th Beach. The Waterfront and surroundings was our stomping ground. You will have a ball. Your little guy will love it. Have Cape Farmstall seed loaf with lots of butter for me.

I like the way you wrap up on a plane, crackers. High five. Why the heck must it feel like the North Pole on a flight?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

High five, Gaylene. We have a similar travelling style. (Another reason I like to wear jeans is because they are robust, warm, and hide dirt).

Shevia, travelling with 3 kids under 5 for 16 hours. You deserve medal. (I wear warm socks too).

claire

Shevia you deserve a medal! My DS a good traveller and has done a lot of flying but I'm so glad he's a bit older now. It's exhausting travelling with little kids, another reason for being comfortable!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hah, crackers. I think we posted at the same time. xo

claire

Angie, we cross posted! Last trip we stayed right across from Clifton 4th beach! My son was addicted to the granadillo lollies from the vendor at the steps, every day after lunch

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I know those granadilla ice lollies well. Tart and sweet. PERFECT.

claire

Gaylene I love the Longchamp bags too. This trip will be bagpacks though for the three of us for traipsing around London, then some hikes in SA. I found a cute flowered Lululemon one though Really, another jeans lover? I will have to give this more thought, if the two of you endorse it must be more comfortable than I would think....

Angie, now I know the first thing I'm having when we get there!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like jeans for traveling on planes, too. For the reasons Angie gave, plus I usually want to have them along on a trip, and they are bulky to pack! Might as well wear a pair.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Thank you Angie and Crackers - and this was in the years before the Ipad. I deserve that medal.

soobee

Veteran

Sorry no advice here, but on reading your title I thought you meant a long flight to South Australia. ha!

Sal

Veteran

I think comfort is the main driver, with style second.

I wear either loose jeans or pants, with a tee, and a merino sweater. Shoes that are easy to take on and off. This flight to Chile was a lot warmer than most and I did not need my merino socks.

I always have a change of underwear, tee, comb, moisturiser, toothbrush and deodorant with me. I then figure I can get through another day if required.

Have a wonderful trip!

jackiec

Veteran

Sounds like a wonderful holiday you have planned!

I've always been a jeans traveller too. For the past couple of years it's been the AE jeggings which have a bit of stretch but really are like regular jeans. Then either a long sleeved tshirt or regular tshirt, cashmere sweater, and big scarf for extra warmth. I wear comfy shoes but pack extra socks in my handbag for when I take my shoes off. This year I've worn my R&B pajama jeans a couple of times on flights and they are marvellously comfy!!!

Good luck and safe travels. I agree with you about BA. We flew it once and loved it.

karymk

Veteran

I do long haul flights each year and I hate to look like a slouch for the sake of comfort. No pjs or sweats for me. So I wear a high stretch jean usually, and a long sleeved cashmere tee. I try to get away with slip on shoes if I can, just to make security fast and easy. I can always put on socks in flight. I like to have a smart looking coat with me, just for the coming and going.

I shower up real good before traveling, do my hair as best as can be done, so that when I arrive at my destination I don't feel scrappy or dirty.

I use those long trips as a beauty treatment time--But that's for another time!!!

Have a great trip. It sounds wonderful.

claire

Soobee, Australia is next year!

Now I'm kicking myself for not getting a pair of the pajama jeans at the last Shopbop sale. Jackie you're right, they would have been perfect.

Karymk, I was just talking to a friend about beauty treatments. She once put on a face mask on a long haul, sent her little ones off to sleep and woke up to screams, the face mask dried green and her little girls woke up to a scary mom!

catgirl

Veteran

The R&B PJ jeans are supercomfy but I have to say, depending on which wash you have, it may look like you came straight from an oil change.

I always wear the same thing on a plane flight - ponte leggings/skinnies, lightweight tee, long cardigan. In my bag is my Indian shawl (which is wool/cashmere and folds down to nothing) to use as a blanket and big fluffy socks for my feet. Comfy slip on footwear, which type depending on climate.

I have also done a skirt and leggings but find it gets too twisty when I am miserably writhing around in my seat trying to restart my circulation.

Jennifer

Hi Crackers: You've gotten some great advice so far on what to wear so I won't say any more about that, but I will throw in my two cents about how I deal with long flights in general. I've done a lot of flying and have my system down to a fine art.
Basically, I dress nicely for the airport (usually hoping for an upgrade!) but carry a complete change of clothing in my carry-on. This isn't just so that I have something different to wear on the plane, but also so that I have a change of clothes should my luggage not arrive at my destination with me.
After I have checked in and reached the gate, and about half an hour before boarding, I change from my nice airport clothing into my yoga pants and whatever else I am wearing on the plane. At the same time, I wash my face, brush my teeth, comb my hair, and do whatever else I would usually do at bedtime (abbreviated version, obviously). This helps to trick my body into thinking that it is actually bedtime. Then when I am settled into my seat on the plane, it makes it much easier just to go to sleep and arrive at my destination well-rested.
Shortly before descent, I take my airport clothing out of my carry-on, change, fix my hair and makeup, and voila, arrive at my destination feeling, well, if not like a new person, at least refreshed.
If you are not a fan of long-haul flights in general, I recommend trying this - it may make things more comfortable for you.
Have a great trip!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Reading this with interest, as I always struggle with what to wear when travelling. And then I can never remember what I did and if it worked :). We are heading to Hawaii in March, which is a full, loooong day going and an overnighter and all day returning.

I'm curious about those that travel with a cashmere sweater or cardi. Do you not find them hot? I always end up a stinky sweaty mess because at some point I've had to rush somewhere. I tend to wear cotton or thin merino wool tees on top, with a hoodie or something like that. I've also only been on one flight that I remember as being chilly... when I flew to the South Pacific. All Canada/US/Europe runs have been very comfortable.

Jennifer

Elizabeth P: My plane attire consists solely of things that can be thrown in the washing machine and dryer. I don't trust plane bugs and would not want to sully my cashmere with them.
I am one of those who is always cold on planes, so layer with cotton, fleece and a washable pashmina-type scarf.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Yes Jennifer, that too. Far too many spills have happened to wear "good" clothes, or ones you NEED to have in good shape when you arrive. In my world...

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