Wearing the right outfit can make a big difference on a long flight. Many hours in a cramped environment with different climates at your origin, destination and in the air makes for tricky choices. And while comfort is paramount, looking scruffy is not acceptable (no sweats or tracksuits please!). You will also want to think about those few minutes of chaos at the security checkpoint.

Here are some guidelines for being both sensible and stylish: 

• Don’t wear light colors that show up dirt and grime.
• Wear wrinkle resistant tops like stretchy jersey and mesh knits that you can wash as soon as you arrive. Their quick-drying and crease free nature is an added advantage. Stay clear of rigid linens and 100% cottons that crumple and don’t stretch.
• Wear stretch jeans or stretch pants and avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of a belt (one less thing to worry about as you move through security).
• Dress in layers and be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout your journey. Start of with a camisole or tank top so that you can peel right off to this last layer if you need to. Top it off with a wrinkle free knitted top, cardigan, hoodie or stretchy jacket. Wear a trench coat instead of a jacket and look uber chic.
• Wear soft underwear and avoid scratchy lace and underwire discomfort.
• Avoid high heels and stick to flat slip-ons like fashion sneakers, ballet flats or loafers. Pack a pair of socks for the flight if you’re not wearing them when you board.
• Bring along a pashmina that doubles up as a blanket. 
• Pack a fresh top to change into just before you land.
• Carry a large dressy tote that zips up on top as your handbag option. It can double up as your everyday handbag on holiday.

Dressing appropriately and practically when you travel on long flights is essential. Travel economy but look first class!

Part of me encourages you to have plenty of frocks because there’s nothing quite as feminine as the perfect dress. But dresses aren’t always the most sensible solution. Running after small children, commuting long distances by foot and rushing around on a busy day often demands a practical pair of pants, jeans or walk shorts. Wearing the right shoes with dresses is an added consideration (which might increase your preference for pants when you have finicky feet).

A wardrobe full of dresses isn’t necessary unless you love them. But it’s a good idea to have at least the following two that make you feel great and can be whipped out of your wardrobe at a moment’s notice: 

1. Formal dress – formal occasions creep up unexpectedly and it’s frustrating to scramble about at the last minute because you have nothing to wear. You therefore need something that serves as a Little Black Dress in your closet. It doesn’t need to be black, plain or long. You’ll have filled the gap as long as the frock is dressy, flattering and versatile.
2. Day dress – wearing a casual frock instead of jeans, pants or walk shorts on a glorious summer day always makes a lovely change. Day dresses can be worn absolutely anywhere. Don’t feel that you need an occasion to wear a dress. Make a statement with a  flirty frock whilst you work or play and watch those heads turn.

Check you wardrobe and make sure that you have at least two dresses that fit the bill. It’ll make you feel fabulous and fabulously prepared when the need arises. 

The bra baby is a “revolutionary new washing system that protects your finest intimate apparel from the wear and tear of the washing machine”. It’s like a hard, plastic, oval egg shell that encages the bra and prevents it from being squashed, stretched and agitated during washer/dryer spin cycles.

This sounds like a good idea for the washing machine, but I’d still refrain from putting my bras in the dryer. Elastic does not like excessive heat no matter how well you protect it on the outside. The heat causes elastic fibers to contract and then break down, making them lose their elasticity (which is also why we should never tumble dry our jeans).

Good bras can cost up to $90 a piece and caring for them is essential. At $19.95 for two, the bra baby might be worth the expense (as long as you continue to hang-dry your bras).  I’ve been using the bra bag for years, but perhaps it’s time to update the way I baby my bras. Have you tried the bra baby? If so, leave a comment and let us know how it worked out.

The height of the average American women is about 5 feet and 4 inches. This leaves her with ample shopping opportunity for pants in  petite and regular departments where inseam measurements range from 29 to 32 inches. But what are the options for the tall girl who stands at 5 feet 8 inches and taller? It’s even harder for her to shop for pants when she wears heels and wants to sport the correct pant length.

European chain stores are an option because they generally manufacture regular pants with longer inseams from 33 to 34 inches (the average European women is taller), but there are bottom options for tall girls in the US too:

• David Kahn jeans have inseams of 35 to 36 inches
• Other denim brands like DKNY Soho, Diesel, Citizens of Humanity, Mavi, Joes,  Fidelity,  Seven for all Mankind, Silver and Paige come in longer lengths with inseams of up to 36 inches
• Gap, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer and Ann Taylor Loft stock items in longer lengths (34 to 36 inch inseams)
• Victoria Secret’s regular pant lengths finish at 34 to 39 inches
• Express has on-line purchasing options for pants with inseam measurements of 35 inches
• Brands like Womyn, Jones NY,  Marc Jacobs and  Goldsign make pants with seam lengths that vary from 34 to 37 inches

If these inseams are still too short, try the Tall Girl shop and Long Legs where the inseams are as long as 38 inches. Stand tall and embrace your height!

Goldsign wide legged pants with 37 inch inseams (Nordstrom), Joe jeans with 35 inch inseams (Nordstrom) and Gap khakis with 36 inch inseams.