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Airplane-fashion challenged

K.M.

Veteran

In need of suggestions for my airplane-travel sartorial challenges:

I
need to wear compression stockings for long airplane trips because of
my varicose veins. I can only wear the thigh-high stockings with the
silicone band for a variety of reasons.

This presents a few problems:

1. The silicone band shows through thin fabrics and body-skimming clothing
2. Even nude tights are obviously visible, so I can't wear cropped pants or summery dresses or skirts

I
would love to look more put-together but still comfortable when I
travel, but I find it difficult. I usually wear one of my two old trusty
Bettona Classic pants from Athleta (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=819227122)
in black or heathered plum. They are comfortable for overnight flights and disguise the silicone bands well. They also transition easily weather-wise (I often travel to the Southern Hemisphere, so go from sweltering summer to cool weather and back).

However, lately I've been feeling frumpy in these pants. I pair them with slip-on sneakers, a short-sleeve t-shirt, and a midweight cotton sweater. I don't really feel fab, although I feel functional (I need to be comfortable on my feet because I often travel with my young daughter, so lots of walking, carrying, helping etc).

I would love to un-frump my travel look. I'd welcome any suggestions on how to:

A) Style the Bettonas in a better way

and/or

B) Find other bottoms and pieces that could work with the compression stockings, weather transitions, and comfort needs

Thanks for any ideas, examples of pieces, etc!

Gap Bettona Classic Pant

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2

Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

A third option would be compression socks that you don't have to hide.
https://www.rei.com/s/compress.....res%3Anull

Laura G

Veteran

I don't see anything in the Find for the pants that makes me think frumpy. What is exactly that bothers you about your flying outfits?

K.M.

Veteran

fashiontern, I didn't know about these! I will look into them. Usually knee-highs aren't enough for my veins because my issues run higher, but perhaps these might work. They are very cute!

Laura G, I will try to post a picture of myself later. The challenge with these pants, at least to my eyes, is that the fabric (a thick stretchy blend) looks a bit too casual for dressy shoes. Or perhaps I haven't found the right dressy shoes. All I can think of pairing them with are sneakers, and in turn this makes everything look casual. Same for the tops. I pair them with fitted tees, a look that worked ten years ago but now looks dated to my eyes. (I think I also need some fresher-looking tees.) Perhaps there are other tops that would work with them and I'm just not thinking of them...

karen13

Veteran

I have multiple pairs of the Bettonas and they have been my go to travel pants for both planes/trains and touring days. Can't beat the comfort and .....great pockets!!!

I actually tapered them a bit so they are more of a straight leg on me, which helped a bit in styling. This thread sort of shows one of my pairs with the straight leg. https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....yslant-hem

But I too have lately been looking at them a bit more critically and wondering what can be done to improve the style, so i will follow this thread with interest.

delurked

Veteran

I have a Bettona boyfriend I've worn for travel. Because they were wider at the leg, I wore them with my moto boots. That won't work for spring/summer though. I've also got a metro slouch pair (I never wear them cuffed though, always looks like a straight leg).

Since I've been looking at black non denim pants for this fall, I'm attaching finds of some things that have worked for me. I'm still deciding what I'm keeping though, since I don't need all of these options. Have you tried ponte pants? Would that work with your compression needs? The Athleta are more casual, but the ponte, depending on the fit, can skew dressier. Seems like a slim/straight fit may be what you're after. And very comfortable for long travel. The Eileen Fisher don't have back pockets, which I like for keeping my phone.

Gap Metro Slouch

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Vince Camuto Ponte Ankle Pants

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4

Eileen Fisher Slim Ponte Pants

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Gap Wander Skinny Pant

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Traci

Veteran

Kind of out of the box, but I wonder if you can't find cuter compression socks, if you could find cute knee highs to layer over your nude compression socks. That could really open up your silhouette options.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Another sports thing that might work, if you can find the right pair that doesn't look like you're heading to a match, could be compression leggings. Or is that too high? https://m.dickssportinggoods.c.....-pants.jsp
Note that although the title of the section I linked to is "compression pants and tights", not all of these are compression. It gives an idea of what there is, but you'd want to choose pretty carefully and try several
pairs on to see if the compression is right for your needs.

K.M.

Veteran

karen13, thanks for sharing--that's so interesting! Your Bettonas look great with their slimmer bottoms. I guess we identify both in our love for Bettonas and in our recent critical eye! I think part of it is changing fashions. The Bettona silhouette was so prevalent in the mid-00s. Perhaps it's now aged. Now widelegs are coming back--and I love them--but not the same look as the Bettonas.

Delurked, your finds are great! You are right that ponte would work well--I bet the silicone band wouldn't show through, and I love the fabric. I can also see ponte pants being a staple beyond travel!

Traci, I'm intrigued by your suggestion of layering socks. Would you envision this with pants, dresses, skirts?

fashiontern, I had no idea about these compression garments. I've been wearing the medical stockings for so long I didn't know athletic clothes also had compression. Compression leggings would be just wonderful because then I could just wear them on their own with a tunic. I'll look into them to see if they might work for my finicky veins!

delurked

Veteran

Also wanted to add, I think being able to change the shoes from an athletic pair (even if just a slip on) could really change how you feel about the look. So finding the right silhouette to adjust the shoes could be key for you.

K.M.

Veteran

Delurked: Yes!!! You are totally right. A huge part of my frumpy feeling is coming from the sneakers. Nothing against sneakers and athleisure, but I haven't mastered the look. I'd love to find a pair of good-looking shoes that are not sneakers but are comfortable enough for long trips, running to connection gates, lugging bags etc.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I'm curious to hear if the sports compression things work. I had never heard of them until my son went back to basketball a couple years ago, around the same time that another family member started needing compression socks to deal with a side effect of some medicine.

But maybe you'll just get a pair of Clarks shoes and be set.

Traci

Veteran

KM, I was envisioning fun knee high socks, layered over your compression socks, with a comfy pair of booties on top. Above that, my first pick would be a comfy, top of the knee skimming knit dress with a soft cardigan or knit blazer over top.

I'd basically look for the dress to skim the top of the socks when you're standing, but when you move a little bit of skin would show. Here are some options. The first few rows are wild and crazy, but there are some more subdued ones in there too, so keep scrolling! https://www.sockdreams.com/soc.....-knee.html

I also think you could do fun socks over compression socks with cropped flares or even culottes...again, with cute, sensible booties. For this you wouldn't even need to find suitable over the knee socks because the part where your compression socks comes over the regular socks wouldn't show.

K.M.

Veteran

fashiontern, I think most of all I'd like to have options so it's not always the same outfit. So I'll explore any and all ideas--thanks!

Scarlet

Veteran

I sympathize with you because I have also spent a lot of the last several years in compression thigh-highs. For me it's hard to make suggestions without more of an idea of what you look like or your style. I don't see anything innately frumpy about the pants. The look like a nice option. On my last long plane trip with small children, I wore jeggings with a striped gauzy cotton blouse, drapey cardigan, and canvas sneakers.

The Cat

Veteran

I don't think these pants look frumpy. For a chic comfortable outfit for airplane-travel, I would pair them with the following (in addition to a T-shirt or other short-sleeved shirt):
- a long cardigan
- a printed scarf or a pashmina shawl
- earrings
- moccasines/loafers

greycat6

Veteran

It sounds like the Bettona's have served you well but you are ready for an update. Nothing wrong with them or the silhouette but you need a refresh. Totally understandable.

Have you considered skirted leggings? They would hide the elastic band and give a dressier look if paired with boots in cooler months.

Would you be open to clogs as footwear? I lived in my Dansko clogs when my kids were little. They are easy to slip on and off when your hands are full because no hands are required (hello airport security!). Dansko's may be too heavy looking for these pants but there are more refined versions available. You would probably need a boot cut or wider leg pant to get the proportions right. Food for thought.

I'll be following this thread closely as I am in need of outfits that work well for travel. Please keep us posted.

fathenry

Veteran

For long flights I like leggings with low heeled booties under a soft dress. Would the stockings fit underneath?Layer a cardigan and/or jacket over top and big scarf. Add eye mask and earplugs or noise cancelling headphones.

Bijou

Veteran

KM My favourite shoes for travelling are either doc martens or my gold sneakers. I find they are really versatile and can be worn with jeans, dresses etc. comfort when travelling is key. I wear my skinny jeans when travelling because they have a lot of stretch and are extremely comfortable.

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JuniperGreen

Veteran

Two things for food for thought:
- To me, crisp white fashion sneakers add a bit of polish to athleisure looks (Angie's lace Fryes are a great example. I have a slightly wider foot and like my Eccos and Converse Shorelines). If you don't mind the slight hassle of keeping them clean (leather wipes clean with clorox wipes!) they're great.

- Would you swap out the tshirt for a button front shirt? A popover or maybe something tunic length, if you're bending down to pick up luggage and little ones, can add polish and is just as comfy as a tshirt. Land's End has great non-iron ones - the finds aren't working for me right now but this might work nicely with your burgundy pants. Add a big scarf in a bright color (or neutral if you prefer) and you're golden! https://www.landsend.com/produ.....502?sku_0=::4YN

Frye Ivy Low Lace

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Ecco Footwear Womens Soft VII Oxford

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Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Slip-On

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minimalist

Veteran

Unless things have changed since I was flying a lot, athletic compression garments are very different to medical compression ones.

For warmer climes, what about silk-lined mid to heavy linen? The silk somehow regulates temperature wonderfully. Warm when you need that, and breathable when you need it cooler. Lining keeps linen at a light rumple, instead of full-on creasing as unlined linen does. Still casual, but can work where ponte doesn't.

delurked

Veteran

Minimalist - I bought my first linen pants in years. Yes, they get wrinkly, but they are so cool and comfy. I got navy, and the wrinkles don't bother me too much. I am thinking of wearing them on a warm weather car trip, so that shows how comfy I find them. I have cropped ones, but they also have a few full length ones I've seen, which likely makes the compression socks more workable.

Gap Linen Ankle Pant

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Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I think the boot-leg silhouette of the first pants posted does look a little dated. If you want to stay in the knit pants arena, I'd look for something that's slimmer through the leg, and maybe with a slightly less sweatshirty fabric. I recently picked up these ones from J. Jill that are made of tencel/poly/spandex and have a dressier vibe.

I used to fly a lot in loose knit dresses. I liked the lack of restriction on the midsection and the ease of them. If you could find compression stockings nice enough to show you could layer, or look for a maxi-length dress or skirt. I've got a plain black knit maxi-length skirt which is perfect for long trips because you can tuck your legs under it and/or not worry about flashing people.

Pure Jill Luxe Tencel pants

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Minimalist, I appreciate your response, because I've been wondering about that.

Laura G

Veteran

Boy, I can't imagine wearing dress shoes on a plane. For me it's strictly some kind of soft slip-on, to be replaced after takeoff with my softest and warmest socks. Planes are so uncomfortable that my only concern in flight is self-preservation!

Sorry, I realize this is no help to you, but I see you're getting some excellent suggestions from others, anyway.

Lisa

Veteran

I really like your current pants. I'm a big fan of dressing up on outfit by adding a denim jacket. The denim has a casual vibe and often pairs well with sneakers for comfy footwear on a plane.

K.M.

Veteran

Traci, thanks for the Sock Dreams link. I didn’t know this
website, and I adore whimsical socks!

Scarlet, thanks for the sympathy… I don’t wear compression
stockings daily but I should. I had to wear them every single day when pregnant—that’s
when I discovered the thigh highs (as the maternity ones were not comfortable).
That really reduced my maternity fashion options. Also at the end of pregnancy
I needed one of those contraptions to help me put them on!

The Cat, I hadn’t thought of a long cardigan—will give it a
try!

Greycat6, perhaps you’re right that this is a matter of
needing a refresh more than anything.

Fathenry and Laura, the soft dress is very appealing. It
would also let me easily remove the stockings upon arriving at a hot
destination. I recently saw the Betabrand airplane dress (whatever that’s called)
and thought it looked interesting, but the long-sleeves would make it less versatile.

Bijou, those gold sneakers are very cute!

JuniperGreen, I love the idea of the popover shirt. I could
use a few in my everyday wear, too.

Minimalist and delurked, I love linen! I will look for lined
ones. I have a pair of unlined ones that would be too thin over the stockings.

Laura G: yes, my concern in planes has been mostly
self-preservation! Now if only I could make self-preservation look a bit more
fab…

Lisa, I’ve been considering a denim jacket for a while. That
might add more structure and I would like that.

Thanks everyone for the insights and suggestions! You almost make me look forward to my next overnight flight so I can try out your advice...