Time was when air travel had just that touch of glamour. Time is when the influence of influencers—be it a film or cricket star or just about any other celeb that the paparazzi is summoned to catch ‘em ostensibly unawares as they get off their car or enter any airport in any part of the country—is all pervading. We mango people follow them through our social media accounts (mostly) and lap up whatever they wear. A rather recent coinage is ‘airport fashion’. At least in India.
It is the K-Pops who apparently started this trend, and has caught up big here as one cannot but miss the cavalcade of celeb shots who thankfully have also started prioritising comfort over style. My feet hurt when I see young and the not-so-old trying not to hobble on mile-high heels as they try to ratchet up their airport style.
Style is mandatory but never allow it to hijack ease of movement, at least while travelling. Layering is key, come summer, winter or monsoon. A light jacket or stole works great when the temperature inside the aircraft verges on cold at times, and if it is a longish haul, blot out the lights when you catch up on a wink or two.
The all-purpose jeans serves well in comfort fit, too tight and you could be squirming even for the hour or two up in the air, not to forget the hours before and after.
Indianwears or indutvas like kurti+leggings or the sari make for snug wears. Youngsters are rare in the six-yard drape but the few who do, are invariably wrapped in grace with nary a pleat out of place. How they manage is beyond my ken, but the smart kitten heels and spacious tote are worth a second dekko.
Slip-on walking shoes or sneakers should be the go-to while travelling. One invariably has to walk a lot before boarding and also as one exits. Beyond our own shores, there are airports where you have to take off the footwear too during security check. A lace-up is an irritant and at times also slows up and triggers people around.
Pick your style from these wears that will help you travel in comfort: hoodies, jackets, sweatshirt, stole, tee, kurti, cargoes, drop-crotch bottoms, leggings, jeggings, regular fit bottomwears, no-show socks, sneakers, slip-ons, sliders, totes, backpack, and of course minimalistic jewellery and basic make-up.
