What would you wear on a business flight?

[Onlyrainbows]

A few of my colleagues (including my boss) and I are going to a conference in the US. We're all flying together and I've never met these guys before. I was going to in what I call "smart joggers" and a nice cable knit jumper and a coat.y DH thinks this is beyond casual and should about wearing something else. I'm all about looking smart but it's a transatlantic flight and comfort to me is paramount. Do you think I'll look too dressed down?

The White Company is my standby for comfortable but still chic

www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Palazzo-Trousers/p/A00755?swatch=Navy

They are not smart joggers - they are just joggers. Whilst you can wear what you want in business class if travelling with colleagues in business class I wouldn't wear those. There are other comfortable types of trousers like drawstring waist linen trousers or even leggings as long as they are worn with longer length tops that would be smarter but also comfortable.

How often will you change plane? Remember that luggage might go astray and you might have no time to get something appropriate to wear before your first meetings.

Pre covid (and hopefully back to normal soon) I was a very frequent long haul flyer. I couldn't give a toss what anyone thinks I look like on the plane, I'm all about comfort and not getting a DVT, so its leggings, long vest and hoody or sometimes a maxi skirt, zip hoody and top plus compression socks. If I thought I'd have to look smart the other end for some reason, I'd take something in my carry on to change into at the airport while waiting for luggage, but that is always my last ditch option

Those joggers aren’t smart in any way, they’re just tracksuit bottoms
However as you won’t actually be ‘doing business’ on the plane id just wear something comfortable and not give it a second thought. Leggings and a long top for me with a cardi to layer over the top.

I would wear dress down Friday attire. Instead of joggers find something in another fabric with non cuff hems that has plenty of stretch like joggers, so they look more like casual trousers but are super comfy. Nice comfy stretch top but one that would not look out of place under a suit jacket. Nice cardigan could be tied over your shoulders to add to the smart casual look. Flats or loafer shoes, that can easily be slipped off and on - take socks in your carry on to put on when your relaxing and not moving around the cabin.

Linen trousers are going to look like rags after a lh flight.

Your outfit is fine OP.

I like those Palazzo trousers but won't they go creasy? Can anybody recommend decent looking leggings?

@bluefloweronyellow

The White Company is my standby for comfortable but still chic

www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Palazzo-Trousers/p/A00755?swatch=Navy

Haha, this is almost exactly what I looked like last time I flew!

Just wear what's comfortable OP.

I would swap the joggers with a pair of decent leggings if you don’t want to wear jeans. I love jeans, don’t find them uncomfortable so I wore them all the times on flights.

I would wear a smart top and a jumper or cardigan, temperatures can be warm or cold so something to take off while looking decent is good.

I’d avoid synthetic fabrics on a plane. The static can be nasty plus if you ever had the misfortune of being in an accident they could melt onto your skin (I’ve had this and it’s not pleasant!)

I think your outfit sounds perfect.

@MaizeAmaze

I'd wear something like these wide legged trousers a decent teeshirt, and a cardi. Probably with black trainers. So not that different to your version, but possibly a bit less tracksuit looking bottoms.

These look smart but very comfortable. I agree.

Forgot to mention that I'm shortish 5ft2 and somewhere between a pear and a true hourglass. I have big hips for my overall size (I'm mostly an 8 but if fitted around the hips I'm more of a 10) so as much as the wide legged ones look great I think I'd look stupid

Agree with others OP that if you're looking for smart joggers, those aren't them.

The palazzo pants are viscose so not stretchy.

The M&S ones are better and I'd get them as a back up but look for a palazzo in jersey.

Or the leggings suggestion above with the long cardi and warm socks.

Wear what you want to be comfortable. Literally no one will give a shit. If you feel really strongly about it wear jeans but take the joggers to change into.

I would wear palazzo pants and a comfy top and long cardi. Not an underwire bra. Slip on shoes. Laces are a pain if you have to take your shoes off.

Nice socks!

@headintheproverbial

Wear what you want to be comfortable. Literally no one will give a shit. If you feel really strongly about it wear jeans but take the joggers to change into.

Yep. This.

www.marksandspencer.com/mia-slim-ponte-ankle-grazer-trousers/p/clp60125687?color=BLACK#intid=prodColourId-60122354
www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-straight-leg-trousers/p/clp60461069?color=DARKNAVY#intid=prodColourId-60461069

Personally I'd be tempted to go full track suit and at least be comfy!

That said my flying outfit is usually a combination of stretchy black jeggins, a top and and a an oversize cardi with a scarf.

If you wanted to look a bit smarter, what about a thin jumper-dress with leggings or tights and a wrap/scarf for warmth?

The best leggings are lululemon align. Seriously comfortable, flattering, wash well and last AGES.

Me&em is good shout for comfortable joggers / bottoms.

Top: thin layers (vest or tee then a jumper in merino / cashmere, planes get freezing), big shawl and a good bag you’ll be fine.

I cannot bear palazzo pants, partly because my hideous boss in the noughties wore them on repeat, but also the hems pick up all kinds of crap (literally in an aeroplane bathroom)

@MaizeAmaze

I'd wear something like these wide legged trousers a decent teeshirt, and a cardi. Probably with black trainers. So not that different to your version, but possibly a bit less tracksuit looking bottoms.

This. I'd not wear joggers with elasticated bottoms. There are plenty of soft / jersey material trousers with normal bottoms or alternatively wear good quality leggings, tunic/cardigan or jumper and boots with a nice coat / jacket

Last trip I wore some black cashmere joggers, a plain white tee and a camel coat and white trainers.

I'd go with jeggings and a smart jersey tunic style top/dress then socks and boots snd a big cardigan I think - layer up and a long sleeved t-shirt in hand luggage if I get to warm maybe in that lot and folding slippers

Prior to Covid I /we travelled to the US a lot (family in LA, DIL also from Texas) I always wore a lightweight polyester type dress with boots and a comfy cardi, stowing away a smarter coat. The dress would never crease, even after many hours, the boots would cover my flight socks when I got off the plane.
So I would get off the plane looking very tidy!