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"facebook dialogPinterest\n\n Major dilemma: what does one wear to the airport? Every time I fly I feel out of place because I'm either wearing sweat pants, which I guess is OK to some extent, or I'm wearing something like a sundress and everyone stares at me like a crazy person! I just don't get it: what is the proper attire for airports?\n\n Thank you, and happy travels!\n\n Annie in the Airport\n\n_ DEAR Annie,\n\n I'm glad you're asking about this for two reasons. For one: I devote an entire chapter of my book to travel because I really think exploring new lands, new cultures, even the new stamp museum one town down the rood is a vital experience for any well rounded person. When I was 13-years-old my parents packed me up and sent me on an exchange program to London, and I credit that trip - where I had to learn how to be alone, make friends, adapt to new cultures and so forth - for preparing me for my current life of meeting new people and going to new places.\n\n And the second reason I like this question is because you are right to be offended by the state of airport fashion today! That's what Tom Ford told me the first time I interviewed him: he found all the sloppy, schlubby young women putting absolutely no effort into their appearance very upsetting. (Legend has it, one time Ford was on the same flight as Victoria Beckham, who is always super chic in the airport. Well, she wanted to change into something more comfortable during the flight, but he forbade her to do it! He didn't want her to ruin the illusion!)\n\n Have you ever seen the Leonardo DiCaprio film 'Catch Me If You Can'? That was the golden age of travel, when men wore suits on planes - even if they weren't going straight to a business meeting from the airport - and women wore skirts and high heels. And, as Tom Ford would agree, it was so glamorous! It was so chic to fly back then. Now, by all means, I'm not suggesting that you should get a blowout before you fly, and wear white gloves and carry a hatbox. No, things have changed since then (and not just the way we dress: I can remember when you could go all the way to the gate to see off a friend or loved one). But I do think young women need to start putting a little more thought into their airport looks: no more unflattering pajamas, for one. No more exposed underwear either. Also, please brush your hair (and your teeth), and put on a bra and wear something that is both chic and sensible.\n\n \n\nThis illustration is from my book, and I think it emplifies the sorts of looks you vacillate between, Annie. While I don't think you need to wear a sundress or a prom gown, I do think a girl should dress up. And yes, it's possible to look nice and be comfortable at the same time. Well-tailored jeans or a nice pair of leggings, a shirt that fits, a smart jacket, sensible heels if they're comfortable: the pieces are out there! And I'd just like to point out one reason to look nice: the guys! Mind you, I don't think a young woman should be desperate enough to cruise terminals for hot men, but I should point out that the airport is one of the last remaining Mecca's of good guys. Hey, if they're at the airport, chances are they have a job (or the means to afford to fly) and maybe even a passport. So look nice, for heaven's sake!\n\n Other general tips? Minimal jewelry, and please don't act shocked when something metal tips off the metal detector. Be on time, layer your clothes and always back a comfy sweater because planes are always going to be cold. Also, try and look happy once in awhile. I travel a lot, so I know how unpleasant the airport can be: my security line always turns out to be the slowest one, and I always get that rude flight attendant who looks at me like I'm insane when I ask for the whole can of Diet Coke instead of just the little glass she's offering. But I'll tell you what: a smile goes a long way in the service industry. The girl that looks presentable and is friendly is much more likely to get that free upgrade than the rude tramp wearing sagging flannel PJ pants that expose her thong, trust me! Hope you have friendly - and chic - skies in your future!\n\n Yours,\n\nDerek\n\nDerek Blasberg is the editor-at-large of Style.com and a senior editor at V magazine. His first book, CLASSY, is on sale now! Blasberg is TeenVogue.com's April guest blogger; if you have questions of your own, e-mail him at TeenVogue@derekblasberg.com\n\nMore from Derek Blasberg:\n\nWhere should i shop on a budget?\n\nCheck out his book, CLASSY"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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