People-watching can make long layovers go by faster but some travelers need to think twice about their distracting outfits before heading to the airport. Not dressing appropriately can result in too much attention for the wrong reasons.

But even more important than what is appropriate to wear at the airport is what’s smart to wear when you arrive at your destination. My travel uniform includes comfortable jeans, a clean tee, jacket and dark sneakers. Works every time.

 

You Shouldn’t Wear..

Pajamas

If you can read this, you are not a toddler and have no excuse to wear pajamas in public transit. We all want to be comfortable while traveling, but come on! What’s worse than one person looking ridiculous down the concourse? This week I saw a family of five wearing one-piece pajamas with footies. If they had a dog the poor thing would have been wearing it too.

Kids on a Leash

Human rights, anyone? Wearing a leash for a few years should be your lifestyle choice not for your parents to decide.  Besides being disturbing it’s also hilarious to watch kids trying to escape the leash. So instead of giving everyone on the concourse a good laugh, parents need to find some other way to tame their children. The sound of my parents’ voices always made me come to a halt. What happened to those days?

Crazy Costumes 

Nothing says ‘TSA, LOOK AT ME’ like obnoxious gear. An oversized flapping hat will set off security signals down the hall. If there’s one place that you want to look normal, and not questionable, it’s at the airport-it will make your trip a lot smoother. Save the costumes for Halloween or Mardi Gras.

Heels or anything open-toe

Another great amusement to watch is a female trying to break-in new heels at the airport. Don’t do it to yourselves- it’s not worth it. You never know when you’ll find yourself rushing to a flight- even if you time everything out perfectly or think you’re Lady Gaga on pumps, remember, even she trips and falls. Running is always better on an even, level plane. Anything open toe is also too vulnerable, even for guys. Airplanes come cold now and nothing says comfort like wearing socks.

Mini Skirts

I have seen guys wearing skirts in the airport but I’ll leave that under a crazy costume no-no. Short skirts in the airport are a bad idea all around. Thanks for giving the guys at the concourse bar a good wake up. But ladies, for your dignity, warmth and safety, you shouldn’t travel in revealing attire.