It struck me recently while I was in Dubai airport and filling in time between flights that my fellow travellers were – generally speaking – very well dressed. Things have changed, my friends, for the better.
The sartorial style of the air traveller was once a very mixed bag, a hodgepodge of track suits and rubber thongs and grungy backpacks and tapestry suitcases held together by belts at one end of the plane, navy blazers and a Sportscraft pull-on pant at the other.
But our global experience of COVID isolation and the emergence of the athleisure trend has resulted in passengers not only being more appropriately dressed for long-haul flights but also looking far better.
Everyone seemed to have on some version of a designer tracksuit, sometimes matching, with great hoodies and pants paired with cool sneakers. It no longer looks like everybody just rolled out of bed and popped a neck pillow around their shoulders, which was often seen before.
Now all the world has these elevated casual pieces in their wardrobe that are worn 24/7, like a Birkenstock style sandal, a soft zip hoodie, elasticised pants in nice fabrics that blur the line between formal and casual.
COVID changed everything
The way our wardrobes necessarily softened up throughout the COVID years is never going to go away: no more shoulder pads, no more tight waistbands, no more scratchy fabrics.
We are dressed to take on anything now, in our puffer vests, long line cardigans, slip-on shoes, bathrobe coats. It’s all perfect for travel. Everybody feels so comfy-cosy that many don’t bother to change into pyjamas during the flight.
This new casual everyday uniform has a stylishness which stretches across cultures and genders and pay grades.
Essentially, the look is very democratic, with only the odd designer accessory suggesting you might be in the pointy end of the plane, such as a Gucci headscarf, bling sunglasses or the ubiquitous Dior Book Tote bag.
Interestingly, everybody’s luggage also seems to have had an upgrade. I normally travelled with black suitcases, me and 95 per cent of the world, which meant anxious hours at the baggage carousel watching a revolving conga line of black suitcases while going “Is that mine? No. Is that one mine?”
I recently decided to purchase a new set of luggage from the 100-year-old luggage company Antler, in a nice shade of blue in order to help differentiate my suitcases. (What is also particularly clever, is that the set of three packs inside the largest suitcase like a set of Russian dolls, which makes takes up much less space when stored at home).
Apparently I got the memo at the same time as the rest of the world because the baggage carousel is now a sea of colour pink, yellow, gold and, yes, blue. I am now very surprised at how many types of blue there are.
Here’s my new handy tip if you’re going for colour: if your carry-on bag matches your suitcase, you’ll be able to spot it more quickly.
