what to wear on a trip

Many passengers today seem to regard travel as an athletic event. Sweatpants, giant tennis shoes, and even pajamas pass for acceptable garb for moving around by train, plane, and automobile. On a recent trip, I sat by a sturdy woman wearing a rhinestone-emblazoned sweat suit that read "SEXY" across her posterior. (It wasn't.) Being comfortable has become the excuse du jour to look sloppy.

Guess what? Pilots, porters, bellhops, cabbies, and waiters have tired of the bum look too. In fact, while shooting the images for this column, three flight attendants begged us to ask people to dress better when coming to the airport. Your clothes make the strongest first impression and do influence how you'll be treated on the road. Show respect for your fellow passengers by dressing the part, and you'll be surprised by the difference it makes. Good luck out there.

-MORGAN MURPHY

THE GOLDEN DRESSING RULE

Still confused about what is appropriate to wear on your next trip? Here's my rule of thumb: Try to dress as well as or better than those who will be waiting on you. Here's an example: Many of the hotel staffers at The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne, Florida, wear simple knit shirts. At The Peabody Memphis, they're in more formal jackets. Mimic those styles, and you'll never feel out of place.

TO BE SERVED

MUST BE PROPERLY DRESSED

NO TANK TOPS

NO BARE FEET

NO ROLLERS ON HEAD

CLOTHING AND AIRPORT SECURITY

Tip 1: Loafers are faster than tennis shoes. Thanks to the notorious "Shoe Bomber," any footwear with metal must be removed and scanned. A pair of loafers slips on and off easily and will save you from having to untie and retie your sneakers or boots.

Tip 2: Blazers and sport coats help you through security. Wear a blazer with pockets that have flaps (as opposed to pocket slits), and you'll find the perfect place to store rings, hair barrettes, cell phones, watches, and keys. All coats have to be scanned, so before you get to the front of the security line, empty your metal into those coat pockets.

Tip 3: Try pearls, not nose rings, if you've been pierced like a goth band drummer, forget about passing the security wand test. Natural jewelry, such as pearl bracelets and turquoise necklaces, breezes through metal detectors.

Tip 4: Big umbrellas are okay. Yes, you could whack someone with it, but most bumbershoots still sail right through security. They are a bit more cumbersome, but if you're headed to Seattle or London, they'll save you from looking like a drowned rat.

KNOW A SAVVY TIP?

Send tips to me at Travel Editor, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201, or morgan_murphy@timeinc.com. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. For each item published, you will receive $25.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2006
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