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Should you dress nicely while traveling?

man in a suit in an article debating dressing up or dressing comfortably on flights. comfort or style?

By Lily Kushnarova

Should you choose comfort or dress up on the off-chance you’ll get an upgrade while traveling? Deciding what to wear while traveling can be stressful, and there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of dressing up nicely while traveling.

The Pros

First and foremost, wearing nicer clothes can make you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin. When you look good, you feel good. This is especially crucial while traveling because you could encounter unfamiliar and unexpected situations. By dressing up, your added confidence can help you better navigate your environment and enjoy your travel experience more.

In terms of personal protection, it might also be advantageous to dress smartly while traveling. Since you are less likely to appear weak or oblivious of your surroundings when you are dressed nicely, you can lower your chance of being a target for robbers or other criminals.

Having a professional appearance while traveling could also help you make a good impression on others. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there is always a chance you may meet someone new who could have a significant impact on your trip. By dressing in well-fitted clothing and subsequently conveying a sense of pride and elegance, you can positively influence others’ perception of you.

Furthermore, it makes creating content and snapping brag-worthy travel pictures easier. 

The Cons

Despite these potential benefits, there are also some reasons why dressing nicely while traveling may not be necessary or even practical. One of the main reasons is that comfort is often a top priority when traveling. Long flights, train rides, or car trips can be exhausting, and uncomfortable clothing can make the experience even more unpleasant. In such cases, wearing comfortable clothing such as sweatpants, leggings, or loose-fitting clothing may be more practical and comfortable.

Another reason why dressing nicely while traveling may not be necessary is that it can be expensive. Baggy clothes like hoodies and sweatpants often weigh more than dress shirts and slacks, so not only do they take up more precious suitcase space, but they also might push your checked bags over the weight limit!  

If there is a possibility for you to receive an upgrade on your plane ticket, it most likely has to do with the plane’s availability, your flyer status, and honestly, how kind you are to the airport staff, not the clothes you wear. If everyone is yelling at the overworked airport staff after a delay and you are the one person that treats the employees with kindness and relatability, then sweatpants or not, you will probably get better treatment than the Karen in a suit. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision of whether or not to dress nicely while traveling ultimately depends on your personal preferences, the type of travel you are undertaking, and the specific circumstances of your trip. While dressing nicely can have potential benefits in terms of confidence and making a good impression on others, it is not always necessary or practical. Ultimately, the most important thing is to be comfortable, self-assured, and safe while you travel, and to make the most of your travel experience in whatever way works best for you. I personally always choose to wear my bulkiest items so I can fit more things in my suitcase.

One way to dress up any outfit, from dress shirts to hoodies, is to pop on some classic gold earrings. In two seconds you both feel and look way more put together. I seriously do not understand the magic behind that- but I know it works. If you are looking for some staple jewelry pieces to elevate any outfit, check these out: https://amzn.to/40RAiBr , affordable, classy, and simple gold earrings. I always have a pair on! Highly Recommend!

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