Pilot Wife Reveals 9 Outfits That Actually Work in Middle Seats
If you’re stuck in middle seats, you need these 9 Travel outfit ideas.
All 9 outfits will be comfortable. Your job as a passenger will be to choose the colors that you like and pants that fit your midlife style and body type. As a pilot wife we flew standby until everyone started flying again, and I have learned what not to wear for those cramped, small airplane seats.
The number 1 outfit idea is strategic for travel.
Cardigans worn over a neutral colored shirt serve you in the cramped airplane seat as well as while on vacation.
It can protect your shirt by buttoning it up.
It can be worn over a second shirt while on vacation.
Wear a blouse under your cardigan or a t-shirt.
Travel tip is to wear your bulkiest shoes on the airplane.
Travel outfit number 2 is comfortable for the flight and has water-repellent if you need that for European Christmas Markets.
The pants come in 3 lengths.
Wear a non-spongy fleece pullover for the cold airplane. This aqua colored fleece is high quality for retaining body temperature while still being thin during a flight.
Pack it in a compression cube with a pair of undies and 2 pairs of socks, and use it as a pillow during the flight. It’s a strategy to have essentials if your luggage gets lost by the airline.
Depending on your vacation destination, choose your t-shirt wisely. For Europe and even airplane outfits, I stick to short sleeves from my experience. If you will be skiing, pack the long sleeve shirt.
One travel tip before I show the next outfit is to wear pieces from your airport wardrobe another time during the vacation with other pieces.
The third outfit is another that is strategic for travel.
The third outfit is strategic for travel.
For carry-on packing reasons, I will many times wear jeans with 2 features:
- Elastic waistband that has tummy control
- Bottom of the jeans cannot touch the floor of the lavatory nor will it drag puddles or moldy smog covered pavement in New York City or Phoenix, Arizona.
These jeans have barely a bootcut, which means I can wear them with sandals, sneakers, or boots.
The Wit and Wisdom brand holds your tummy in but the waist can stretch. So comfortable!
They are true to size. I am over 50, size 10, wearing a 10.
I have added a scarf to this outfit just because it is Fall while I film this. Traveling with a scarf that has color is a way that I can wear neutrals that coordinate with other outfit looks.
These black jeans also have the stretchy waistband with tummy control and the legs are stretchy for knees that touch the airplane seat for the entire flight. They are so incredibly comfortable! And they are good with either of these waterproof boots that feel like a tennis shoe! I sized down half a size in the black bootie and still have some room.
For Fall travel outfits, this pattern is adorable. It’s blousy without being heavy and pulling your shoulders forward.
Cramped airplane seats means getting into your personal item bag can be difficult. Do not miss my best carry-on bags video!
Shoe Ideas
Ankle booties are waterproof for later in my vacation. My strategy is to wear them for the flight so they do not take up space in my carry-on bags.
These 3 shoes are waterproof and so very comfortable for travel. They fit like sneakers!
But if you just want sneakers, these are water-resistant.
Travel outfit number 4 is to wear a vest
Wear a shirt with this travel vest in your airplane seat for 3 reasons:
- Can hold a small crossbody bag or kindle. But you can also pack valuables in there without adding bulk.
- The benefit is that you as the passenger squeezed in the seat can pack less in your carry-on suitcase.
- Travel tip: Take the items out when you get to your seat.
The same company also makes a rain jacket that is more like a coat. It’s waterproof but heavier if you want warmth.
Outfit number 5 is wide leg pants or ponte fabric
These are so totally comfortable for sitting. I like a striped or solid tee in this outfit.
Wear sneakers or, while on vacation, try this ballet flat with pearls. And the strap can stretch! Since I usually add a cheap insole if I will be barefoot, I stuck with my normal size. I tried the 8 since they were from Amazon, and they fit fine, but the strap was tighter. So wear your true size. Add a scarf for a light layer inside the airplane.
Number 6 travel outfit is an elevated sweater
This cotton cashmere sits on your waist but drapes beautifully and can look dressy or casual. It comes in 7 other colors.
I sized down to a Medium and like that fit better for me. I am 5’8” size 10.
When you lift your arm, people cannot see down into it. Nor does it show your tummy when you put luggage into the overhead bin.
The 7th airplane outfit is another 2 piece set.
You have to check if your pants are too long. You may opt for the cropped version, like I showed above. I love this Spanx look-alike with fabric that feels 90% the same. They have around 20 colors. But the pants are too long for the flight, so I could wear them another day. And I will wear this green pullover with jeans or my other joggers for the flight.
Travel outfit number 8 is a classic airport style.
The cashmere sweaters are on major sale at Nordstrom Rack! I packed my red one for my summer cruise to Greece, and I wore the bright blue one in South Dakota and in the airplane in July!
The 2 reasons these are travel outfit essentials is they can be worn in cold airplanes while being super lightweight like when I flew to Greece in August!
They are bouncy and super soft against my skin for when I wear them all by themselves. There is not the slightest itch!
The 9th outfit is very lightweight.
A flight attendant spilled half a cup of water on my khaki ones and they were dry within the hour. They tie at the calf, or you can leave the straight leg but tie them. They will not drag the floor when sitting.
Travel tip: wear what you want, but be strategic with the pieces you choose to wear for the flight.
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For travel outfits, I am 5’8”, size 10, and usually wear a Large.