19 Things You Should Never Wear While Traveling

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From ELLE Decor

Oh, travel days. It's so easy to just throw on an outfit and head to the airport while rushing for a flight. But, as Meghan Markle has taught us with her various chic travel outfits, it doesn't have to be so bad. Here, we've rounded up 19 things you shouldn't wear while traveling.

Photo credit: Samir Hussein - Getty Images
Photo credit: Samir Hussein - Getty Images

1. Sweatpants

Can we all just come to one general conclusion on this one? Friends don't let friends travel in sweatpants. Time after time, I see people in gray heather sweatpants with their last name on the bum, and it makes me just want to give them an anonymous note saying, "I'm glad you're comfortable, but you look like a slob."

2. A strong fragrance

Now I love a good scent but traveling is NOT the time to be experimenting with cologne or perfume. Be respectful of the other passengers on board—they might have scent allergies or maybe are not a fan of your new favorite scent du jour. This rule also applies to bringing food on the plane. Perhaps you think twice before buying super smelly food from the food court for onboard consumption. That would be really nice.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

3. Provocative clothing

Dear Lord did I experience this while traveling recently. Women wearing low cut shirts or shorts that barely covered their posteriors. If a parent wants to cover their children's eyes because of the outfit you're wearing, take note. And if you're unsure of what to wear, just ask yourself, "What would Jackie do?"

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Photo credit: Getty Images

4. Complicated shoes

I'm guilty of this. I'm really short, and I used to wear platforms when I traveled, but boy have I learned. The more complicated a shoe is to take off, the longer the passengers behind you have to wait in security. Also, airports are large places that sometimes require a lot of walking and/or running to gates. Skip the stilettos and reach for a comfortable pair of loafers or fashion-forward sneakers. There are so many elegant options out there right now.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

5. Loud and expensive jewelry

It will set off the metal detectors. It will draw attention to you. If you MUST, just be careful.

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Photo credit: Niceguy/Bauer-Griffin - Getty Images

6. Pajamas

Pajamas are appropriate to wear when going to bed. In the comfort of your home. That is the ONLY place.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

7. Oversized coats

This is going to take up a lot of room either in your seat or in the overhead storage compartment. Pick a more considerate option.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

8. Shorts

Airports and airplanes are dirty. They are also usually really cold. Why subject your legs to that? Put on your pants!

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Photo credit: GVK/Bauer-Griffin - Getty Images

9. Flip flops

They're not sturdy traveling shoes, and like I said above airports are GROSS. If you must wear sandals choose a secure pair.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

10. Fanny packs

I know they come in and out of fashion. But at the end of the day you look like an unfashionable tourist when you wear one.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

11. Sport jerseys

If you need to rep your favorite sports team, wear a hat. When traveling, sports jerseys look cheesy and unpolished.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

12. Bare feet

On the plane, bare feet are GROSS. Put on some socks.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

13. Clothing with offensive logos

Skip it.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

14. Skinny jeans

Not only is wearing your favorite pair of skinny jeans uncomfortable on a long-haul flight, but it can also increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis or blood clots. Opt instead for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics, and if you're pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition, ask your doctor about wearing compression socks or stockings as an additional preventative measure.

Photo credit: JOCE/Bauer-Griffin - Getty Images
Photo credit: JOCE/Bauer-Griffin - Getty Images

15. Contact lenses

Airplanes are notoriously dry environments, boasting minimal humidity. If you're near- or far-sighted, consider wearing your glasses for the duration of your flight. Your eyes will thank you.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

16. Religiously offensive attire

What might pass for church clothes in the States, could very well be considered immodest in other countries. Do your research regarding cultural norms before you touch down to ensure you don't offend anyone with your outfit.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

17. Crocs

Unless you're Mario Batali, just say no.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

18. Large purses

Leave your oversized totes at home (or at least in the hotel room). Not only do small, cross-body bags take up less space, but they're also less of a temptation for pick-pockets.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

19. Your warmest sweater

Between the plane, your hotel room, and jet-setting around your destination, you'll likely be navigating multiple microclimates, which makes layering key.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

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