17 Comments

My sister was one of the original Pan Am stewardesses. They had to be weighed before each flight, their girdles snapped as proof of following regulation dress code and they had to be single. I still feel like flying is a special occasion and I try to dress comfortably but chic. 🦕

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Mother and her training is always in her child's head. There may be moments when you think she's gone from your head and then you realize she's still there. Finally, the day comes when you are happy for the memory of your mother and her teachings. Enjoyed the story.

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I was forced to wear GLOVES when flying as I child but I still dress up to fly which admittedly is not hard these days.

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My mom was the same. Full on matching outfit.

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Flying as a child in the 1960’s I always had an “airplane dress” with a matching coat. Not only was flying an Event, one wanted one’s offspring to look cute for the grandparents meeting the plane.

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I really enjoyed your column today. You're a great writer! Just love all the detailed visuals (the prim dress with red piping--and so much else!). And YES to Baby Reindeer. Loved it.

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Thank you!!!!

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My trick to packing (just returned from three months in Madrid) is to limit myself to two colors...in my case, olive and black. That way everything matches and there are an infinite (or at least many) possible outfits.

I also dress up just a little to fly. (If you look like you belong in first class, they just might put you there.)

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Dressing up to go on an aeroplane was mandatory as was the case when going to the movies, theatre or to the city. Times have changed, comfort seems to be the key, but hey let’s face it, I have so many “good” clothes that I will find any excuse to dress up these days, especially after being locked down for so long during Covid.

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Love this piece! I still dress up for travel and would never expose any skin other than what is necessary. Brr and ewww!

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I so loved the stewardesses and their outfits as well! Your columns bring me great pleasure which is in short supply in my inbox — thank you! And going back to rain gear and travel, check out my good friend’s fantastic, packable rain gear: Rainraps.com

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It never fails, I read each piece with a warm smile on my face! Have a great trip! Xo

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My mom and your mom must have secret friends back in the day. I remember the first time I didn't "dress" to fly and it felt weird and freeing at the same time. Love the Tibi top, and I agree with you that comfort + looking smart is key, and there are so many options these days. Loved this post. Go moms of the past. Oh! and the packing in 1 carry one bag: I've been doing that for years and it gets easier. One trick my husband and I use that makes coming home super easy (minimal laundry to do): we wear and pack things we're not fond of (still fit well and look great) and then donate them to the hotel staff when we're done wearing whatever it is for the day. A great way to do this: we shop at the best thrift store where any piece of clothing is $1.29/pound, which means designer clothes (of which there are many), run about $.80 a pop. Works like a charm! Best part: one comes home with a nearly empty bag.

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Love the way you write

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Your Mom sounds wonderful every time I read of her. My Mum too had an appropriate sense of dignity which meant I mostly wore clothes that didn't suit me or feel comfortable to be in until my 20s! The issue of packing for travel is concerning me right now. It seems strange to take half ones home wardrobe to,say Paris,where shops selling clothes are not rare. So,this may be an option.

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From the golden age of aviation to a period where doors are flying off of planes in the sky and the company that manufacturers the planes is firing and/or murdering the whistleblowers who are trying to hold them accountable… 🙃

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Oh, lord, yes to being covered up on a flight! I've always found planes to be a bit chilly and can't imagine having anything exposed except my hands and face (and even my face is now masked, LOL!)

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