| Ask Mary Lou |
Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!
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For September, 2006:
Q: I have been a subscriber for a long time and thoroughly enjoy receiving your newsletters. I also am a huge fan of your book and recommend it to everyone I know!
I am hoping you or one of your associates can help me with a question today. I am going on a trip to France in September. I am looking for suggestions as to what I should wear as my "travel outfit" for the long overnight flight. Any help you can give would be most appreciated!
(Editor’s note: Special thanks to Organization By Design, Inc. fashion consultant Elizabeth Fragala for answering this month's question.)
A: Thanks so much for your interest in our company and website. We are thrilled to have you as one of our fans!
Mary Lou forwarded me your email as I have a number of clients who travel abroad for business and pleasure and have traveled quite a bit myself.
Comfort is key during long flights. There are several options for travel clothing depending on your personal style. Knits are always great, but stay away from thin cotton knits that wrinkle easily and tend to sag at the knees. Eileen Fisher makes great knits that hold up well — the wide, flat elastic waistband on her pants and Capri's are comfortable and flattering, and she has nice options for unstructured jackets. Or you can pair one of her solid bright colored tops with black or brown knit Capri's and a wrap — great to put over your shoulders or on your knees if it gets chilly on board.
The key to looking great is choosing pieces that are fitted — a knit shirt with a collar for instance. Stay away from elasticized waists that bunch up and add bulk.
Another idea that I put together for a client recently is a Capri's, t-shirt and zip sweatshirt outfit from Niketown (www.nike.com). Their workout wear is sleek, so my client picked up a black/white outfit in her size for the gym, and the next size up for traveling. Be sure to pair the look with sneakers that are equally sleek — the 'retro' sneaker look is a perfect match. You can find them in department stores or online — Puma has some nice versions that you can find even in Macy's. The final touch are sneaker socks that cannot be seen above the sneaker — essential with Capri's.
On a final note, I have a client who has always dresses up when she travels — and whenever the airline needs to bump up someone to first class, inevitably she is the person chosen.
I hope this helps! Have a wonderful trip to France!