I Flew First Class From Rome to NYC—6 Outfit Mistakes I Avoided to Look Polished

Earlier this month, when I pulled up to Rome's Fiumicino airport, it wasn't in an outfit I'd normally wear to board a 10-hour flight. In fact, you'd probably guess I was heading to the office or a lunch meeting if it weren't for the roller suitcase I had in tow. But when I had the opportunity to travel in business class for a work trip I was taking to Europe, I jumped at the opportunity to update my typical travel uniform for one that would help me dress the part of a frequent business-class flyer.

I wore the trousers that I wear to the office most days, the ballet flats I'd worn out to dinner the night before, and the designer handbag that's usually already packed deep in my luggage. In other words, it was a far cry from the athleisure staples I usually opt for. But without sacrificing comfort, I made a few key tweaks that looked far more put-together but ultimately still felt just as relaxed as if I were wearing sweats. It should go without saying, but I'm by no means telling you what you should do. Instead, I'm simply filling you in on the styling choices I personally made to look and feel my best. 

Here, I'm sharing the six outfit swaps I made for an ultra-polished airport ensemble. So no matter what your seating assignment is like, read on for my business class travel outfit tips that will have you looking your best for the next time you head to the airport.

First things first, I knew I had to ditch my leggings. Don't get me wrong, I still wear them on most short domestic flights but in order to dress the part for business class, they were the first things I skipped. Instead, I wore a pair of ultra-relaxed trousers that so roomy they're equally are as comfortable as any leggings or sweatpants. On my outbound flight, I wore a pair of relaxed jeans that had the same effect. 

A pair of cool flats like ballet flats or loafers is a solid option instead of sneakers and, what's more, they're easier to slip on and off to get through security and during the flight when you want to get even comfier.

For most business and first class tickets, you're allowed more carry-on bags than you are for economy. So instead of stuffing all my essentials into one personal item, I kept wearing my Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag as a small personal item, but also carried a tote for my laptop plus my roller suitcase. Carrying a third bag that only held small items like my phone and passport felt like such a luxury but ultimately helped my outfit look for polished and considered and I noticed I wasn't the only woman who did so. Others boarding in business class also carried their smaller luxury handbags in addition to any larger totes.

Hoodies and sweatshirts are fine and all, but a cashmere or wool-blend sweater is usually just as comfortable but for me, it made a world of difference in my overall look. I wore the Francis Sweater by Éterne and now it's a fixture in ever suitcase I pack.

Jewelry is the last thing I put on, so when I'm heading to the airport I usually forget to put it on. I made a point of wearing all my everyday jewelry like my tennis necklace, small hoop earrings, and thin stacking rings (while also skipping anything too chunky or uncomfortable). I think it helped add a finishing touch to pull things together.

Layers are key for any transcontinental flight, so I opted for a trench coat as a light layer atop my sweater. Now that it's getting to be winter, though, I'd wear a tailored wool coat for something thicker to lend some structure to my overall silhouette.