I Enjoy Dressing in a "Rich" Style When I Travel—These 7 Essentials Instantly Elevate My Status by Three Tax Brackets.

      As a regular traveler and fashion editor, I believe I've mastered the airport outfit—balancing function with comfort while maintaining a chic and luxurious appearance. Although I've previously mentioned my aversion to leggings during travel, I'd like to delve deeper into how I craft my airport outfits to project an image of wealth. It’s said that looking polished can increase your chances of an upgrade, and I’ve certainly embraced that notion. After accumulating enough points from several international trips last year to achieve premier status, I've enjoyed business class upgrades on multiple occasions. Each time, I've learned the importance of dressing the part, and even when I find myself in seat 34B, I still strive to appear as polished as possible. It's a blend of personal style and a touch of hopeful thinking—I never know when an upgrade might come my way!

      Regardless of whether I’m taking a red-eye flight to Europe or a quick connection to visit family, I've developed a sort of luxurious-looking airport uniform that I rely on. From suede flats to silk pants, here are the seven items I wear to consistently appear chic and elevated while traveling.

      **Maxi Coats**

      First and foremost: opt for a striking coat, preferably textured and floor-length. This outer layer, when styled correctly, can conceal whatever is underneath, allowing you to look fashionable even if you're actually in sweats. My go-to for frigid winter journeys is the Nour Hammour reversible faux-fur jacket, which stands out on its own, although a classic trench or wool coat is also quite effective.

      **Silk Pants**

      I rarely wear jeans and feel too casual in leggings while traveling, so I always choose elevated "soft" pants instead. My preferred choice is silk bias-cut trousers that radiate luxury while feeling as comfortable as pajamas. A pull-on style is convenient, but when paired with a crewneck sweater or a tailored button-down shirt, it looks extremely sophisticated.

      **Suede Shoes**

      Chic flats are a must-have for me. While sneakers have their time and place, when I want to enhance my "rich" aesthetic, I choose luxurious flats—currently, I favor suede options like loafers or ballet flats.

      **Cashmere Sweaters**

      If I’m not wearing a cashmere sweater, or if I don’t have one with me or over my shoulders while navigating the terminal, am I even at the airport? Seriously, a cashmere piece is the hero of my travel wardrobe, serving as a cozy in-flight layer that surpasses any flimsy airline blanket.

      **Birkin-Like Bags**

      The importance of a statement bag should not be overlooked, much like a dramatic coat. My go-to personal item is typically my DeMellier New York Tote. This Birkin-esque style, with its spacious design and elegant gold closure, conveys a sense of wealth regardless of what I'm wearing.

      **Crisp Button-Downs**

      I often start with a white tee beneath my airport layers, but when I want to elevate my look, I opt for an oversized button-down shirt worn untucked or unbuttoned over a fitted tee.

      **Oversize Sunglasses**

      A pair of oversized sunglasses is the fastest way to invite A-list assumptions as you wait in line at the TSA checkpoint—the more retro they are, the better. They convey the message, "I’m trying to avoid being spotted by paparazzi."