Welcome to First Class Fridays, the weekly series you won’t want to miss!
Each Friday, I’m revealing the travel outfits that turn heads at the airport, the insider tips that make jet-setting effortless, and one small luxury that elevates your entire journey. Whether you’re planning your next escape or just dreaming of one, these Fridays are about to become your favorite. Set your reminder—First Class Fridays, every week.
Travel Outfits | Women Over 40
This week’s travel outfit proves that sophisticated style doesn’t require sacrificing comfort. I’m showcasing a fall-ready ensemble built around the perfect camel jacket—that brilliant hybrid of shirt and jacket that’s become my travel uniform essential. Layered over a butter-soft cashmere sweater in a complementary neutral tone, this combination creates a polished look that transitions seamlessly from airport to arrival.
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The foundation? Dark wash wide-leg jeans that give you room to move (and breathe) during those long flights. I’ve paired them with leopard print flats—because a classic animal print adds just the right amount of personality without trying too hard. Notice how everything works in a cohesive neutral palette with that one statement piece. The structured black-and-cognac tote pulls it all together, offering both style and function for your in-flight essentials.
This travel outfit formula is brilliant because each piece works overtime. Too warm on the plane? Remove the jacket. Chilly at cruising altitude? Layer all these pieces. The beauty is in the versatility, and trust me, you’ll want to recreate this formula for every fall and winter trip.
This Week’s Insider Travel Tip: The Shoe Test
Here’s a travel secret that seasoned travelers swear by: never wear shoes on a flight that you haven’t walked in for at least two miles. Not one mile. Two full miles, minimum.
I learned this the hard way on a red-eye to London when my “comfortable” loafers left me hobbling through Heathrow many years ago. Now, I have a non-negotiable rule: every pair of travel shoes gets a proper test run at least a week before departure. Walk to the coffee shop. Stroll through the grocery store. Run your Saturday errands in them. Wear them in your house as your slippers. You get the point- wear them and break them in so you know they will stand the test when you really need them to. Your feet will tell you everything you need to know.
The truth is, airport days aren’t just sitting days—they’re walking marathons. From security lines to gate changes to customs to ground transportation, you’re covering a serious distance before you even reach your hotel. And if your shoes aren’t truly comfortable? That gorgeous trip you’ve been planning becomes an exercise in endurance from the moment you land.
My shoe criteria for travel:
- Supportive enough for four hours of walking
- Easy to slip on and off for security
- Stylish enough to wear straight to dinner if needed
- Already broken in—no stiffness, no rubbing, no blisters
I just shared The Best Walking Shoes for Travel. Be sure to check it out.
The leopard print flats in today’s outfit? I’ve had them for two years. They’ve walked through at least a dozen airports and have never once let me down. That’s the kind of relationship you want with your travel shoes.
Bonus tip: Keep a pair of compression socks in your personal item for long-haul flights. Slip them on under those pretty flats once you’re settled in your seat. Your legs will thank you. This has been a game changer for me.
This Week’s Small Luxury: Layered Gold Jewelry
This week’s small luxury is all about the power of delicate, layered gold jewelry—specifically, a signature necklace that becomes your travel uniform staple. Notice the simple layered gold pendant in today’s outfit? That’s intentional. One beautiful piece that you never have to think about.
This is my go-to brand for travel jewelry, Carden Avenue. I typically won’t buy cheap costume jewelry for traveling, as I don’t want it to tarnish or not hold up to pools, spas, and beach days. These pieces are water-resistant with a 14k gold fill. I never take them off, not even to shower, and they look as good as the day I received them.
I am wearing their Sami Link and Rolo Chain, Saint Christopher pendant, the Large Golden Link bracelet and the Reina Rolo Chain bracelet.
There’s something so effortlessly chic about a woman who wears the same elegant jewelry every time she travels. It becomes part of her signature style—a small but meaningful detail that elevates even the simplest outfit. Think of it as your travel talisman, the piece that grounds you no matter where in the world you land. If I am traveling, these pieces are with me.
Why this works for travel:
- Timeless versatility: Delicate gold layers work with absolutely everything, from casual denim to evening wear
- Zero decision fatigue: You never have to think about what jewelry to pack or wear
- Investment quality: Choose pieces in solid gold or gold-filled that will last decades and won’t tarnish mid-trip
- Sentimental value: Over time, your signature piece collects memories from every journey
Where to invest: Look for dainty layered chains with simple pendants—circles, initialed discs, or minimal geometric shapes. The key is keeping it refined and understated. This isn’t about bold statement jewelry; it’s about that quiet luxury that whispers rather than shouts.
I never travel without my signature jewelry. These pieces have been photographed in Paris, Zurich, Venice, Monte Carlo, Palm Beach, NYC, and worn poolside in Vegas and St. Kitts. Every time I put on these pieces, I feel polished and put-together, no matter how early the flight or how tired I feel.
Pro tip: If you’re investing in travel jewelry, choose 14k or 18k gold or gold-filled that won’t irritate your skin during long flights. Keep it simple enough to sleep in—because on those overnight flights, you won’t want to fuss with removing and storing delicate pieces.
What’s your go-to travel shoe? Have you found your signature travel jewelry piece? Drop a comment below—I love hearing what works for you!
First Class Fridays
That’s it for this week’s First Class Fridays! Test those travel shoes, recreate this camel outfit formula, and consider investing in that one perfect jewelry piece that will travel with you for years. See you next Friday for another dose of elevated travel inspiration. Until then, happy travels!
In case you missed my previous First Class Fridays posts:
