Airports are without equivocation the best place to people–watch; folks are coming and going to and from all corners of the world.
I was on a flight recently, and my plane was delayed, so, I had a couple of hours to fill. I got settled in a central, highly populated location (the food court) and I people watched. Well, more specifically, I looked at what people were wearing. Maybe I should re-phrase that, I was appalled by what people were wearing.
There was a time when flying was a big deal. Generally families went on vacations and they drove there. Flying on a plane was special; so, you dressed appropriately, a lot like church. These days flying is treated as ordinary and people dress the same way. First rule, except for actual athletes, no one should be wearing sweats. I understand wanting to be comfortable, however, you look like you’re going grocery shopping as opposed to taking off on the adventure that flying can be.
I like to think of it like this: if you want things to be different in your life, dress for it. Dress for the life you want to have. If you treat flying like an adventure, it will be. Create drama and mystery about why you look so great.
My friend and I took a trip to Palm Springs about a month ago. It is very hot and very sunny in this desert resort town. So, she got us these great big hats. OK, she also got them because they were totally fun. The trip started out with a bang just from the reactions of the people at the airport. People stared, some pointed, we could feel their eyes on us as we walked by. My friend took particular pleasure in telling people we were going to a big lesbian event. Eventually we just decided on, “it’s because we’re fabulous.” It was easier and people seemed to like it as an answer.
I generally don’t wear big hats and heels when I’m traveling. I do make sure that my clothing is comfortable, my shoes come off easily, my clothes are in good repair and, most importantly, I also dress like I have to meet someone that I want to have a good impression of me. I have met CEO’s, bank presidents, athletes, actors, new clients, the list goes on. I have never been concerned that I didn’t look appropriate when meeting them.
My buddy Alecia Hardesty struck up a conversation on a plane with a guy and now she’s begun a new business venture. When an opportunity for growth, understanding, knowledge, adventure, manifestation arises, don’t you want to look good? That shot that you’ve been asking for, it’s right now, on your way to vacation, a funeral, a weekend in Vegas. This is like a life interview, not for the job you want, for the life you want. What’s the first impression you want to make?
No matter what is going on in your life, when you get on a plane, a good portion of that life is left behind. You have a certain freedom of expression and openness for adventure when you fly.
Try it next time. If you wear a hat and sunglasses in DIA, someone could mistake you for a movie star. Maybe it’s not a mistake, maybe you just hadn’t been dressed for it.
