What the Hell is Happening at the Airport?
Okay, I have to ask you something...
I mean REALLY looked around while you're sitting there waiting for your delayed flight, sipping that overpriced coffee?
Because if you have, then you've seen what I've seen.
And it's not pretty.
I'm talking about people who look like they literally rolled out of bed, grabbed whatever was on the floor, and somehow made it through security. Pajama pants. Flip-flops. Shirts with mysterious stains. Hair that hasn't seen a brush since the Clinton administration.
Now look, I'm not trying to be mean here. Maybe these people had crazy mornings. Maybe their alarm didn't go off. Maybe their dog ate their good pants.
But here's the thing that really gets me...
This didn't used to be normal.
When I was growing up in the late 60s and early 70s, people DRESSED for travel. My family put on their good clothes to get on an airplane. So did everyone else. Flying was an event. You showed up looking like you gave a damn.
Somehow, we've completely lost that.
And I think I know why...
The Great Comfort Con Job
Somewhere along the way, we got sold this idea that looking good and being comfortable are mutually exclusive. That you have to choose one or the other.
That's complete garbage.
You know what's comfortable these days? EVERYTHING. We've got stretch fabrics, moisture-wicking materials, shoes that feel like slippers but look like real shoes. The technology exists to look amazing AND feel like you're wearing pajamas.
So why does everyone still look like they're heading to their couch instead of their gate?
Because comfort became an excuse for not trying.
Here's What Really Happens When You Show Up Looking Good
I'm going to be straight with you about something...
When you respect yourself enough to put in even minimal effort, the world treats you differently.
Not because people are shallow (okay, maybe a little), but because how you show up tells everyone exactly how much you value yourself.
And when you value yourself, other people start valuing you too.
I've seen this happen over and over again:
- You feel better about yourself (obviously)
- People respond to you with higher quality energy
- You get better service everywhere you go
- You attract more interesting conversations
- You look like someone worth knowing
The Airport Experiment
Don't believe me? Try this:
Next time you travel, throw on whatever's closest to your bed. Notice how people interact with you. Notice how you feel walking through the terminal.
Then, on your next trip, put on something you actually like. Something that makes you feel good. Notice the difference.
I guarantee you'll see it immediately.
The gate agent will smile at you differently. The person next to you on the plane might actually start a conversation instead of pretending you don't exist. You might even get that upgrade you've been hoping for.
It's Not About Being Perfect
Look, I'm not saying you need to show up in a three-piece suit to catch a flight to Cleveland.
I'm saying show up like you give a damn about yourself.
Wear something you like. Run a brush through your hair. Put on shoes that weren't designed for mowing the lawn.
Because here's the truth: Average is invisible.
And you're not average.
You're someone who plans amazing trips, builds businesses, creates memories, lives a life worth living.
Work Hard. Play Hard. Travel Well.
Stylishly Yours, Anne
P.S. - And hey, if you need help figuring out how to look good AND be comfortable while traveling, that's literally what I do for a living. Just saying.
