I'm a Model Who's Been to Over 15 Countries for Work—Meet My Airport Uniform

Jennifer Atilémile is the definition of a woman who does it all. A true multi-hyphenate, she is a model, writer, creative, activist, and intellectual. As an editor in residence, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.

When people think about a job that allows you to travel the world, they think of it being exciting and adventurous, a chance to see new cultures and have new experiences. They’re not wrong, but there’s also a downside to all the travel: the delays, the jet lag, and the fact that, for me, I’ve travelled to over 15 countries for work, and the majority of the time, all I see is the airport, the city from the taxi, the inside of my hotel room, and the photo studio. Sometimes, I’m lucky to be shooting on location, like when I shot in the streets of Cartagena or on the beaches in Bali.

So with over 15 countries under my belt, it’s safe to say I’ve taken many a flight in my time. It’s slightly concerning and I’m sure not good for me.

I have an app on my phone called Flighty, and according to the data it pulls, I’ve travelled 33.3 times around the world, taken 371 flights, been to 70 airports, and taken 157 long-haul flights.

I’ve got my travel routine down. From what to wear on a plane to how to beat jet lag, I really am a seasoned pro. Who else can get on an 11-hour flight to Paris and work on a beauty campaign the next day and look fresh? Me, that’s who, and I’m going to help you feel beauty-campaign ready too.

The first step to looking campaign ready post-flight is to get on the plane and feel comfortable. Comfortable is a subjective term because I don’t know how comfortable you really are on a long-haul flight. If you can’t sit in business and your leg room is constricted, the last thing you want is for your clothing to be too. Here’s what you should be wearing on a plane.

What I’ve learned from observing other models' travel styles and being on a plane for quite literally most of my life: