As a contributing editor to Condé Nast Traveler, Sofia Sanchez de Betak’s wardrobe may be out of the reach of most, but simplicity is at the heart of her style suggestions.
Just as fashion-conscious readers around the globe are cracking open Vogue’s eagerly-awaited September issue, Sofia Sanchez de Betak, Condé Nast Traveler contributing editor, reminds passengers that, with a bit of forethought, sartorial elegance can easily be achieved at cruising altitude.
Regardless of a traveler’s personal style, layers, it seems, are the key to looking good. The layered look, Sanchez de Betak explains, is great for staying comfortable in cooler cabin conditions.
“I live in layers on a plane. I’ll wear a silk nightgown…underneath a comfortable cashmere dress, usually black or beige, from Equipment or Alexander Wang. If I’m traveling to a warmer climate, I’ll just wear the slip as a dress,” she said in an interview with the magazine last October.
For cooler climates, she adds a poncho and a leather jacket, if needed. Slip-on shoes, Sanchez de Betak says, are a must. While her go-to pair is a sleek set of Dries Van Noten boots, anyone who has ever tried to shove their swollen feet back into a pair of lace-ups can’t deny that slip-ons make common sense in the cabin.
As for toiletries, she prefers to keep things simple, opting for only hand cream, face cream and lip balm.
Despite moving frequently between Paris and New York, Sanchez de Betak is still terrified of losing her luggage. “… I always carry on. I also bring a large Hermès or Proenza Schouler leather bag with a small handbag tucked inside to hold my passport, iPhone, and wallet,” she says.
Sanchez de Betak’s final tip? Airport traffic is totally un-chic. When in Paris, she herself opts for a moto-taxi out of the center to the city’s Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. It’s quick, scenic and a great way to take in the city’s sights.
While Sanchez de Betak’s wardrobe is out of reach for the vast majority of travelers, there’s no denying that simplicity is at the core of her suggestions. From easy layers and slip-on shoes to carry-on luggage and minimal toiletries, when it comes to traveling in style and comfort, less will always be more.
[Photo: Vogue]