I’m always excited to jet set. Part of the fun is the actual act of flying. My head is filled with the retro-glamorous images of the 50s and 60s, when commercial flying was an occasion to dress for. Of course, it’s a little different these days. We have to be prepared to strip, be searched and sit in a cramped space until we reach our destination. My question: What ever happened to traveling in style?

It was almost appalling to walk through Lambert airport on Friday morning. Since I was flying anyways, I thought that I might be able to capture some ’street style’ victims for my blog , but all I found was a plethora of bad sweat suits, Crocs and lackluster business attire in color palettes resembling a dirty dishrag. (Of course, there were pops of brighter tones, but almost none on a person older than 13.)

OK, I understand that people want to be comfortable while flying, but I think most people forget they are going to be seen in public. It was no wonder flight attendants complimented my mom’s pale yellow trench or my straw fedora and mustard colored Sperry Topsiders. We were dangerously close to being the only people that looked like we had gotten dressed for the day.

It makes me sad to think that in America’s time of war and recession, we as a nation are dressing the part. The airports looked more like a fashion gas chamber than a thoroughfare of positive, forward-thinking citizens. Looking our best on a daily basis can never be a downfall. We have the potential to meet important people everyday. Look at Kate Moss. I’m sure she wasn’t wearing sweats when she was first discovered walking through JFK International Airport at the age of 14.

Personally, I prefer the paparazzi-dodging, young Hollywood look for my aerial adventures: complete with large sunglasses and messenger bag full of fashion periodicals. I feel it’s the best way to look like myself, while having a bit of exaggerated fun with my accessories. Now, I may not look like the ideal GQ traveler, but I’m not blending into the monotonous background of airport pajamas, either.

All I’m saying is that we should take a little pride in ourselves. The airport may not be anywhere close to the fashion runway, but we can still show some personality in a crowd. We should at least counter the fact that we paid too much for our airline fare and celebrate by wearing something other than our bedtime best.