Cabin class: as designers look to the skies, joining the jet set has never been so appealing

Emma McCarthy gets on board with the long haul look
Emma McCarthy5 April 2016

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, this is your SS16 flight to Costa del Style.

On behalf of the captain and the entire crew, we would like to welcome you on board what is scheduled to be spring’s hottest fashion destination.

Please ensure that your seatbelt is fastened and your tray table is stored in an upright and locked position while we take you through the correct procedures for first-class trolley dolly style.

Yes, air stewardess chic is taking off as this season’s high-flying trend, with everyone from Prada to Chanel checking in on their runways.

And as well as being ripe for a pun, the season’s unlikely style icon also throws up a host of practical workwear wardrobe solutions.

Here’s your fast-track ticket to joining the mile-high style club. Have a safe flight.

Baggage reclaim

There are few better qualified to advise on luggage than those who handle it for a living. The official guidelines? Practicality is key. Because no matter how good your packing skills, you can’t squeeze a toothbrush and passport into one of last season’s incy-wincy micro-bags.

Chanel SS16 (catwalking.com)

At Chanel, models wheeled out carry on-sized monogrammed trunks - coming soon to a business-class lounge near you - while those who prefer to travel light should touch down at Prada for some structured and sensibly-sized arm candy.

Sky-high heels

While we may not share the same altitude, air stewardesses and the capital’s working women do have a common affection for a comfortable court. This season’s high-rise, low-heel styles are essential for tackling cobbled streets and turbulence alike.

Head to Topshop Boutique for options in pale pink or mustard suede, Zara for ecru leather and COS (above) for black block-heel versions - very BA World Traveller.

A head for heights

With the possible exception of Pharrell Williams and the Queen, no one wears a hat as well as cabin crew. While the classic pillbox may be a trifle too obvious, Coco Chanel’s signature boater — reimagined in pavé crystal herringbone for SS16 - is your passport to topping off the jet-set look.

Gucci SS16 (catwalking.com)

Gucci’s Alessandro Michele is also navigating statement headgear in the right direction with his line of striped and crocheted berets.

Suits you

Searching for a new season uniform? Consider the skirt suit. Boxy, Sixties-style two-pieces - think Pan AM, minus the white gloves - are cruising to the top of wish lists this spring.

Prada SS16 (catwalking.com)

Miuccia Prada reinvented the classic with Seventies wallpaper shades, bold stripes and see-through pencil skirts (not something we’d suggest braving onboard a Ryanair flight), while Jeremy Scott put safety first in his spring collection for Moschino with skirt suits recrafted from hi-vis jackets.

NB: you get bonus points if your suit matches your handbag (see Chanel).

Final checks

Nothing says “I’ve got my s*** together” quite like an expertly tied scarf.

The accessory of choice among image-conscious cabin crew and street style peacocks alike, a neckerchief - red and white paisley is currently miles above the rest - is the chicest way to upgrade your style.

Team with a cashmere crew-neck or denim shirt and preferably not the skirt suit you’ve just purchased, unless you can also recite the in-flight safety demonstration on command.

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