The conversations about “dressing up” or “dressing well” while flying are not about trends. There’s actual research behind why getting dressed with intention works, and the research explains the powerful impact your clothing can have on your day.
The Research Is Clear: What You Wear Shapes How You Think and Perform
Studies consistently show that what you wear, your clothing, can influence:
- Your cognitive performance
- Your confidence
- Your body language
- Your perceived credibility
- Whether people trust you within seven seconds
In Nature Human Behaviour, Oh, Shafir, and Todorov found that individuals wearing “richer-looking clothing” were consistently rated as more competent. The book Cues, by Vanessa Van Edwards, highlights that 93% of communication is nonverbal, meaning people form opinions about you before you ever speak.
This isn’t about being fancy, uncomfortable, or wearing the latest trends. It’s about being intentional with your wardrobe and how you show up every day.
What you wear can have a measurable impact on your day, your mindset, your interactions, and your opportunities.
Why This Matters for Flying (and Everywhere Else)
Every day, even travel days, can set the tone for what comes next. Whether you are traveling to give a keynote, attend a board meeting, go on vacation, or see family.
Choosing to put something on that gives you confidence and helps you look pulled together is a strategic choice. You can absolutely be comfortable and polished at the same time. They aren’t mutually exclusive. I recently worked with a client who was traveling for a big event, and I reminded her that when she’s on a plane, she doesn’t stop being the CEO of her company.
Research shows that how you dress affects how you feel and think, regardless of where you’re going.
When you dress with intention, you’re already one step ahead of the day.
Mindset Shift: Small Wardrobe Edits = Big Internal Shifts
I’ve worked with men and women who defaulted to a “comfy outfit” or leggings at home because “no one will see me.” When they took my No Legging Challenge and wore real clothes for five days, they all said the same thing:
- “I was more productive.”
- “My energy changed.”
- “I felt more confident.”
Every single time. Why?
Because when you get dressed with intention, you send yourself a message.
Because when you get dressed with intention, you send yourself a message.
You are worth showing up for. The ripple effect shows up everywhere: phone calls, meetings, communication, performance, opportunities, and how you carry yourself.
As You Head Into 2026, Ask Yourself:
Are your clothes supporting your goals?
Are you:
- Looking for a raise?
- Positioning yourself for a promotion?
- Stepping into a leadership role?
- Hoping to land bigger clients?
- Wanting more recognition or visibility?
What you wear isn’t going to replace your competence or expertise, but it’s going to highlight who you are, and it may very well influence how your competence is seen. Showing up as the expert matters, even in airports. It may sound exhausting or like too much work, but when you have the right pieces, it can be easy.
Three Practical Ways to Elevate Without Trying Hard
1. Choose travel outfits that balance comfort and polish.
Soft knit pants or jeans, a structured jacket, a clean sneaker or boot, and/or a lightweight sweater in a fun color can instantly elevate your look without sacrificing comfort. You feel better, move better, and walk off the plane ready, not rumpled.
2. Pick pieces that reflect the message you want to send.
This is straight out of Chapter Two of my book: Your brand never sleeps. Whether you’re walking the dog, joining a Zoom call, or boarding a flight, you can still show up. Instead of feeling overwhelmed when you get dressed, you may find yourself having fun wearing your “nice” outfits.
Don’t let autopilot dressing cost you opportunities.
3. Audit your closet before 2026 begins.
Ask yourself:
- What pieces make me stand taller?
- What pieces make me feel small, frumpy, or invisible?
- What clothes reflect the leader I am becoming?
Remove anything that drags your energy down. Wear what lifts you up.
The ROI Is Real
I mentioned in my last blog that Neil Patel spent $162,301 on clothing and tailoring in one year and generated $692,500 in additional business because he closed more deals, bigger deals, and people wanted to be in the room with him. They wanted to know who he was.
You don’t have to spend anywhere near that, but the example proves that when you dress like an expert, people are going to listen. They will want to know who you are.
Your style is a strategic asset, whether you are a stay-at-home parent or a business professional. What you wear can impact your day. Filling your closet with clothes that fit, that you love, that give you confidence can make getting dressed easier, not a chore.
Ready to Step Into 2026 with Intention?
If your wardrobe isn’t aligned with who you are and where you’re going, it may be holding you back.
- You can absolutely be comfortable.
- You can absolutely feel like yourself.
- But you can also show up as the person who’s ready for the opportunities you want.
Your clothes can make that shift happen faster. If you’re ready to elevate your presence, reach out to learn more about working together one-on-one or bringing The Style Advantage presentation to your team. Email: info@turnkeystyle.com