Fashion etiquette: what not to wear in a confined public space

Getty Images
Getty Images

Yesterday I was flying back from vacation in Miami and took notice of my plane neighbors...and was horrified. I totally understand people wanting to be comfortable while traveling, and even let my "fashion rules" slide. Normally I don't think people should wear sweatpants in public, but hey, if you're sitting in a cramped seat for a few hours and prefer to cozy up in a Juicy warmup suit then go on, girl. That said, there are a few rules of fashion etiquette that I believe should never be broken when in a confined public space.

  1. Taking off your shoes. Just because everyone does this does not make it OK. Taking off your shoes in public is gross! Whether you're wearing flip-flops, high heels (stilettos on the plane? Maybe if you're Victoria Beckham), or even sneakers, there is no reason your shoes should be removed. Feet smell and have all kinds of germs. And that airplane carpeting? How often do you think that is cleaned? The sporty girl sitting next to me kicked off her flip-flops and proceeded to rub her feet around on the metal parts of the seat in front of her for the entire flight. I found myself gagging and forced myself to look away. Not cool.

  2. Guys in tank tops. Not to discriminate, but men have hairy armpits, and forced exposure to B.O. in a close proximity is no fun for anyone. Save the wrestling tanks for the gym, please.

  3. Big hats. The woman in front of me was wearing some headgear that would be best appropriate for the Kentucky Derby. I don't know if she was trying to get attention, hide from strangers, or avoid wrinkling her hat, but I never was able to see her face. Or the movie screen. Ugh.

  4. Swimwear as clothing. Yes, I was leaving from a tropical locale, but there is no beach at 30,000 feet. Instead there are 8-year-old boys trying to sneak glimpses of the lady eating her peanuts in a bikini top and sarong.

Do you believe in fashion etiquette? Are there certain things that simply should not be worn in public places like an airplane?