"the plane! the plane!"

It happens in the life of every college student- the inevitable. That day must always come, where a young adult must take responsibility, muster up all of their courage, breath deeply, clench their firsts- and board a plane.

Ok, so maybe it's not all that dramatic for everyone else- but it sure is for me. I hate to fly. Mainly because I hate heights- I have a hard time boarding the escalators at the Providence Place Mall. (Yes, I do travel out of Beantown every now and that- an amazing fact.) Or maybe it's because I've watched far too many episodes of LOST. Either way, come take-off, I'm scared out of my mind and watching my entire life flash before my eyes.

Other college kids, I know press their noses to the window like a puppy and stare out as the ground gets smaller and smaller- ugh, just thinking of it makes me sick.

But let's not kid ourselves here- love it or hate it, flying is not always the greatest experience. There are the famous "before flight rituals" in which you get to spend some quality time with the Logan Airport security, American Airlines staff, and fellow passengers. There are the early mornings, the long lines, the million and one security checks, and the waiting. Oh, add Dunkin Donuts workers to that list.

For a fashion point of view, you cannot afford to pass on your clothing. As the old saying goes, you never know when you're going to meet the love of your life. Well, not to be too much of a "girl" about it, but with so many people coming in and out of the airport at once, I'd say that chance is increased in a terminal. You gotta look good...just in case.

StyleDiary showcases numerous urban outfits, and usually travel is something worth mentioning.

"Travel outfit. I wore this on a flight Sunday. While walking through the
airport, a man came up to me and said he liked how I dressed."

Early flights seem to be the most common, especially on spring break. So, unless you pull an all-nighter the night before, you're going to be sleepy and lazy, regardless of how excited you are. That pair of torn sweat pants, hoodie and muddy adidas sneakers are going to look REALLY good at 5:30am. But no- stay strong, stay with the jeans and layers.

Depending on where you are traveling, try to dressing accordingly. Since most Bostonian college students migrate towards warm weather the week of Spring Break, let's just assume your destination is my second home, Orlando, Florida. Naturally, when you step off the plane, that bulky jacket isn't going to do you much good. And in case you're not convinced, imagine dragging your luggage AND that big jacket around the Sunshine State. Not all that appealing of an idea, is it?

So my advice- layers!!! Light, yet durable. Something you can peel off and stuff in your suitcase in baggage claim. Track jackets, zippered hoodies, cardigans, henleys or oversized pullovers work just fine. Stay clear of scarves of heavy gloves- "magic gloves" (the ones that stretch to the size of your hands) are perfect. Wool hats may also prove to be a bit much in the Florida sun- this is a good chance to sport your Red Sox baseball cap (I do recommend a hat- "plane hair" is not yet a proven theory but serves as an urban legend none the less- avoid it by covering your head).

As for pants, just stick with jeans. No matter what you wear (assuming you're not wearing a wedding dress as your top), they will always look good. And in the rare case that these March days in Florida do hit over 90, you can just roll them into capris.

This may sound silly, be smart when packing your purse/carry-on....simply because you never know what will happen to your luggage as soon as as it is taken out of your hands. Just to be on the safe side,have a few necessities with you at all times- clean socks and underwear, a hair brush, toothbrush, deodorant, hand sanitizer (because you never know!) and chapstick. Not to mention money, a calling card, cell phone, emergency numbers (written down in case the phone dies), a pen and straws. Again...you just never know.

Not everyone can afford the bright pink luggage, even when it is on sale at Kohls for under $150.00. Some of us are stuck with our parent's luggage from the 80's, and who are we to complain? It still serves its purpose, so we might as well make it work. Beyond the feelings of mortification being seen with such an accessory will cause, you must learn to recognize and love that luggage- it is your travel equivalent of a walk-in closet. If you bag is plain (unlike mine, which is bright green and purple with "LA Gear" scribbled across the side- thanks mom), make sure to decorate it with as many brightly colored pieces as possible. Go above and beyond the simple red or blue bandana, for two reasons: #1.) That crazy myth about how luggage handlers make a habit of stealing and wearing the ones they collect, and #2.) Do you ever notice how many people have those? And they're supposed to HELP you identify your bag? I would put money on it that most swapped bags are confused due to these unoriginal accessories. Stick to brightly colored ribbon, sashes, strips of fabric, garland, neck ties, belts or thin scarves. Just make sure you don't mind losing whatever it is. And try to layer as many as these decorations on as possible- best to have a back up.

Even if considered a fashion disaster, I DO recommend using an oversized hobo bag- just make sure it will fit in the overhead compartment.

Last but not least, shoes. One word: comfortable!!! Comfort really is your first properity. As impossibly fresh and stunning as you may want to look when you step off the plane, it won't be very glamorous if you fall all the way down the stairs when unloading the plane because your heels are too high. And you want to be able to walk this week while on vacation, right? Stilettos will not leave your feet feeling all that fabulous, much less looking the part. No matter what time your flight, being at the airport will involve a LOT of standing in line, so be prepared.

And try to wear some sort of slip-on shoe. Thanks to increased security, passengers must now take off their shoes when passing through the check points and send them through the x-ray machine. You don't want to hold up the line while you unlace your knee-high boots. Wear something practical for the occasion.

And that's all I've got! Don't forget your ticket and ID/passport - and of course, to spend all your money on fabulous souvenirs for your friends! (aka....me)