Hard to believe it now, but once upon a time people actually dressed up for air travel. Today, as you know, anything goes. John Mariani, a world-famous food and wine journalist, reminds us in his newsletter The Virtual Gourmet, dressing up for the flight and during your trip has its advantages.One of Mariani’s more thought provoking suggestions in the course of his article is to consider how you look to the concierges, front desk clerks, fine dining restaurant hosts, and others you will encounter in the course of your travel. In one section he writes that showing up at the counter in a jacket and, preferably, a tie can work wonders with the gate and flight attendants in getting you a bit of preferential treatment.
While I agree that looking good can help you score little favors, free upgrades seems a rather tall order these days. I do have to admit that John Mariani in full splendor is quite a site to behold. At the first of what would be many more industry lunch meetings for this journalist in Manhattan, I was quick to notice an exceptionally elegant man with a distinctive, fitted suit, gorgeous tie, and silk handkerchief in his pocket who looked as if there was an invisible valet behind him, keeping him polished, crisp, and free of lint. Though I knew John Mariani’s work by name, I didn’t realize it was him until the first round of formal introductions.The incredible importance of being absolutely the best-dressed person in the room was made clear to me on that momentous day. A well-dressed individual exudes an air of confidence and makes others curious to learn more. Mariani’s look is uniquely his own. Though it’s rare to see the impeccable, airbrushed male suit models in magazines like GQ and Esquire in “real life,” Mariani approximates this camera-ready style.
Article comments
1 - melvin polatnick
Hi Marisa
Dressing well conjures up an image of formality and we imagine wearing the most expensive business attire. But the term "dressing well" has many shades to it.We must first Dress for the situation,a person wearing a tuxedo would be out of place going for a swim off a hot beach.So before we start to put on clothes we must always think about where we are going.Dressing well in this example is a situational one,but it covers only one part of the subject,"Dressing attractively"covers the other part.To dress well also means dressing attractively and this requires good taste.Before buying any clothes, spend some time in front of the dressing room mirror,and ask yourself the question: If I wear this item will I be dressing well?,if the answer is yes,you wont be wrong.
2 - marisa d'vari
Good point, Melvin - thanks!