I can spot the Milan flight at baggage claim before anyone speaks. It isn't the luggage.
It isn't about dressing up
No one boards a nine-hour flight in heels. What they skip is the other extreme too: no leggings, no joggers.
The shape never changes
Same silhouette they'd wear to lunch. Only the fabric changes, so it can sit still for nine hours.
It was never about strangers watching
A real waistband that doesn't need re-tucking. A knit that won't crease after nine hours in a seat.
Land looking like you left an hour ago
One top with structure, one tailored trouser, one belt, one bag doing double duty through security.
Pack the trouser that started this
Cut close enough to look finished, cut loose enough to survive the flight.