These Are the 9 Worst Things to Drive In

What talk a lot about what to wear and what not to wear in certain situations (i.e. to the airport and the office), but it's high time we delve further into an oft-skipped-over activity that we spend a lot of time doing: driving. When you're strapped in behind the wheel, your movement is already restricted, and you need to allow yourself as much movement as possible in order to react quickly. The last thing we all need is our clothing and accessories hindering us. Which brings me to the subject of what not to wear when driving.

Personally speaking, I've been driving for 18 years. That's a lot of time for driving wardrobe mistakes to happen. Thanks to my trial and error over the years, I've concluded that certain items need to be avoided when getting behind the wheel—whether for comfort or safety reasons. Keep scrolling for my crash course in what to avoid wearing when driving and shop pieces that are alternatively ideal for driving.

Avoid: High-Heel Mules

Ultra-high heels are best avoided when driving, in general, but especially backless ones that can slip off of your feet. Instead, keep a pair of sturdy flats like loafers or sneakers in your car.

Avoid: 100% Cotton High-Waisted Jeans

They may look cool, but sitting up straight behind the wheel in a pair of high-waisted, rigid jeans always leaves me with major wardrobe regrets. Instead, do yourself a favor and wear a pair with some stretch in them.

Shop My Favorite Stretch Jeans:

Avoid: Stiff Leather Jackets

Wearing any sort of stiff, tight jacket that constricts your movement is a definite mistake. The wheel isn't going to turn itself. Instead, choose something with some give, like a sherpa jacket.

Shop a Comfy Sherpa Jacket:

Avoid: Flip-Flops and Slides

As is the case with mules, backless sandals can slip off of your feet. Sandals are also dangerous because they can get caught on the pedal. If you have to wear sandals, opt for ones with an ankle strap.

Shop Sturdy Flat Sandals:

Avoid: Miniskirts

Miniskirts can make moving your legs trickier than usual, and bare skin against very hot or very cold car seats (they're always either one or the other, right?) isn't exactly pleasant. Instead, simply choose a longer, looser skirt.

Shop a Car-Friendly Midi Skirt:

Avoid: Bulky Scarves

I'm always tempted to wear the warmest scarf I own when I'm driving somewhere in the winter, but said scarf regretfully makes me feel like I'm wearing a neck brace. Now, I opt for a thin cashmere scarf, which is surprisingly warm.

Shop an Affordable Cashmere Scarf:

Avoid: Wide Belts

Similar to the aforementioned stiff jeans, a wide belt around your waist can feel like you're wearing a corset when driving. Go with a thin, subtle one instead.

Shop a Thin Belt I'm Coveting:

Avoid: Light-Colored Shoes 

This may seem odd, but as you'll see in this story our EIC did a few years ago, driving in light-colored shoes can ruin them, leaving obvious black scuff marks on the heels.

Shop Shoes You Can't Ruin:

Avoid: Lots of Layers

I love layering. Layering is essential. But when I'm driving, I feel like I'm in a straight jacket when the layers are piled on. Instead, I opt for warm pieces so I can keep things simple with just one or two layers. 

Shop a Simple, Cozy Piece:

Next up, what not to wear through airport security.