YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Packing post

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Packing post—long. What to cut? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:36:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278287 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:01:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ La Ped, you’ve got me thinking about a little fantasy capsule i put together the other day! It’s swimsuit heavy, as usual. Andrea Iyama swim suit Patterned Esprit swim suit Red swim shorts VS ditsy pareo Talbots fuchsia linen suit (find) Lands end pink linen short-sleeved shirt Peach tank top (pic 2) Cobalt blue Nic & Zoe tank top (pic 5) White kinross tank top Grey stars tank Layered wrap skirt? (Pic 5) Jeans Paisley Oxford shirt Grey shorts Romper or jumpsuit Striped sash Black/white cotton sweater Skirt from Nan (in pictures 1-3) The blue tank is one of the things I’m thinking might work with those pants, if the camp shirt doesn’t. I’m being silly about them because of a conversation with April’s immuno pal. Other things, besides the pants, from the big list that I’m weirdly into taking: outfit in pic 6 (but I’m agnostic on the kimono), pistachio polo shirt, plaid shorts, ditzy mini & midi skirts (why am I so into skirts???), maybe the pink silk top. Bijou, good point about the skirt working for a funeral! (I hadn’t figured out until now where people were getting “black” because it’s navy) Texasgal. more shoes? Getting my garlic & crucifix! Just kidding. Are you thinking a ballerina flat would cover the same bases as both oxfords & sandals? ETA pants & shorts are at the alterations shop, other stuff at the cleaners. This whole topic can rest until next Monday. texasgal on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278286 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:53:18 +0000 texasgal 2278286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Re packable flat shoes, I tried these from Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TLPMDR9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T.....ct_details</a> They are an inexpensive Rothy’s equivalent. They were surprisingly comfortable and stylish, esp for the price. I returned them because I decided I didn’t need them, but they are an option. I know how you feel about Amazon, so maybe look for similar elsewhere. Bijou on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278284 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:47:54 +0000 Bijou 2278284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think Angie has you sorted. I really love the outfit of the white blouse and black and white skirt, something that you could wear anywhere, even a funeral. LaPed on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278282 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:35:37 +0000 LaPed 2278282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, you've gotten a lot of good advice so far. I come from the opposite end of the spectrum and tend to pack as minimally as possible, maybe even under-pack, for air travel. For 16 days in mild temperatures, I would probably do four bottoms and four tops (two gear/casual, two dress-uppable), a one-piece outfit (dress or jumpsuit), a casual topper and a dressy toper, one "big miles" pair of shoes and one "nice dinner" pair of shoes, a swimsuit (I bring one on every trip now, ever since an airline comped me a night at a hotel with a pool when a flight was cancelled and I kicked myself for not having one with me), a waterproof jacket, and something lounge-y to change into in the evenings. Wear everything twice and wash halfway through. Wear the bulkiest and/or most wrinkly-prone outfit on the plane so it doesn't have to go in your luggage.  But you are wearing a lot of different hats on this trip, so if you need to squeeze in a little more diversity -- more "levels" of dress -- that's okay too. I would avoid packing "just in case" things like the funeral shoes. I wouldn't bring any items that haven't been road-tested yet or which you don't have a clear plan for (the blue pants, the camp t-shirt, anything that's a duplicate or back-up).  In terms of specifics, I really love the outfits in photo 16 and 22. Those would be the perfect base for your archive capsule, and it looks like all the pieces would be fully mix-n-match. Use those colours (black, white, berries) as your guiding palette for the rest of what you bring -- maybe a shorter skirt or two, a pair of long pants, a hoodie, a couple extra tops. For shoes, I'd do the white sandals, the brown oxfords, and the sneakers.  Have a great trip! Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278279 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:48:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SF, I don’t know if it’s bad luck, but I’m absolutely not telling my friend that I’m coming prepared for her mother’s funeral! Otoh, if I can support her, I’m not willing to let footwear get in the way. April, got it about the shoes. “Upward delegation” The gym shoes are listed on sites of ultra-lightweight shoes, and the white sandals (y’all’s clear choice) are very flat. That leaves the oxfords and clogs as “real” shoes. I’ll wear the oxfords on the transatlantic flight. Once I drop my son off, I can breath easier, as there’ll be more room for my stuff. Staysfit on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278272 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:07:23 +0000 Staysfit 2278272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SF, If I were the one packing, I would cut one of the “quotidian” pairs of shoes.  I provided that example because I know I can get by with many fewer pairs of shoes.  You need to decide for yourself whether you can get by with fewer shoes or not.  Also, I am a bit superstitious.  Is it bad form to prepare for a funeral of someone when they are not yet dead?  <div> </div><div> <div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div> April on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278270 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:00:18 +0000 April 2278270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Clever indeed.  We call that "upward delegation".  :) What I mean is just something easy to flatten out; not a heavy, formed, chunky-soled sneaker.  It actually looks like all your choices meet that criterion so don't overthink it. Re. the immuno buddy, he knows the lay of the land better than I do.  Glad it's not DS; rough to be in any dorm situation right now for the immunocompromised. ETA here is an exaggerated example of what I'm saying do not include. Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278269 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:53:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ April, closed-toe, easy-on, lightweight flattenable footwear is very specific, and I don’t quite understand. Can you explain the flattenable part? Is that for packing or something else? Sorry to be unclear about the immunocompromised individual. He is not my son, but a lovely soul I’ll be seeing on my trip, the kind of person I want to go to a waterpark with and watch the stars come out with and show all my stuff to. He does feel quite alone in his mask. My son wears one these days only because I’ve told him that if he doesn’t, I will wear one around him and at home until I drop him off. Also, he’s figured out that as long as I’m being so serious about the mask-wearing, I’m willing to do his grocery shopping. Such a clever lad. April on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278268 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:47:07 +0000 April 2278268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my, having spent two years where I imagine you're going, I vote strongly for including some sort of easy-on, lightweight, flattenable closed-toe something among your footwear.   Also, fellow immunocompromised soul waving at your son and confirming that in that part of the world, very few people are masking or distancing or even admitting there is a risky virus amongst us. ETA: In footwear, I vote white sandals and those white or gray sneakers and leave all else behind.  In American hot climates, you can literally pick up emergency footwear in a drugstore if you find yourself surprised by something. No, it won't become a beloved addition to your wardrobe but it might save you temporarily, and then you can drop it in a donation box on your way to the airport... Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278266 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:42:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Staysfit, thanks for the comment. Which pair of flat sandals to eliminate is indeed one of the questions I said I was considering. Even though I can’t be sure about the funeral, I am considering it along the lines of a “special event”. Then I’ll have open and closed-toe quotidian shoes and gym shoes. Do you suggest cutting one of those? I haven’t kept such careful records, but you just reminded me that I posted a little trip report last time. I recall there were a couple things I didn’t wear, or only put on because i pushed myself. Im going to go check out what they were. Thanks for giving me the idea! I’ve made a couple choices on which of the day-to-day tops to leave or def take. The one with the question mark has short sleeves. Im not sure if that’s useful or a pain in putting something over it. I think I’m also not going to take the magenta blouse in 15, 22 & 24 of the original pic and I’ll take the merino cardigan in pic 23 instead of the purple & white one. The merino cardi and that blouse are neatly the same color. Staysfit on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278265 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:33:54 +0000 Staysfit 2278265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SF, this idea may not be much help now however, I have found that a travel checklist that I can refer to each time I pack is very useful.  I keep track of what I pack for each trip and note what I used and did not use each trip so the next time I can be more efficient.  Over time I have become much more efficient at packing using these strategies.  For example, I personally am unlikely to travel with more than 3 pairs of shoes unless there is an event like a wedding where I need special shoes for an outfit that cannot do double duty elsewhere.  For example, I might take one pair of comfortable walking shoes, one pair of sandals, one pair of sneakers that are comfy for walking and also nice enough to wear with my clothes…for example.  You will be gone 11 days and I see 5 pairs of shoes.  Do you really need to switch shoes about every two days without repeat?   I cannot tell you which to eliminate however, as I think about packing, shoes can be heavy and take up a lot of space. <div> </div><div>Your son is going to college!  Wow!  That’s a big deal! Congratulations to him for feeling ready to take that step and to you for helping him feel ready to do this!   </div> Sal on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278252 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 08:10:56 +0000 Sal 2278252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the top in three is really good on you.  It is a lovely fit and suits you well. Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278250 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:04:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No one has said yet that they find the lace straps in 3 risqué. Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278249 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 06:51:42 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, you are always so good-natured, even with my cranky self. It’s impressive! Joy, classic travel advice. Thank you. Lol on “not going to a Third World country”. As for “too tired for moonlight”—the whole problem here is that that I’m a 3-year old twirling & telling Mr Moonlight “look at me” “Look at me in this!” “Now look at me in this!” It’s bewildering, because I never cared about clothes/appearance before. RL, starting with the tops is a good idea. I’ve done pretty much the opposite, starting with the bottoms, then adding all the tops that can be worn with multiple bottoms, resulting in practically my whole summer wardrobe spread out on the couch. Anonymous on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278240 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:45:46 +0000 Anonymous 2278240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Don't take anything for "just in case" You are. It going to a third world country.  You can shop if you really need anything ( or borrow it). Stick to a very strict color pallet.  Every thing can be worn with everything else.  Limit footwear to 3 pair incuding those you are wearing for travel. Most garments should be double use...long John's for pjs. Rain coat or trench for your robe.  Workout clothes can be dressed up for dinner,  pants  can be rolled up if hot, etc. I like your idea of using a swim suit as work out wear. Black, white, and red  looks like a good color scheme.  You will be too tired for moonlight picnics.  <div>Boston will be chilly. Florida might be hot.  It is fall. Expect a little of everything. Use silk or nylon fabrics that can dry quickly.  Roll in a towel to remove some moisture.  </div><div>Use contact lens cases to carry makeup and lotions.  They are waterproof and fit well in your quart bag.  Take a few extra zip locks for swim suit, etc. in case you need to travel with dirty or damp clothes. Leave good jewelry at home. </div><div>Be very patient with lots of lines checking pass port and vax card.  Wear and take good masks.  You do. Of wa g to pay for a week at a  hotel quarantined.  You may be rejected entry to a country including Germany.</div> Sal on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278236 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 03:09:09 +0000 Sal 2278236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did find it a bit confusing to be honest - but that's okay - there's a lot on your mind. Maybe start with the essentials - swimsuit for water park - travelling outfit - warm top for cool nights - something to drop son off to college in - footwear etc And then build up until you have enough.  I would wash my travel outfit and wear it again somewhere along the way. rachylou on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278231 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 01:44:39 +0000 rachylou 2278231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I say no more than 8 tops. Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278218 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:08:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, it’s absolutely too much. That’s the purpose of the post, to cut back. Last trip I had 28 pieces, including workout stuff, when we returned, and felt it was too much. The extra shoes will need space too. I can see that asking people to comment on specific tops/minis/shorts is a bit much, but I need to drop a third of what’s pictured here, at least. You are absolutely right that my mother would be very happy for some of my clothes to see the inside of her washing machine. I’ll pick one of the two drawstring bikini bottoms for working out. The 2-tone one is a “leisure suit”. But I guess I could maybe wear a workout one to the waterpark, if he decides to go (I always want to go to a waterpark; he’s immunocompromised, so more cautious & it’s his decision) Hm. Sal on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278214 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 23:59:32 +0000 Sal 2278214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am always amazed how much others take in carry on... I think you could reduce toppers (won't need washing) so 2-3 for different needs. I think skirts and pants can go at least two days - tops only one - so you need at least two tops to each bottom.  You probably could get by with one swimsuit (I know they don't take much room). I think with this itinerary you could do laundry (gym wear and lingerie) at least once during the trip. I probably agree with four pairs of shoes given your needs and another vote for the white due to versatility. Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278206 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 23:28:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou, go from there, yes, but which ooooonnnnnnnnnes? Maybe the point is to just pick a few & not to sweat the choice so much. Now that I’ve gathered them all together, I might just let them sit, then grab some by whim a day or two before our departure. ETA we’re close enough now that I could look up the 30-day forecast, instead of past monthly averages. Here it is, except of course in the archive the AC will be raging. rachylou on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278204 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 23:05:49 +0000 rachylou 2278204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie and Sarah are smart. I’d say 17, 18, 19, 20 and the jumpsuit then go from there for tops and toppers. Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278203 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 22:58:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, thanks for those insights and suggestions. I’ll have to admit I don’t really remember what AC 70s are like, only what that temp feels like in the sun. Appreciate your specific comments on various items. Sarah, thanks for laying all that out! I think I do have that capsule for the archive you mention—the purple and ditzy floral skirts, with the merino cardi & pink jacket. But then Angie seems not to be into the purple one for this purpose. Hmm. Moving on to the rest of the capsule, I’ve got a whole bunch of deciding to do! Clearly can’t take them all. The funky blue pants only get to come if they’ve got a partner or two lined up. We aren’t there yet, but I’m rooting for them. SarahD8 on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278197 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:52:29 +0000 SarahD8 2278197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That looks like a lot to fit in an under-seat carryon! I admit I'm having trouble tracking all your options cause I just don't know your wardrobe as well as you do. But here's how I'd approach a trip like this: -Aim for 4-5 bottoms, 8-10 tops, a dress, and maybe 3 toppers. (In addition to your traveling outfit.) -Try to keep most pattern to one garment "location" (i.e., for you probably bottoms -- then focus on plainer tops that can work across multiple bottoms). Then I would focus first on my most stringent "use case" -- the archive days. I'd pull together a mini capsule of 2 midi skirts, 3 mix-and-match tops, and 1-2 toppers to wear for the 4 days. I'd plan to wear the oxfords and clog sandals (closed toes more comfy in AC, plus potentially more professional).  Then add a couple more casual tops that go with the skirts so I could get a bit more wear out of them on other legs of the trip. Then add a super-casual pair of bottoms (probably shorts) and a couple of very casual/not delicate tops for the actual college move-in day, schlepping stuff up stairs, setting up the dorm room, etc. A dress that's festive yet off-duty casual works for taking your son out for one last dinner before you leave, out with friends, brunch with your parents, etc. Your new linen dress will be good for this. Add one more topper that goes with the dress (make sure those other two toppers from your archive capsule can be worn with other items, not just the midi skirts). Add a flirty mini skirt and a top or two that goes with it for moonlight picnics. Where are we? That's 4 bottoms, 9 tops, dress, 3 toppers. I'd then add another bottom and top if you can squeeze them in, focusing on items that can mix and match well with what you've already got and fit your use cases. Like maybe jeans as Angie mentions, and a more casual/less sexy top that can nevertheless go with the mini but could also be worn with the shorts. I get the impulse to bring those blue pants, but if you struggle to make outfits with them...maybe this isn't their best opportunity to shine.  Agree with others that white sandals are likely to be your best bet with the mix of items you've got going on here.  Angie on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278190 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:32:12 +0000 Angie 2278190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a lot to consider for a 16 da trip! Here's my two cents: <ul> <li>Remove the tri-coloured sandals. The solid sandals are more versatile.</li> <li>Make sure you are warm enough working in a/c. When you sit in it without moving because you're reading and doing research - it can feel cold fast!</li> <li>The upper '70s isn't that hot, and the days are shorter too. Make sure your toppers are warm enough! </li> <li>#16 is a great outfit to bring if you need something dressier!</li> <li>#17, #18, #19 and #22 are great looks to bring on the trip because they are versatile. Relaxed but a little dressier, and can take you most places. And you can move fast in them.</li> <li>You can use the silk camisole in #4 instead of the tank in #22 if you like that idea.</li> <li>Leave out the black tee, and bring the kinross white top.</li> <li>Leave out the grey top in #5. </li> <li>Bring your jeans instead of the pants and tops in #9  Cover your bases!</li> </ul> Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278169 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 19:13:05 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nikki, thanks for getting things started, for the good points about the sandals & colors, and for the benediction! Anonymous on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278166 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:59:37 +0000 Anonymous 2278166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All looks good, Stag! I would go with the white sandals because they will go with anything. Maybe the blue hoodie for more of a summer look. You have a lot to get accomplished on this trip. Take a deep breath and take it one day at a time. Enjoy the journey Stagiaire Fash on "Packing post—long. What to cut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-post%e2%80%94very-long-for-what-it-is#post-2278104 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:55:07 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2278104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am going on a trip, and I’m taking an Air purifier, Blankets, a Computer, Desk accessories, Electronics, and a ton of other stuff a kid needs for college. I will check two bags full of my son’s things, and might have more in my carry-ons. There’s not much space for me, so I need to be judicious. While I’m across the pond, I am doing other stuff too. In one small (under the seat) carryon, I need to pack for 3 days of moving him in, Labor Day 3-day weekend at a medium-sized city where they say “y’all”, possibly including a waterpark, 4 days of research at an archive in that southern (ie conservative & warm) location, and 4 days at my parents’. Things need to do double duty. High temps will be in the upper 70s, lows under 60. There will be AC, but not THAT extreme*. I’m planning to take 4 or 5 toppers: a fuchsia linen jacket, a brightly colored lightweight cotton “kimono”, a black zip-up hoodie sweatshirt, a blackberry or blue hoodie sweatshirt and maybe a cardi, either longish open-weave or blackberry. The paisley and magenta puff-sleeved blouses can also be thrown on over the tank tops. The coral jumpsuit with botanical print is for the trans-Atlantic flights. Being sleeveless, it’s not a problem in the bathroom. I like jumpsuits for flying (isn’t that what they were first designed for?). They keep me covered no matter which way I contort myself. I’ll toss my black zip-front Champion hoodie over. It is very cozy, the opposite of precious or fussy, and handed down from my son as he grew up, so nostalgic for me. The miniskirts & shorts are to me what Bermudas/capris/jeans are to others: summer staples that I reach for without thinking about them. I’ve thrown in a bunch of tops that go with them easily, and plan to wear some of those tops to the archive as well. The blue bike shorts work under skirts and as gym shorts. The crazy blue pants are crazy comfortable, and will work well for get-togethers with friends and the range of temperatures I’m expecting. I’m killing myself to get an easy, laid-back look with them, but that’s the story of another thread. For the short plane ride within the US, I’m torn between them and the floral miniskirt + bike shorts/pink silk top/hoodie/sneakers. I’m expecting to go straight from the airport to the grocery store to a… moonlight picnic for two. A lingerie-esque top under my sweatshirt might be just the thing, iykwim. Shoes will be gym shoes, flat sandals, cherry-colored clog sandals, and my oxfords. That’s one more than I usually take, because a college friend’s mother seems to be in her final days, I can borrow funeral clothes from my family, but no one has feet the size of mine. The Hees clog sandals don’t go with a lot I’m taking, but work with some things (potentially with new jeans) and could go to the funeral. All are lightweight, very comfortable and broken in, which is good because I will do a lot of walking. Things I’m on the fence about: white sandals or multi-colored? Blue or raspberry pullover hoodie? If a cardi, then which one? Green silk button-front shirt that basically duplicates the functions of the puff-sleeved magenta one? For the archive, a second midi skirt or the red floral pants or are the ditzy floral and purple skirts enough? Do I want to take a couple grey items (shorts & 1 or 2 tops) for a less summery color scheme? Photos: 1. The whole shooting match (except for a couple things that are in the laundry—pink silk top with spaghettini straps & blackberry merino cardi) 2. Day-to-day running around stuff: the crux of the problem—for a 16 day trip, the 16 tops (plus pink tank!) and 8 bottoms laid out here would be plenty, but I’m also planning to take a dress, a jumpsuit, and 2-3 pairs of pants. Something’s got to go! The black T-Shirt is most tired. The white one is Kinross cashmere & elevates everything I wear it with. 3. My son and I are in conflict over this top; would it be cutting edge (=good) or too much for the locale? Styling would be very simple: throw it over on with one of the bottoms, put topper on/off all day as temps flux. 4. the silk tank & 1 way to wear it. 5. A grey top to wear with the grey shorts 6. Blouses 7. All possible toppers (except the merino cardi that’s in the wash & the black hoodie jacket because I forgot it) 8. Red pants & some possible tops. Could also do cream-colored lawn blouse or linen shirt with many buttons from pic 6 9. Funky pants & possible tops. Short-sleeved black silk matte button-front shirt to throw on over tank tops. 10. I’m fringing this camp T-shirt from my son to see if it’ll work with the funky pants or jeans 11. Shoes. Need to remove 1 pair of flat sandals 12. Swim & workout gear. Kimono works as coverup for the pool, but not with these shorts. I don’t plan to wear them together, but could sub in plain blue swim shorts. Green bike shorts really should be in the pic with day clothes, because they are far more likely to be worn under skirts than in the gym. Blue bike shorts go both ways. 13. Another gym outfit that’s in laundry now. This top is in pix 1 & 2. I’ll also take simple white gym top to go with skort. 14. Tops ordered to wear with plaid gym skort or the funky pants & black hoodie 15. & 16 Two possibilities of skirts to add for archives. I slightly prefer 16, because the cut is less matronly. 17+ Possible looks for the 4 days in the archive with what I already have out (except different jeans). The Kimono also goes with the purple skirt, but I lost that pic. 25 everything all over again Now I’m off to have alterations done and, taking a page from April’s book, dropping some things (the blouses, most of the silk & linen) at the cleaners to have them pressed. I’m going a step further and asking him to fold and pack them in my Eagle Creek folder <a href="https://eaglecreek.eu/it_de/packing-organizers/pack-it-garment-folder-medium.html" rel="nofollow">https://eaglecreek.eu/it_de/pa.....edium.html</a> If you’ve read this far, thank you 1000 times. If you have comments on what must go & what should go, even more. . . *I asked about what to wear at the research center, couched in terms of temperature. The director seems to have understood the question fully. He replied: And that is a great question about the temp (I probably should include info about that in my emails). During the summer, they do blast the air conditioning and while I'm not sure exactly what they set it on, I can tell you that most of our fellows end up dressing as if it will be cold (sweaters, hoodies, etc.). Now outside things are cooling off considerably here and it will probably be in the 80s by the time you are here (which means there will be a gradual shift in how the building feels). Oddly enough, as we move away from the summer I would say that it is more comfortable inside the building (and doesn't feel quite as cold). I will also add that we are pretty informal and most fellows wear jeans and a t-shirt (and have even done their presentations in such). It's entirely up to you, but it's usually business casual for staff, but we are not concerned about what fellows decide to do. Whatever makes you comfortable in the archive.