https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:21:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305691 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:52:53 +0000 rachylou 1305691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I'm in a different business - high tech / bio tech - which is to say, not the consumer end of things. There's a certain plain, practical, and puritanical streak. This is true even in bio tech, which is the fanciest of the lot (all Apples and iPhones).</p> <p>In any case, for three days, I would say most people go with one outfit in the bag and the one they wear on the plane.</p> <p>So on my bed: </p> <ol> <li>Black jeans</li> <li>Black pencil/straight skirt</li> <li>Jumper</li> <li>Long sleeve tee</li> <li>Silky blouse</li> <li>Thermal tank</li> <li>Two pairs of tights (because I wear two pairs at once for warmth)</li> <li>Two pairs of socks</li> <li>Undergarments</li> <li>Puffer</li> <li>Scarf</li> <li>Beanie</li> </ol> <p>Plus ('cuz no shoes on the bed!!): </p> <ol> <li>Low heeled dress shoes</li> <li>Walking shoes</li> </ol> <p>Cosmetic bag:</p> <ol> <li>Colour stick (all-in-one makeup stick)</li> <li>Moisturizer </li> <li>Matchstick nail file</li> <li>bandaids</li> <li>Scope Outlast Mini Toothbrushes</li> <li>Safety pins</li> </ol> <p>Electronics:</p> <ul> <li>Laptop</li> <li>Nook</li> <li>Cell</li> </ul> Bag: Rolling backpack with mesh pockets on the outside <ul> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305684 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:42:54 +0000 Truecolors 1305684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are precious, Shiny! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305648 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:50:43 +0000 shiny 1305648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TrueColors, that is exactly it - taking lessons from the men! I am realizing the Road Warrior Men&nbsp;pack the way they pack for a *darn* good&nbsp;reason. </p> <p>When I first started my career what seems like eons ago, it was in a similar travel-heavy role, it was also the late 80s, when women wore matching skirt&nbsp;suits and pantyhose and pointy toed pumps and shoulder pads-- i.e., the male version of a suit. Back then I adored colorful inexpensive pumps (and could comfortably wear them for hours on end!) --&nbsp;but I quickly learned for travel like this - pack like a man. One suit jacket with matching skirt. One coordinating skirt that matched same suit jacket. Two or three blouses. And ONE pair of pumps - BLACK - and one pair of flats - also black. </p> <p>Because I'm 5'0" tall. Priority is on not having to lug or drag a big bag around with me, and to carryon because the worse situation is having your luggage not arrive at your destination (hence my absolute paranoia about what I wear *on* the plane for business trips - it better be presentable when I arrive, just in case).&nbsp;</p> <p>I went through a long phase in the 90s when I&nbsp;only owned black and brown shoes, like a man would, and was perfectly fine with that sensible, rational, closet sparing&nbsp;strategy. Even when NOT traveling.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am back to loving shoes to add interest and went through a long period, around time I found YLF, and because of YLF, when I banned black &amp; brown shoes from my closet! It really is more interesting that way. But black &amp; brown (cognac) seem to be back and on trend - the 90s are here again - so I am embracing that with a vengeance that's also quite practical and well timed for my recent lifestyle change.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I don't know. Am I going full circle, or what? But for travel like I'm doing lately, black clothes + black shoes... just really works. The difference is now I know to add an awesome scarf.... to choose the right black fabrics ... to add interest with shoes, even if they are black they have to have something special.... a fabulous coat or jacket...&nbsp;</p> <p>I would love to do rich ink or navy instead of black -- totally agree it is more flattering. My trouble is that the vast amount of navy garments I find that fit my other requirements (packable, washable, etc) always seem not to be "rich" enough. This may be the petite factor -- petite manufacturers cut corners on fabric quality all the time -- I don't know. I just know that I have an identical black jersey dress in the navy version, and it looks dull, not rich, in comparison. The navy version&nbsp;looks cheap, even if the shade is slightly more flattering than black. So I skip over and over that one and wind up packing the black instead.&nbsp;</p> <p>Unfrumped-- the conference room freezing factor is HUGE. I am still trying to figure that one out. I wind up multi-layered. I know your vision and share it too, but reality is: traveling this much is doing a number on my waistline, investing in pants/skirts with waistbands that don't stretch much&nbsp;means I would be needing to have them altered every few weeks... darn apple belly... which swells dramatically depending on 1) time of month 2) what I've eaten on the trip 3) airplane swelling. Pants are awesome -- until you pull them out of your suitcase after a long day of airplane swelling + more food than you usually eat and you can't friggin' zip them! That's why I'm learning just to pack ONE pair, in case I have perfect vortex conditions of freezing conference room plus minimal belly swell going on. LOL</p> <p>Isabel, I am *totally* appreciating EB and similar sites that offer clothes designed for travel. Unfortunately, most of them are made for normal height, not 5'0 petite people, or else I'd be loading up and packing these versatile travel pieces!</p> <p>I love travel &amp; what to pack posts and wish YLF had a whole sub forum for that topic alone. I know not everyone is into it, but I truly appreciate those who are. I have learned so much from each and every such post. I am frankly jealous of your suitcase, TrueColors, because that's what I *would* pack if it wasn't for the darn belly/travel-expanding-waistband issues I seem to confront on every trip. Sigh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305597 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:52:49 +0000 Truecolors 1305597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sandyg, yes, I can get everything into a carry-on bag. My problem is I don't wear BLACK anymore (doesn't complement my skin tone) so shiny's fabulous black jersey dress plan doesn't work for me. Plus, I'm with you, "unfrumped," I'm always freezing at conferences, too. I prefer to have separates and layers&nbsp; instead of dresses. That's just my style preference.</p> <p>But, here's where I get a little preachy: I really love the idea of having a color theme to your entire wardrobe, but particularly when packing for a trip. Select one main color (for me, that's an earth tone) and everything else coordinates. Love that Shiny starts with a handbag. Perfect!</p> <p>Shiny, I am in awe of your approach! I am going to strive to pare down what I pack to a bare minimum. Let's admit it, we don't always wear everything we pack in a suitcase anyway... I love your idea to add tights and boots to a dress to stay warm in winter.</p> <p>We should take a lesson from men when it comes to packing. I don't know about your men, but my man takes just enough to get by, and usually wears the same pair of shoes, and sometimes the same pants, the entire trip!</p> <p>We can do this!!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305529 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:39:08 +0000 unfrumped 1305529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love "packing posts". I'm still not that good at it. Usually it's because I don't quite have the go-with-everything plan--maybe I've got a jacket I love but it doesn't go with all bottoms, or I'll struggle with&nbsp;a printed item. Or I'll really "want" to wear a certain color top or jacket but haven't built a whole capsule around it.</p> <p>I am always freezing in conferences--hotel conference rooms and the like--so summer is the worst, where you want to look seasonal, and sometimes lunch is served outdoors in warmer temp, then freezing inside. My imaginary perfect outfits for summer business casual tend toward sort of a business-oriented Out of Africa look with creamy linen and tan leathers, but I don't always maintain a whole capsule that works. &nbsp;So, I agree that sometimes black, enlivened with some accessories ,&nbsp;can be&nbsp;easiest even during summer.</p> <p>I think it is the maintaining readiness of updated, versatile mix-and match items&nbsp;that is hard, if you don't travel quite regularly. For regular work I can mix and match from my closet, so "capsules" are overlapping, and I can wear just the right shoes with the right pants or skirt, and proportions of jacket, or if styles change I can sub in items for updating, but for a several-day trip it can be hard to narrow down to a few items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305521 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:33:30 +0000 Isabel 1305521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great info here ! &nbsp;I used to travel quite a bit. &nbsp;So I am going to fantasize of the old days. &nbsp;LOL&nbsp;</p> <p>I would never go anywhere without a pair of jersey pants. &nbsp;Similar to these :</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/lily-pants/23150257/_/A-ebSku_0310699100000070__23150257_catalog10002_en__US?showProducts=&amp;backToCat=Pants%20_%20Capris&amp;previousPage=&amp;tab=travex&amp;dcolor=100">http://www.eddiebauer.com/prod....._catalog10</a></p> <p>They look good dressed down or up. You can wrap them in a ball and they always look good.&nbsp;&nbsp;I would also always bring a large scarf to wear as a stole or wrap.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305520 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:31:58 +0000 nancywalters 1305520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny - great strategy - you have enough for a trip and it fits in a small carry on!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305513 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:26:50 +0000 shiny 1305513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad it helped, Golden - I wrote that earlier this morning to wake up my brain so I could think through my next packing challenge, as I just booked a last-minute business trip late last night for next week. </p> <p>My schedule through November is insane. The more I travel, the more I crave&nbsp;the most formulaic approach possible, that fits in the smallest, easiest to lug around, bag! I have a Brigg's carryon which is top rated and all that, but I am craving a downsized version. Back's been bothering me, from having to lift it up on the belt, into the overhead bin, etc....</p> <p>I bought a bunch of separates to "fit in" with what my female coworkers wear on these trips, but I have to say, dresses are just infinitely easier! And more comfortable too! Just add tights + warm socks +&nbsp;tall boots for winter....</p> <p>Maybe it's boring but I'm getting to the point where I'm seriously contemplating duplicating some clothes and keeping them PRE-PACKED so I can just grab &amp; go!&nbsp; LOL</p> <p>Or maybe I'm just exhausted.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305501 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:15:25 +0000 SandyG 1305501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Truecolors, do you pack everything in a carryon bag? And Shiny, what toppers do you wear with that black and white tube skirt? I'd love some ideas as I just stare at my skirt hanging in the closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305058 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 13:54:59 +0000 Golden 1305058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Shiny....I love your strategy! I am on a trip now which I don't do really at all but wish I saw your plan yesterday! I am sitting in my hotel and I wish I brought another option for today but I didn't so I guess I wear what I brought! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1305051 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 13:43:53 +0000 shiny 1305051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm traveling a lot these days, my trips are typically only 2 days of meetings + travel day. Been slowly getting&nbsp;the packing down to a science. I'd love to be able to start with a signature style, but that would likely side-track me and I'd throw too much stuff into the bag! </p> <p>Instead my strategy is to start with the handbag. If I am carrying on, I&nbsp;can only bring one, it has to be&nbsp;a clutch/crossbody that fits into my laptop bag. So which color do I want to bring? Everything has to work with that bag.&nbsp; If I'm clever enough to be able to pack my laptop inside my carryon, then I can bring a different bag, one with a pop of color, lately that's been the blush pink coach bag.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am finding keeping the color palette simple is easiest --simple black clothes, with color and interest&nbsp;added via a scarf and shoes. And a &nbsp;sharp&nbsp;bag.&nbsp;It may sound boring but it makes life &amp; packing super easy!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Day 1: Typically I am flying in to the meeting with no time to change before it. So I wear on the plane a&nbsp;black jersey dress + geometric print B&amp;W scarf + black wedge heels + cardigan (or&nbsp;suit jacket if I need to be more formal) + topper appropriate to the weather (if rain- trench. If meeting is internal/casual, then a jean jacket to dress down). Black is practical: I don't fear spilling coffee on it. Jersey is wrinkle-free. A dress is super comfortable for both travel &amp; sitting. The scarf keeps me warm if the plane is chilly. I can go directly from airport into the meeting, and then out to dinner, in this outfit. And I keep a pair of silver flats handy in my laptop bag in case my feet get sore and I want to swap out of the heels.&nbsp;</p> <p>Day 2: A similar jersey dress, but with a B&amp;W geo pattern, and a different scarf, which coordinates with a second pair of shoes, OR with the same black wedges or silver flats.&nbsp;&nbsp;Which goes with same toppers (cardigan OR suit jacket). The scarf here is the key: I change these up all the time, and my coworkers who see me over and over always remark on my scarves, seemingly oblivious to the fact I'm wearing basically the same dresses over and over. Ha.</p> <p>To travel home: black &amp; white striped VC tube skirt + black tee shirt + topper appropriate to weather. &nbsp;Silver&nbsp;flats or black wedge heels. This is more dressed down &amp; casual, since I am just traveling. But I still look sharp if I should run into coworkers on my way out of the hotel to the airport, or we are traveling together.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then I add the "just in case" pants, which go with same tee I'm bringing for the tube skirt. I am a mood dresser so it's possible I will wake up in the morning and not be feeling a dress, or I will want to change, or the conference room is freezing. So I bring just ONE pair of pants or jeans&nbsp;with me. At present moment, I'm bringing the white jeans OR the BR windowpane pants.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/youre-attending-a-3-day-womens-conference----what-do-you-pack#post-1304508 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:15:58 +0000 Truecolors 1304508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let's say you're an entrepreneur business woman, and you're attending a 3-day conference to network and learn new techniques. What would you pack in your suitcase? What's your strategy for packing an organized, prepared-for-anything wardrobe?</p> <p>For me, I start with a wardrobe "theme" that expresses my signature style personality for the event. Am I going to be "Structured Bohemian" or "Elegantly Casual" or "Urban Chic?" Let's say I'm "Elegantly Casual" for this conference because I'm not a featured speaker so I can dress elegantly, but comfortably because I'll be sitting a lot.</p> <p>Next, I pick out pieces that are elegant yet casual and lay them on my bed. I create complete outfits including jewelry, scarves, shoes, belt, etc. I'm a color consultant, so all my clothes are in my color palette making it easy to mix and match.</p> <p>Then, I search for ways to "re-purpose" outer layering pieces such as jackets or sweaters, to cut down on suitcase bulk. </p> <p>If I have the same pair of shoes that I can wear on Day 1 and Day 3, that's great. I don't like to wear the same shoes two days in a row, as they may get uncomfortable. Sometimes when I'm doing stand-up speaking engagements, I've been known to change shoes mid-day!</p> <p>So, here's what I've got laid out on my bed:</p> <p>(3) Underlayering tops - 1 silk 3/4 sleeve, 1 DVF sleeveless, 1 solid silk tank top<br />(1) Cigarette pant<br />(1) Loose-fitting linen straight leg pant<br />(1) Dark wash skinny jean<br />(1) Dress for evening function (a sexy, summery maxi dress is my choice)<br />(1) Lightweight jacket<br />(1) Long, lightweight flowy cardigan<br />(3) Pairs of shoes - 1 wedge sandal, 1 gladiator leather, 1 strappy sandal<br />(2) Scarves<br />Jewelry - 3 necklaces, several bracelets I can layer, earrings <br />1 belt<br />Lingerie<br />Cosmetics</p> <p>What would you pack? What am I missing?</p>