NYC Travel capsule - Pattern/color mix, too much? - YouLookFab Forum

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NYC Travel capsule - Pattern/color mix, too much?

harmonica

Veteran

I just realized that I'm going to NYC in less than a week. I've got loads of work ahead and little time for planning a travel capsule, so I'd probably copy last years capsule (more or less).

Anyway - I'd like to bring along this floral dress and the green etc scarf. The scarf fits everything else, but does it go with the dress? Is it too much pattern / color or not fitting? Do I need another scarf - less pattern and less color?

#1-2 Dress + scarf + beige trench
#3 dress on me (not wearing those winter boots in NY)
#4 Some of my scarves - another one fitting better?
#5 shoes - could these shoes go with the dress?
#6 approx. travel capsule 2011

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Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from ManidipaM

Anonymous

Hi:)
How many days are you planning to be here and for what activities? Is it work, vacation? I am not too sure about the pattern mixing, as I am a novice in the area, but I'm sure others will chime in.

harmonica

Veteran

Ops forgot to mention that... about 2 days of travelling + 8 days in Manhatten.

Work wear: casual business
Casual for parks, shopping / galleries / sight seeing etc
A bit dressy for restaurants / nights out, though far from gown dressy

ETA: I heard the temperature is varying a lot, so will need light and a bit warmer clothing included

Anonymous

I see. Well, Suz was recently here and she was very successful with her "spring travel capsule". Here is the link:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....sule-squee

Traci

Veteran

I really like the dress on you, but unfortunately I don't love it with the scarf or shoes. The capsule looks to be very cool colors and the pinks in the dress just don't play happily with the blues and greens for me. This is the hardest part of a capsule for me, being practical rather than going with the thing that makes your heart sing.

Diana

Veteran

I like the scarf/dress combo, it reads as very Monet to me. I would prefer it with different shoes though, maybe nude or black to pick up the black in the dress.

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks for your opinion Traci! As you say, it's hard to find the balance between mix & match and other items that don't sing along with that.

I'd like everything to mix and match, so that I don't have to plan every outfit before (especially due to hasty days this week). I'll be bringing other shoes too, just wanted some opinions on the blue shoes with the dress

harmonica

Veteran

Diana, great seeing Monet in this. I havn't thought of that

Oh, yeah. The blue shoes were in case I wanted to dress it down. Then I wouldn't add the green scarf. Anyway, the shoes may not go that well with the dress in any case.

MsMary

Veteran

I want to like the scarf with the dress, but it's not quite clicking for me. Love both of them on their own, though. I think the shoes are far too casual for the dress, even to dress it down.

Andie

Thought I have read that New Yorkers don't wear too much color and prefer dark colors. Not sure if this is true also in the spring and summer.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Diana - I find the pattern mix of the scarf and dress edgy, especially with the trench as a barrier between as you've shown in pic 2. You could try to bookend with lighter shoes, but with all the black I saw in NY when I was there, I think your black boots would be just fine. And if you love last year's capsule, then why mess with success? Was there anything that you *didn't* like about it?

harmonica

Veteran

Oh Rae - "why mess with success", you totally made me super calm about packing in a hurry! I was thinking I *had to* make a new capsule, but as you say, repeating is good

I want to add some new items, though (as the dress), but now I feel calm about doing most of the same over again. I have to lay out all the items I'd like to pack - it's impossible for me to do it all in my head.

MaryK: Thanks for being honest! I really appreciate it and I'll keep your comments in mind. And yes, I agree with the blue shoes being too casual

ironkurtin

Veteran

Like you said, the temperatures in NYC can really vary like crazy in the spring. I don't know if this will help, but here is my NYC travel capsule for when I go back:

- Trench that dresses up and down

- Cross-body bag that closes securely, with pockets I can access when open and lots of storage.

- VERY comfortable shoes (cannot emphasize this one enough - the last 2 trips to NYC, I forgot how much walking I would be doing and had to buy a pair of sneakers. Yes, one pair of sneakers for each trip. Fun but pathetic. My feet were much tougher when I lived there!) Unless you're going to only take taxis, or have robust feet, go easy on the heels. And one pair does need to be boots, because in spring it rains.

- long-sleeved shirts, tunics, or dresses for layering, one for every day there

- two black cardigans for layering under the trench and over the tops; possibly one vest as well.

- 3 pairs pants plus black opaque hose if I have skirts with me.

- 1 or two scarves to keep my neck warm - must be breathable fabrics! NYC can be humid, and if your scarf doesn't breathe your neck will get soggy, and it is horrible.

Also - don't worry about looking like a NY-er. You won't. It's an ineffable ability you need to live there to grasp, kindof like French fashion, so just ignore it.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'm not a fan of the scarf and dress together but it's just a little scarf, does it really need to go with the dress and other things? Why not choose a different accessory for the dress?

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I like how you've grounded the floral dress with black - looks a bit more 'urban hip' IMHO! Then again, as many have said, anything goes in NYC, so I think it's all good! I'm not totally sold on the canvas denim shoes with the dress, but it could work if you want to make it more casual yet flamboyant...?

harmonica

Veteran

ironkurtin: this is really helpful! Thank you so much!

- trench: check
- cross-body bag with secure closing: check
- VERY comfy shoes: check (can't just do taxis. love walking, but are not as trained as I used to :-/)
- boots (though with heel): almost check
- long sleeved shirts, blouses, tunics, dresses: check
- warm + light cardigans (*love*): check
- pants: hmmm... have to figure out this one
- skirts + hose: check
- scarves (I only have breathable fabrics, can't stand to get soggy): check
- looking like a NY-er: not at all (and wouldn't care less) - check

Nice!

Diana

Veteran

IK's packing capsule is spot on for NYC! I agree about not trying to look like a New Yorker. I can certainly do it but I don't usually bother. Last time I was there I wore my bright red corset trench and I think I was practically the only person I saw in a brightly colored coat! I felt like I stood out but in a good way - I always get compliments on that coat and NYC was no exception.

harmonica

Veteran

texstyle & Helen: hehe - the scarf is long, but light and warm (silk/cotton blend). I wasn't really thinking of it as an accessory for the dress. More like, if I wear the dress and need a scarf - could I use them together. Actually, I just come to think of my black pashmina which I will be wearing for the flight. That would probably be better with the dress, picking up the black + black shoes/boots. Why didn't that cross my mind earlier!?! I literally live in that scarf. It doesn't need to go with everything, I was just hung up in a total mix & match travel capsule. Hmmm... I should probably alter to a mostly mix&match path

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think last year's capsule looks superb. And as for new things, you can always go shopping, right?

When I was there, the temperatures were insanely varied, but I was totally well prepared and had something for every kind of weather. It worked out great! My list was a lot like IK's.

I brought:

Trench coat
Cross body bag
Comfortable shoes - in my case, light neutral booties and sandals (believe it or not, it was THAT hot one day). I also bought two pairs of shoes while there.
Jeans (straight leg, in my case)
Sheath dress that could be layered over or under.
Another "dressier" dress for hot weather, but i didn't end up wearing.
Jackets - one collarless Chanel style, one navy solid
Cardigan - one patterned
Scarves - three
Belts - two or three
Skirt - white linen (also bought a black pencil skirt)
Shirts - 3 button down, 3 layering Ts, one warmer knit shirt

There might be more I am forgetting, but that's pretty much the capsule.

harmonica

Veteran

Great Suz! I actually have a brown linnen skirt that might come out. But linnen wrinkles a lot, so I have to accept that (I'm not ironing)

I have the most comfortable gladiator sandals which I bought last may in NY. The weather was amazing, so I lived in them

I will be shopping a bit on a set budget, but don't want to rely on that in the travel capsule. That would stress me out

I'm a bit drawn between skirts and dresses, because I find skirts more versatile since I can keep a skirt for several days / occations by just changing tops. I guess a dress would be worn 1, max 2 times, because you can't change the upper part (which gets heavier used) of a dress

harmonica

Veteran

Diana: I have no intention of looking like a NY'er. I just want to feel good and be true to my style (as far as I've figured out by now)

I think I'll add a pair of denim shorts. Last time they were great with hose on chillier days

harmonica

Veteran

Rae: I don't think I have lighter shoes...just high heeled clog-like sandals

Anonymous

Ditto on IK's list

ManidipaM

Veteran

Like Diana, I found this an edgy combo, and of course the black pashmina sounds a very safe, stylish bet. But I was also wondering about the little cream and black dotty scarf or the black&white one in your closet with this dress...