Packing dilemma: Jeans or fleece lined leggings? - YouLookFab Forum

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Packing dilemma: Jeans or fleece lined leggings?

CarolS

Veteran

I'm almost packed for my upcoming week in NYC (2 days travel, 6 in Manhattan), but am wrestling with what to take as a third bottom.

I'm pretty well set on the first two:

Black and white pinstripe wide leg ponte knit pants and
Zara "cool girl" cargo sweats in charcoal

These are both fairly warm and could probably be dressed up or down with other items in my suitcase.

The forecast is calling for rain on several days, although only one appears to be a fully rainy day. Temps range from a nighttime low of 1C/33F to a possible high of around 15C/59F, with most more likely hovering around the low teens C/mid fifties F.

If it's really rainy, I thought it might be smart to have one bottom with a shorter hem and somewhat narrower leg, and I have three contenders, each with their own pros and cons.

Black fleece lined Mondetta leggings. Sporty/urban/ubiquitous. No hems to drag, nothing to flap in the wind.
An older pair of boyfriend fit jeans in faded denim. No dragging hem, no flopping in the wind. They don't feel fab, but they're ok. Might also be a preferred option on a warmer day.
A new (tags still on not yet committed to) pair of cropped wide leg dark wash jeans. Dressier than the boyfriends. DH likes them. No hem to drag, but the leg IS wider. Then again, I have other options for colder temps, so there's that. These feel fresher and trendier than the other jeans. Also would work well for that possible warmer day.

So, if you care to weigh in, what would YOU do, considering the other two bottoms I'm taking? Jeans or leggings? If jeans, which pair?

TIA for sharing your thoughts!!

Jeans in finds are approximations only. No leggings find. Added a photo of the new jeans and an older photo of the other jeans. My weight is up a few pounds so they don’t feel quite as flattering at the moment…

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General

27 replies

Latest reply was from CarolS

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I would go with whichever ones work best with the tops and toppers you are bringing.

It also strikes me that the leggings could double as workout pants if you want to use the hotel gym, or go for a brisk exercise walk around Central Park or something like that.

So, generally, I would think in terms of how many possibilities this third bottom will add to the travel capsule.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well jeans take a long time to dry, so I would be tempted to go with the tech fabric option. Also what Sharan said!

LaPed

Veteran

I vote leggings. As Jaime says, I like to have at least one quick-dry option on pretty much any trip, especially if there's rain in the forecast.

Of the two jeans, I like the slouchy, lighter wash pair better. I think they look great. But if they don't feel fab, I wouldn't want them taking up valuable packing space! I probably wouldn't bring the brand new jeans without test driving at home first, especially if you're not sure you want to keep them.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I wonder if fleece-lined leggings may feel too warm in a NYC spring. But I also don’t wear leggings, so I may be biased. I’d go for whatever jeans or pants make you feel best, because they feel more “dressed” to me, personally. But then I do take along a running/gear outfit for early morning Central Park runs/walks.

Jules

Veteran

Honest reaction - if you need gear bring gear. If you need to be dressed for big city touring, definitely jeans! I have no idea what people are wearing in NYC, but just came from a city that seemed entirely anti-legging as pants (although pro sneaker and puffer all the way). Having once been an embarrassed underdressed young person in several world capitals including NYC, I now always choose to pack the dressier option (emphasis on dressiER, not dressy!). Same logic some people use for events, I would rather be slightly overdressed than under (and my naturally casual inclination means I am very rarely overdressed in the end so it’s a good correction for me to make). I did not regret doing so for Paris. So I am definitely biased on this point.

Jules

Veteran

Also in terms of temperature control going in and out of buildings and transit - scarf and hat you can pop in your purse, rather than fleece leggings you can’t take off.

Bijou

Veteran

For NYC you will get enough exercise walking all day and unless you love the gym, I don’t think dedicated gear is necessary. I would take the new jeans as they look like the dressiest option.

Christina F.

Veteran

I will say jeans only because I think they are versatile and you would maybe miss them. I don't think you will need fleece leggings unless you plan to walk a lot at night on Manhattan streets (can't underestimate the wind tunnel effect in Manhattan).

Go with the jeans you will be more comfortable in with those weather conditions. Days of waling around Manhattan can feel very very long.

I wouldn't worry about dressing to fit in with us New Yorkers unless you need to do that to feel comfortable and happy.*

*Tourists are always easy to spot by a number of context cues, not just clothing - sorry all!

CarolS

Veteran

Thanks, everybody! You're all making excellent point and confirming all of the arguments pro and con I'm having with regard to each option!

Sharan -- jeans might add more options...

Jaime -- Good reasons to lean toward the leggings. Then I think of them possibly being too warm... I think the jeans might ultimately be more flexible than the leggings. And either of my other pairs of pants should be warm enough for the conditions.

LaPed -- you are right on the mark about the untried jeans question.

Janet -- no early morning runs planned! And good point about possibly being TOO warm...

Jules - Yeah, I was thinking about that and not wanting to be trapped in anything too hot when going in and out....(waiting to hear more Paris reports btw!!)

Bijou - agreed I don't need gear for exercise -- I'll be getting my share through city walking.

Christina F - LOL -- I don't want to feel totally out of place, but at the same time, I'm a small city girl and it will no doubt come through! I"ll be the one waiting for the light to change before I cross the street.

Verdict based on your feedback -- You have literally reflected all my own arguments for and against each piece!! (not surprising!!) I am leaning toward the paler boyfriend fit jeans so I have one option that doesn't have a wide leg.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ok, now I am dying to find out the context cues Christina was referring to.

I'd go with the older jeans since you haven't test-driven the new ones -- unless you absolutely adore those new jeans and can't bear to take them off, in which case of course you should wear them on your trip!!!!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like the look of the new jeans better but agree you shouldn’t take if you are not sure of their comfort.
I myself would take leggings because not a jeans girl. But for you, the choice you are leaning towards sounds best.

CarolS

Veteran

Me too, Suz! I know exactly what you mean about sticking to the test driven jeans.

Thanks, Jenni!

I guess any choice I make has its pros and cons, and this is exactly why I end up over packing -- no one options stands clearly above the rest!!

BlueJay

Veteran

I didn't weigh in on what to pack as these ladies have you sorted! (Packing is one of my least favourite things because of decision fatigue.) Wishing you a fabulous trip, Carol!

Jules

Veteran

Go ahead and overpack is my thinking I pack a few days’ worth of things in my carry on but also check a bag (as a family of 4 we’ll generally check 2 large bags). I see it as part of my holiday enjoyment to have some options and weather coverage.

CarolS

Veteran

Yes, BlueJay -- decision fatigue is real -- and frustrating!! I'm making myself nuts overthinking myself into a real tizzy!

Thanks Jules -- good perspective. We're packing one bag for two of us and so far just carrying on very small bags. We will make sure we've at least got clean socks and undies in case something gets lost!

I guess I could bring a small carryon suitcase instead, which would take off some of the pressure...Running out of time to keep changing my mind!

Joy

Veteran

I’d take the dressier jeans if you have time to wear them for a day. If not take the tried and true jeans.

Tanya

Veteran

I would be tempted to go with the new, dressier jeans. If space is not an issue, that maybe even pack both pairs of jeans for options.

CarolS

Veteran

Thanks all. Both jeans are in and I’m waiting to board!

Joy

Veteran

Enjoy your trip. I hope the weather is mild.

CarolS

Veteran

Thanks, Joy!

Christina F.

Veteran

Suz- context clues include stuff like what Carol mentioned - waiting for the light to cross a street. Looking up at the sights rather than just hurrying to their destination. Hesitating at the top of subway stairs (that's a big one). It's also a pretty big clue when you see a family on the subway together in the middle of a weekday!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, got it, Christina! Thanks! I That makes sense.

CarolS

Veteran

Lol. Getting better at crossing without the light but very guilty of looking up at the sights! Haven’t been in the subway so that one isn’t a factor.

So many large groups travelling together. And school tours. Gaggles of teens from all over the world seem to be everywhere.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote jeans! And the new pair

rachylou

Veteran

Have you decided? I personally would take the leggings because a) you already have other bottoms and b) when I go touring, I always find I’m out at all hours. Esp if I’m with my brother, guaranteed it will be dark and cold and raining or snowing, and there will be thirty blocks of walking…

LaPed

Veteran

LOL, Rachy, you and your brother travel like I do! Everything is an expedition.

CarolS

Veteran

I took both pair of jeans and have worn the new ones twice so far. Wore the lighter denim pair on a rainy day but did not feel fab.