Travel Capsule - USA Oct 2023

Sal

Veteran

Hi All

I am finalising my travel capsule for my trip to the USA from 20 October to 2 November.

Itinerary -

Three long travel days (aeroplane)
Four days at the conference/trade show - one being set up (Columbus Ohio)
One day at leisure in Chicago
Four days at leisure in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Activities

Fronting the stand at the trade show and associated activities eg dinners and drinks
Setting up the tradeshow
Travel Days
Day sightseeing in Chicago
Hanging out with friends in Tulsa - eating out, shopping etc
Sport and exercise - pickleball, gym, hiking and city walking

I will be bringing checked luggage.

I am thinking:

Shoes
Black and white platform sneakers
Grey sandals
Pickleball shoes
Sneakers
(Maybe - blush oxfords instead of grey sandals??)

Pants
Black wide leg
Jeans
Black pull on pants (for the three travel days)
Silk palazzo pants

Skirts
Coffee slip skirt

Jackets
Black puffer vest (not in finds)
Wool coat
grey blazer

Tops
Black silk shirt
black knit top
black tee
white tee
denim shirt
Sand colour knit
black merino
blush merino

Gear
Purple leggings
Black leggings
one pair of legging shorts (not pictured)
lilac merino
lilac tee
grey tee
long sleeve top

Accessories
Either cognac or black bag or tan bag??
Scarf
Beanie?

Questions:

1) Will I need a wool coat in Ohio and Chicago in late October?
2) Will I get by without boots or should I take them?
3) It looks like Tulsa can be relatively warm hence the grey sandals being an option
4) Five pairs of shoes feels like a lot but my friend is really into pickleball so it is a good opportunity to play
5) Is one blazer enough - I would wear for two days at the tradeshow with the other day wearing the black silk shirt and trousers.
6) I will either wear the black trousers for three days or mix in the jeans or silk skirt for a day depending what others are doing. I could add a second pair of slimmer black trousers into the mix too?

Let me know what you think of the capsule>

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Wunder Under Pant (Hi-Rise)

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Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans

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9 months ago

Dressing

35 replies

Latest reply was from Roberta

rachylou

Veteran

You know… I’m thinking it’s relatively cold in Ohio late October/early November. Down into the 40s at night, maybe highs in the 60. Fair chance of rain. I’d be needing my wool socks at least, and my insulated boots and puffer more likely. Ohioans would probably laugh at me, but I’d need it.

9 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay! Your trip! Sooooo fun

Absolutely MUST take the boots! Leave the sandals. Days are short. Nights cold and quite long.

Sal, personally, the capsule looks a bit lightweight and Summery for that part of the US. May I suggest more knitwear and fewer tees? No lightweight bottoms.

Some scarves too! A beanie is always a good thing to bring. Yes to the wool coat!

9 months ago

lisaflex

Veteran

October is a wild card.....late October can be 77 or 40. all depends. chances are here in Ohio there will be some rain too at that time of year. a quilted coat should do it instead of a wool coat - just have xtra layer for underneath just in case.

9 months ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

FWIW, my thoughts are similar to Angie’s. (But I know nothing about the expected weather, and I am a hopeless packer!)

9 months ago

kkards

Veteran

Not sure about the Tulsa part of the trip, but a couple of questions /call outs that relate to the Chicago/Columbus part
the wool coat —-is it a warm(ish) coat, or a true heavy winter coat. The likelihood of needing a true winter coat that time of year is pretty slim, but the likelihood of needing a transitional/warm(ish) coat is very likely. Below are examples of the type of coat I’m likely to be wearing at time of year…note that my wool coat is warm, but it’s not a true winter coat
Along the same line, I’d definitely not bring the sandals, even if it’s on the warmer side, it’s likely to be wet and sneakers and/or boots would be a better use of limited suitcase space.

I’d want to bring a couple more long sleeved tops and/or sweaters…if -sobbed I’d try to make sure that the tops are layerable. That would give you maximal flexibility

Hope this helped.

Nordstrom

Zella Longline Water Resistant Quilted Bomber Jacket

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J.Crew

Daphne topcoat in boiled wool

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Nordstrom

AVEC LES FILLES Water Resistant Faux Leather Trench Coat

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9 months ago

RobinF

Veteran

I agree with the comments you have received. I'm not too far from Ohio and Chicago, being in Michigan, and the weather is very unpredictable (all the time really but even more at this time of year!). Even if it is warm, it cools off very quickly in the evening. I would recommend boots over sandals and a mid-warm coat as kkards said. And definitely some layering tops. Not sure about Tulsa though.

Sounds like fun!

9 months ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I would agree no heavy coat but more layering options. And I don’t think you would need anything knee- length unless was a lighter weight trench for rainy day & for layering. So hip length would be fine. I run cold so I’d be cold at night in silky pants, but if that were a useful, packable dressy mix& match item—and yours seem like a fresh different color option from black pants as well , I would pack tights for a base layer plus could wear plain if hit a warming spell. Also agree no sandals.

I’d want 2 toppers that somehow look quite different, so the blazer & a good cardigan and I can’t remember the color of cardigan-would like one dark option & one lighter neutral or color.

A couple scarves are good options if you “ do” scarves, because of more impact/ color for whatever mood, and these can be lightweight, not bulky.

9 months ago

Kyle

Veteran

I’m an Ohio native. The weather is very unpredictable and changing. October could be sunny during the day, or you could have rain or even snow, I would be prepared for either possibility, checking the weather forecast as you get closer to departure. I would be dressing in layers.

9 months ago

Joy

Veteran

Take a warm coat for Chicago. It is already cold there. And windy. Oklahoma may be hot and wet. They have been getting lots of weird weather.

9 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all - I will take out a couple of things and add in a couple of things! Last time we were in Tulsa in October it was pretty hot but it is almost a month later.

I do have three merino tops in this capsule but might take out the sandals and add in boots.

I don’t have many coat options- so will take this coat as it’s a lovely one.

Some shopping might be in order!

9 months ago

bj1111

Veteran

You hit on my advice with your last line

Shopping in Chicago is always fun.

9 months ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Echoing all the midwesterners on the unpredictability of weather, especially in season transitions. All in all, your guess, Sal, is about as good as ours! Sunny and hot afternoons sometimes, sleet and frost sometimes, but who knows when?

I also agree on the coat advice. I would most likely opt for a couple of warmer-sweater layers and a lighter-medium coat if the camel wool is for true winter. Adding a soft scarf, gloves and a beanie should provide warmth in chilly-cold winds. I would also bring a small foldable umbrella but I don’t like rain on my glasses.

9 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Transitional seasons are so hard to dress for! And worse to pack for. No question.

So...just to put a wrench in the works -- a "true winter" coat for you, as a NZ'er is probably different (i.e. lighter weight and less insulated) than what a midwesterner would count as a "true winter" coat. So your own camel coat may fit the bill exactly. Or may fit the bill for the cooler evenings.

When I lived in Ontario, my wool coats mostly had a thinsulate extra lining (not super noticeable but added warmth) -- which. notice my bought-in-the-west wool coats don't have (because we rarely need it).

I don't know what Tulsa weather is like but my guess is that sandals would not be useful at the end of October.

For me, longer sleeves vs. shorter. Merino would be good. Scarves. Maybe a hat.

What an exciting trip!

9 months ago

Allora

Active Member

I’ll preface this by saying that I’ve never played pickleball but do you need separate shoes for that? Would a pair of the sneakers suffice? That would save you from having to pack a pair of shoes.

9 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I echo everything Kkards said. Sounds like a good trip, and your packing plan is shaping up nicely!

9 months ago

Bijou

Veteran

I can confirm that Sal's woollen coat is not a 'true winter coat' in the Northern Hemisphere sense and does not have a Thinsulate layer - it is from an Australian brand, our winters are very mild.

9 months ago

SarahD8

Veteran

You are getting good advice here! I echo the other suggestions for more warm layers. I would plan for it to be cold, and throw in a couple of options in case of unseasonable warmth, rather than the other way round.

You know, I was just away last week at a destination near my home. I packed the lightweight transitional options that I had been wearing, but only ended up wearing my warmer pieces. Somehow the season *changed* and even though temps were similar it didn’t feel the same.

9 months ago

LaPed

Veteran

Fun! I hope you have a great time. Looks like smart packing to me. I was just in Chicago for a few days last week (on the way home from a month long backpacking trip in northern Minnesota, so my clothing options were… very limited ). Temperatures varied a lot, and it rained more than the forecast predicted. Sometimes I was hot and regretting that I only had long pants, other times I was chilly enough that I was wishing for an extra layer over my fleece hoodie/wind shell combo. If you’re close to the lake it will feel different from further inland. I’d definitely expect some wind/rain and add some windproof and waterproof layers — trench/anorak, packable puffer? By late October, you’ll definitely want boots or other closed toe shoes rather than sandals. I suspect Oklahoma will be a bit milder, but I’ve never been there.

9 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Okay - I think I will take the wool coat (I do have a shorter coat but it’s not as versatile or nice) along with my puffer vest and my rain coat too. Also a hat and scarf.

I will take out the grey closed toe sandals and either take boots or the oxfords. I won’t take the skirt either - although it might work with black
Boots and tights? Will try!

The coat is bulky but my puffer is really walking only as it’s a bit tired. I think I will have room!!

Will be back with some outfits!!

9 months ago

Ginger

Veteran

I'm about three hours (drive) south of Tulsa; our winter weather comes through Oklahoma first. November is extremely unpredictable; it can be in the 90s or the 40s during the day, and possibly both. If a cold front comes through it can be sudden with dramatic temperature drops. And storms... your friends should be prepared, however. We're also predicted for a wetter than average fall. If I were packing, I would definitely have shorts and t-shirts in case of heat. By preparing for Ohio/Chicago, you should be covered for warmth and rain in case Tulsa's in the middle of a cold front. Don't forget sunglasses!

9 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Thank you all!!

I had a bit of a play around with what I was taking and took out a couple of lighter weight options. Tulsa will be sports with my friends as well as casual activities such as eating out or shopping - nothing dressy.

I will be taking some work stuff so will have limited space. My priorities are always shoe options and working up from there. I am happy to have minimal choices in clothing as I will do at least one load of washing in Tulsa and could always do a few essentials in Columbus as I am there for four nights).

I have ordered some jeans to try tomorrow - I think new jeans will make me feel good about everything else. I might look for a new smart cashmere or wool layer for under my blazer as well.

In terms of shoes - I will take four of the following five options. I need to try on them all with the jeans and wide leg pants and skirt to see which work and which don't.

I could drop the pickleball shoes - and just play in my sneakers. But if I have room I plan to squeeze them in - they could also be worn in a hotel gym for example.

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9 months ago

Anonymous

Sounds like Chicago is much colder in October than here! Do you have a thin, packable puffer? Mine rolls up into a little bag and is ok for weather in the 40s-50s.

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9 months ago

Sal

Veteran

I do but mine is a bit scruffy now so I planned to take my puffer vest. I could replace it and that’s worth considering.

9 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Hi Al

I have revised my capsule a bit.

I have added in two pairs of jeans (one new) and taken out the palazzo pants, sandals and a couple of lighter weight tops. I also have wool camisoles to add to the mix.

I need to finalise the shoes and bags which I will do after a try on with the bottom options. If I have room I will take something for a party that I will be going to in Tulsa - but it will need to work with my shoe choices. I might also add in a raincoat.

Shoes

Black and white platform sneakers
Pickleball shoes
Sneakers
Blush oxfords OR black boots OR white sneakers

Pants
Black wide leg trousers
Jeans x 2
Black pull on pants (for the three travel days)

Jackets/Coats

Black puffer vest (not in finds)
Wool coat
grey blazer

Tops
Black silk shirt
black knit top
black top
blush merino

Gear
Purple leggings
Black leggings
blue leggings
lilac merino sweater
Black merino long sleeve
lilac, black and grey tees

Accessories

Either cognac or black bag or tan bag??
Belt
Scarf
Beanie?

There are three key outfits - two days of tradeshows and a party in Tulsa - the rest do not matter too much.

As always the footwear is the most challenging!!

Aritzia

AGOLDE '90s pinch waist jean

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9 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Looking much better, Sal

You need more tops, IMO - you only have four! (Gear does not count because that's just for sport). And maybe in colours other than black?

Worth bringing a beanie. Easy to pack! Yes to the party outfit. Can you wear that with your boots or oxfords? Wear the same outfit to a trade show day, perhaps.

(This is when a pants suit would be VERY handy! I would bring that and wear it to the trade show and party - styled differently).

I vote bown bag. Breaks up the black and works well with the darker bits in your hair. Add a belt to match. Not sure you need a raincoat. Bring an umbrella!

9 months ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Chicago can take a nosedive from hot to freezing in Oct./Nov. I would check the weather and consider even swapping the wool coat for a puffer, and add in some very sturdy gloves and a hat. It can also be windy. In cold Chicago weather I will even bring leggings or long underwear for under my jeans.

9 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Carol - I will have a warm puffer vest to layer under my coat - and a beanie and merino layers.

I wish I had a suit Angie - I tried to find one. It is very black dominant. I will add in another top - I will do laundry at least once.

It’s a slightly complex trip to pack for with different cities and a few planned activities - yoga, pickle ball, a party etc.

I expect that a couple of days with my friends will be entirely in gear.

9 months ago

birdie99

Active Member

I just love that coat and bag Sal! Have a wonderful trip!

9 months ago

lyn67

Veteran

Looks cohesive and I love the lillacs in this capsule, bet will look fab on your trip-maybe will post some IRL wiw's to take measure of your great style!:-)

9 months ago

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