I don’t know about you all – but I know for me, when I’m getting ready for a trip, there’s a question that crosses my mind. Two questions, actually.
“What should I pack”
then…
“What do people pack for ____________(xyz occasion)”
At the end of last month (just over two weeks ago), I sat before an empty duffle bag and a jumbled pile of clothing that I hoped would assemble into two conference-friendly outfits. I was getting ready to go to a type of conference that I’d never attended before- the type that you find about on a friend’s facebook post and find yourself spending an entire lunch hour pouring over the website and related websites of speakers and authors. The type of conference, upon learning about, leads you to resolve moving mountains to attend. Thankfully, this conference was taking place only 5 hours away and I had personal days to spare! (This conference, by the way, was Storyline).
Back to the packing issue… How did I figure out what to wear?
I usually know what to wear in most situations, but I wasn’t sure what the fashion etiquette was for the Storyline Conference. Looking through images from previous Storyline conference gatherings, I found friendly faces and smart casual attire- dark wash jeans, blouses, button-up shirts, sweaters, cardigans and a rogue blazer here and there. Pretty much what most people would wear on a casual Friday.
Knowing what I know about the midwest, and about how temperamental the weather can be around Chicago, I knew that layers would be a must. I also knew that I would need comfortable shoes (who wants to be in an all-day conference in uncomfortable shoes- not me!). Below are a few snapshots of what went into my duffle bag. If you are looking for outfit recommendations for similar situations, I hope these snapshots are helpful!
Shoes
Russell Riding Boots in Sequoia – Cole Haan (still available at 6pm.com). These boots are extremely comfortable. I broke them in walking through the rues and boulevards of Paris and they’ve carried me through many adventures in St. Louis, Greenville and Peoria. Not only are these boots trusty, they are warm. Perfect for October weather in Chicagoland. I ended up wearing these on Day 2 of the conference.
Pointy Suede Flats in Natural Suede (available on 6pm) and Navy (with Silver trim) – Corso Como. Also trusty and comfortable, these flats add an element of put-togetherness to casual outfits. These colors go with almost any outfit- allowing for flexibility in my wardrobe. I wore the tan ones on Day 1 and they proved to be excellent driving shoes.
Day One Outfit
Navy Blue Trench Coat – Banana Republic. Perfect for layering, also perfect for unpredictable weather. It was snowing on Day 2 of the conference and I thanked myself for packing this trench coat every time I stepped outside.
Purple Wool Cardigan (with beaded embellishments) – Banana Republic. Because wool is warm and embellishments are fun. Mostly I packed this cardigan because it was warm- but I thought that a conference full of storytellers may be a place where a flair for detail would be appropriate.
Ivory Embroidered Lace Blouse – Anthropologie. The only reason I packed this blouse was because I love wearing it. I bought it for my 10 year high school reunion
Copper and Brown Paisley Scarf – a gift from my friend Chetna brought back from India. I love this scarf because every time I wear it I think about my friend Chetna and the encouragement, laughter and tears we’ve shared in our friendship. It’s a beautiful scarf and it’s a warm reminder of the beauty of friendship. What better accessory to bring to a storytelling conference?
AG Nikki Jeans – These are extremely comfortable jeans and the rise is just high enough that I don’t have to worry about my modesty while bending or sitting.
I also packed my camera, which I never used.
Day Two Outfit (Which happened to fall on Halloween!)
My Navy Blue Trench Coat – not only was this trench coat warm – I received a few compliments entering and leaving the conference on Day 1 and Day 2.
Light Blue Rhinestone Mandarin-Collar Shirt – J. Crew. This shirt is sleeveless- which may sound crazy for a trip to the greater Chicago area in late October… but it is perfect for layering.
White Cardigan with Gold-Tone Buttons – Banana Republic. To layer with my rhinestone blouse.
Brown Braided Leather Belt – Banana Republic. There’s something about a skinny belt that seems to make me stand taller and sit up straight. Perfect! The color of the belt (coincidentally) matched the color of my boots. A happy coincidence, indeed!
Dark Rinse Straight Jeans – American Eagle (available on AE’s website here). These are comfortable and the dark-wash bumps up the put-togetherness of the outfit. Also- did I mention these are comfortable.
Extra, Extra!
An Extra Outfit Option
I packed a very warm sweater (Banana Republic) and an extra tank top for an alternative outfit option with my dark-wash jeans and trench coat.
ofmatterandmeaning 