Today I am sharing what I packed and wore while in New York City on my Girls Weekend last month. If you are anything like me, packing for a trip can feel overwhelming, particularly when there is a special event in the mix. I really struggled to find stuff that I felt cute in but also was comfy enough to be a tourist. Hopefully you will find a few nuggets of inspiration here for your next trip!
TRAVEL DAY
First up, travel day. This one is always challenging because of course you want to be comfy and ready for anything… but also feel cute and stylish. Also, this time of year it can be cooler in the morning and evenings and really warm up so layers are a must. I was so happy with the outfit choice and think this will be my travel uniform for all my upcoming trips!
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings | Rolling Stones Graphic Tee | Brown Cardigan | Gray Pumas Sneakers
Camo Bag | White Luggage | Sunglasses
I can’t source the exact top since this was actually a maxi dress that I thrifted and turned into a graphic tee by cutting the dress off. The leggings are my faux leather Spanx. I have had them for several years and they always seem to make it into my travel bag. They take up such little space and work in many different scenarios. The brown cardigan was a last minute Target purchase before the trip and I ended up wearing it so much on the trip. Turns out it was the perfect lightweight layer and color for the weekend.
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings | Rolling Stones Graphic Tee | Brown Cardigan |
Gray Pumas Sneakers | Black Crossbody Clutch Purse
Another item that ended up being a lifesaver was the crossbody bag that also turned into a clutch. Always nice to be able to use one thing for two different types of outfits. Mine is old, but here is something that looks similar.
BH&G STYLEMAKER EVENT
For the BH&G Stylemaker event, I decided to go big or go home this year! I wanted to wear something memorable but that I would be comfortable in, and that I would possibly wear again. I found this fun burgundy sequin skirt on Amazon and it was a winner. While I might not ever wear it again, it definitely made a statement and I felt very comfortable in it! It was also fairly inexpensive and I do have hopes for wearing it again to a holiday party. From there, I just went all monochromatic using an old J Crew jeweled sweater I had on hand. I found the inexpensive burgundy tassel earrings and my fun snakeskin sandals. They are surprisingly comfy which was a huge factor in my decision to wear them since we are on our feet for a large portion of the day.
Sequin Skirt (exact) | Burgundy Sweater (similar) | Statement Earrings (exact) | Snakeskin Sandals (similar)
COCKTAIL PARTY
That night, we wrapped up the Stylemaker event with a rooftop cocktail hour. I decided long before I started packing that if the weather cooperated I wanted to wear my fur wrap. I found this fun piece at a thrift store over a year ago and have never had a reason (or let’s face it, the guts) to wear it! The fur is labeled on the inside with Higbee’s Company Fur Salon- which turns out to be the department store my mom shopped in growing up in Cleveland which makes it extra fun. (and also the department store in The Christmas Story!)
But I figured an event in New York City in September pretty much fit the perfect mold to be able to pull it off. So I went for it! I grabbed my black satin pencil skirt from my closet and this fun J Crew blouse that I know I will wear over and over this fall and winter. It is super cute with a smocked neckline.
GIRLS DINNER
In addition to wearing the fur to the cocktail hour, it also came in handy to throw on for a brisk girls dinner with jeans and the black blouse. Of course, the leopard booties were a fun addition and something I hope to wear lots this winter!
Black Blouse (exact) | Leopard Booties | Fur Wrap | Black Crossbody Clutch Purse
EXPLORING NEW YORK CITY
We extended our trip so that we would have an extra day to just explore the city and see a Broadway show. On Friday I wore some comfy layers and sneakers to cruise around the city.
Camo Pants | Pink Sweatshirt | Gray Pumas Sneakers
BROADWAY SHOW
And for the show I wore some fun new leopard pants, a black cami and the same brown cardigan I wore above. Similar to the crossbody clutch and Spanx, a black cami is always a good thing to throw in your suitcase as well.
Leopard Pants | Black Cami | Black Sandals | Brown Cardigan
Hope this helps provide you with a few nuggets for your next trip. Packing really is something I dread and want to be better about getting a winning tried and true formula to make it easier!
Xoxo-
Heather
Catch up on my New York Posts HERE:
Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Event 2017
Four Fall Packing NYC Trip Essentials
Snapshots from New York City and the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker 2019
Girls Weekend in NYC – What I Packed and Wore
Deb says
That fur stole is genius!
Heather says
Ha ha! I definitely felt like Carrie Bradshaw in it! 🙂
Pamela says
Thanks for the ideas. I would have never known you made a graphic tee out of a maxi dress. Genius. I also love how you put things together.
Heather says
Thank you! And yes, the maxi dress turned to tee- who would have thunk it?!?! 🙂 I am so glad you found some inspiration for packing- it is such a chore! Have a great weekend.