I don’t do work trips all that often, but when I do, I want to pack smart, look pulled together, and not check a bag. Last week I headed to New York City for the Meltwater conference — two days, one bag and a very intentional packing list that I’m breaking down here for you. (Confession: I ended up checking a medium bag instead of my usual carryon in case of any shopping, but turns out I could’ve fit this list no problem.)
If you caught my recap of the conference itself, you already know it was worth the trip. This post is all about the logistics — what I wore, what I brought, and what I’d pack again in a heartbeat.
The Outfit
An NYC work trip is where my packing shines. I’m a beach girl at my core, so my version of “city professional” still leans coastal, clean, and a little preppy. No harsh suiting. No stiff blazers. Think Hamptons-meets-Manhattan energy.
Conference Day One: Blue and White Linen Stripe Suit
A linen suit in a stripe print is doing a lot of work. It reads polished in a conference room and relaxed enough that you’re not stiff all day. I wore this on day one and got more compliments on it than anything else I’ve packed in recent memory. Linen in the city also just breathes. Practical and chic.
This suit was a steal, but I also found a super chic designer blazer and pants here in blue.
Conference Day Two: Pastel Pink Tweed Blazer
Day two I leaned into the pink tweed blazer, and I am not apologizing for it. It’s structured, it’s feminine, it photographs beautifully, and it’s the kind of piece that makes you feel like you walked in with a plan. Plus, the silky lining kept me cool and comfy all day with a tank underneath. Paired with tailored trousers or straight-leg pants, this is a professional outfit that still feels like me.
Just a few of these pink tweed blazers left. I sized up one size since they’re fitted.
Exploring Chelsea, Flatiron and NoMad: White Jeans, Button Down and Seaside Sweater over the Shoulers
After two days of hard core conferencing and soaking in lots of education, I was ready for a leisurely walk to dinner and a little shopping. I popped into Penny Linn then walked from Chelsea to Flatiron
White jeans with this button down never goes out of style, though this oversized silhouette is a keeper.
Airport Look: Dark Jeans + Blue Stripe Ralph Lauren Sweater
This is my favorite kind of travel outfit — the one that looks effortless and takes zero mental energy. White jeans, a blue and white stripe Ralph Lauren sweater draped over the shoulders, comfortable shoes. I walked around then Ubered to the airport in this and felt like myself the whole time, which is honestly the goal when you’re away from home.
These dark jeans are so chic! And I ended up grabbing this sweater on sale here, but in case it’s sold out, here’s a classic.
Shoes + Bags
Shoes can make or break a city trip — especially if you’re walking more than your Florida feet are used to. I kept it to three pairs max and built my outfits around them. The bag situation was a structured tote that moved from the conference to the airport without needing a swap with this little rattan number for a quick dinner out.
The Carry-On + Packing System
I am a one-bag traveler and I will die on this hill. The right carry-on changes everything — size, structure, and whether it actually fits in an overhead bin without a wrestling match. I also swear by packing cubes. They take a chaotic suitcase and turn it into something you can actually find things in. This carryon
This carryon is a winner and these packing cubes make all the difference. I ended up doing a bigger bag just in case, though I couldn’t been find with just a carryon.
Work Bag + Tech Gear
For a conference specifically, your work bag has to function as your purse, your laptop bag, and your catch-all for two full days. Mine held my laptop, a notebook, chargers, lip gloss, and a water bottle without looking like I was carrying my entire life. That’s the bar.
The tech I don’t travel without: a multi-port charger, AirPods, and a portable battery. NYC drains your phone faster than anywhere — between maps, photos, and texting the family your play-by-play.
My Prada bag is used every day (an amazing cost per wear) and this cute bag was fun to borrow.
Skincare + Beauty
Travel skincare is its own category and I treat it seriously. Flying dehydrates your skin, hotels have dry air, and you still need to show up to a conference looking like a person. My travel routine is stripped down but effective — a good SPF, a hydrating serum, a solid under-eye situation, and a lip combo that doubles as color and moisture.
I also keep everything in a clear TSA-friendly bag so I’m not repacking every time.
Heat spray, collagen mask, and overnight serum were the MVPs this trip, plus my everyday makeup routine.
Snacks + Wellness
This is the category people skip and then regret at 3pm when they’re starving between sessions and the only option is a $9 granola bar. I packed a small pouch with protein snacks, an electrolyte packet or two (travel dehydration is real), and my daily supplements. Small lift, big payoff.
Turkey sticks, lemon protein bars, Gruns and Awake patches made a big difference e for the in between moment, plus my everyday makeup routine.
Technically, I didn’t pack the needlepoint canvases on the way, but I did on the flight back!
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If you’d be interested in reading more about the communication strategies and the work side of things, check out my Substack here.
Where I Ate, Shopped & Visited in NYC
Le Grane Boucherie – Midtown (steak frites and a mini espresso martini – deeeelish!)
Serra by Birrera – Flatiron
Penny Linn – Chelsea
Blank Street Coffee