Weekend in NYC Outfit Diary

I usually travel in a pretty consistent uniform (actually, much like I dress) and I  thought it would be fun to post my "outfit diary" from my weekend trip to New York from a couple weeks ago.

Years ago, I started making "outfit diaries" to help me pack for trips - laying out outfits and writing each item down.  Having a list of what I was traveling with helped me organize myself, keep my over-packing in check, and gave me a sense of what I should weep over if ever my luggage were lost or stolen (which has happened twice).  Over time, I became a convert to carry-on only travel, and my outfit diaries have become even more important to keep me packing sensibly.  If you have only room for one sweater, then it had better match everything pretty darn well.

Only now, instead of writing things down, I usually lay everything out and do a couple quick shots with my iPhone.  Here is what I took with me for my last weekend trip to New York City (advance apologies for the poor picture quality).


Day of Shopping/Light sight-seeing: Cardigan and shell, comfortable skirt, tote bag, flats.

Light grey St. John Sweater Set, Black Armani Skirt, VCA Necklace

Raisin 35 cm Birkin, Hermes Scarf Tohu Bohu, Chanel Ballerinas

Dinner out: Coat, LBD, clutch and slingbacks.

Gold Silk Burberry Trench, Black Silk Compagnie Francaise de l'Orient et de la Chine Dress,
VCA Necklace

Hermes Jige in Rouge H Box, Chanel Slingbacks, Hermes Scarf in Tohu Bohu

Sporty Sightseeing: Jeans, t-shirt, sweater, tote and flats.

Saint James Stripe T-shirt, COS Black Open Cardigan, Dark Wash Ralph Lauren Jeans

Repeat from previous day...

As you can see, I try to choose a main color - usually black or grey, and accent with a pop of color (bag and/or scarf).  There's lots of repeating happening, but as the shoes are tried and true for example, I know I won't miss having more to choose from.  The one scarf ties in all the various outfits, and I limit my jewelry to just one accent piece, in this case a necklace.  Lastly, I am able to get a third day's outfit by mixing and matching the black skirt and cardigan with the grey shell or wearing the black dress with the scarf as an obi-style belt.

These outfits worked a couple of weeks ago when it was still in the high 60s and 70s.  When I was in New York City this week, it was a little cooler so I wore a warmer sweater/coat and tights but essentially the same concept as the first outfit.

Do you do "outfit diaries" for your trips?  Are you a carry-on traveler or chronic over-packer?  Any tips to keep things manageable?