So let’s say hypothetically, you are invited to a conference in a different state and need to fly/drive to get there. Let’s assume it’s 3 days long and you want to try and fit everything you need in a backpack, what should you bring?

Depending on the formality of the event you should probably prepare 2 scenarios on your trip, because maybe you meet some cool people and want to grab drinks or something once it is over. 

1. Formal Attire
2. Business casual attire 

When I went to my conference it was labeled business casual attire as it was a business conference, and the ‘gala’ was cocktail attire. 

Business casual in this particular case means more on the formal side, but you can make an exception with an item here or there; so maybe you wear jeans or more casual shoes. Both of these are business casual, but definitely on the more formal end of that scale.

Or when wearing a blazer, a less casual top, like a t shirt.

Cocktail attire typically means be as fancy as you want! This can be anything from a dress made of sequins, to the busiest patterns. Just dress your best without flashing anyone (in most cases)

For the gala part of the event, all I had to do to change was take off my sweater and take out my nice bag!

Formal attire should be chic looking but not overbearing. If you need to wear a full suit to a conference they will most likely tell you ahead of time. 

If it is a recurring conference, look at pictures from the previous events to see how people may have been dressed.

Packing

The easiest way to pack lightly is through wearing one outfit on the plane (the more comfortable one which is probably the more casual of the 2) and packing the other in your bag. If you have a carry-on to take if you board a plane, I highly recommend taking shoes that are comfortable for walking with you.

Here are some pictures of everything I took with me! I packed a lot of extra stuff like toiletries and electronics to save money so if you don’t feel the need to do that, you can easily get away with packing more clothes.

But let’s go over what I packed and we’ll break my choices down one at a time. Depending on the weather of where you’re going, your choices might vary in what to leave behind! It’s also important to bring a 2nd outfit to have a change of clothes in case someone spills something on you or any other reason. 

I was able to fit everything in a single backpack!

Jacket

Taking a jacket with you is no extra cost. On a flight, simply take it off and put it on your lap, no need to store it within a backpack. It also enables you to have a ‘different outfit’ with the same top!

It’s also best to have simply for any changes in weather you might experience. If you’re traveling far, you won’t be familiar with the climate so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Sweater

A pullover sweater is a solid choice, both for keeping yourself warm, and for versatility. If you don’t take a jacket, you should definitely at least take a sweater because it allows you to ‘conceal’ your more formal outfit underneath.

If you prefer something more akin to a cardigan or button up sweater, those items can serve the role of a jacket where it enables different outfits.

Blouse

I would personally pick a blouse and a pair of pants over a dress any day as you can mix and match it with other pieces. Picking a blouse with a print may be more flashy, but considering what you plan on doing (like attending a gala) I would choose it for your more formal option.

And if you find that it’s too much, put your sweater over it! The jacket can also dress the blouse up or down depending on what you’ve chosen each to be. A fancy jacket might be what you need as opposed to a fancy blouse. 

Shirt

A button up shirt is a nice option to bring a more professional look to your outfit. It lets you use either pair of pants for a look, jeans for a dressed down, and trousers for a dressed up look.

Jeans

Jeans are a solid choice for dressing down a bit in case you find yourself in a less formal situation. I find them comfortable enough to sleep in so wearing these on the plane can also be an option. I would suggest sticking with a black pair as they will be less recognizable as jeans. The conference I was going to would mainly be queer people, so I picked my embroidered black jeans.

Shoes

Depending on what you take with you and how long your conference is, you will probably only need one pair of shoes. I opt for a leather ankle boot because it can go with pretty much anything, formal or casual.

 If you have the space, I recommend a pair of walking/running shoes. A white leather sneaker fits the standard of business casual now from what I’ve seen so you can wear those to the conference if you want to change things up. 

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If you’re traveling somewhere with hot weather or just during the summer, I would swap the more formal bottoms for a midi/maxi skirt.

Rather than a jacket or sweater, try an overshirt! They’re roomy enough for airflow and can be a layering piece, just try to make sure it’s made of something light like linen or cotton.

If that doesn’t sound like it’s for you, dresses can replace a full outfit! Formal or casual but make sure you pack accordingly as you end up going ‘all in’ on whatever dress you wear.

I’m particularly lazy and enjoy packing as light as possible, so don’t feel like you need to follow this method, pack a dress and go change somewhere else if it suits you!

Hopefully this helps save you save some time and gives you a perspective on the importance of staple/versatile pieces.