Gray blazer – Chloé, Striped cardigan – Aubin & Wills, Pink sweater – Ralph Lauren, Henley top – Dolce & Gabbana, Black sleeveless dress – The Row, Gray crewneck – The Row, Black & gray tweedy crewneck – The Row, Cream long-sleeved tee – The Row, Tweedy skirt – Markus Lupfer, Gray flannel skirt – Vionnet, Gray pants – Donna Karan, Black lace-trimmed tee shirt – Jason Wu, Black blazer – The Row, Black pants – Gucci
I was asked for the following: I’d love to hear your thoughts on a travel wardrobe suggestion for this autumn, where a black suit and a gray suit can expand to accommodate four days working at a conference, through: educational sessions, miles of walking and schlepping stuff, and the occasional networking reception. The caveat is that I can’t wear any cotton career shirts!
My thinking was to provide a couple of optional garments that could be worn if the conference turned out to be either more or less dressy than anticipated, and to include a touch of color so that during networking activities, the wearer would be a bit more memorable and stand out in the crowd.
Travel wardrobes fascinate me – if you have one in mind, please don’t hesitate to “ask me for a wardrobe”.
Great ideas! I'll save carefully this, since it will solve so many time when going to conferences… Love the style.
Arte
I don't travel the way I used to but I find your wardrobe posts to be thoughtful, clever and inspiring. I love grey but don't wear it much. You present ideas for incorporation. Thanks!
Would you please consider a travel wardrobe for a week in San Francisco/Napa/Monterey for September/October? I would love to see your ideas as your blog is fascinating! Thank you!
Wonderful as always. Here's a question: would you mind defining "suit" according to the French sartorial rules? In other words, is it possible to call a "suit" two items (blazer/pants or blazer skirt) that were purchased separately, are not from the same maker, but go together well enough by virtue of color and fabric? I haven't purchased a whole "suit" in forever, but it would be nice to consider several blazer/bottom items I have that go together a "suit" nonetheless. I think I notice that you do this once in a while in your wardrobes, but I'm not sure — ? So, how should we define "suit?? Does the mix/match suit break the rules? If not, what rules of thumb on matching jacket to pants/skit should we use to make a suit?
great tips im terrible at over packing!!
I think the French would view a suit as any jacket and "bottom" (pants or skirt) which match. I, however, take a few liberties in that I think that if they coordinate well, and can be worn together in a variety of ways, they're close enough to a suit for wear in most places in the US. It's much more flexible here than in other places – in a more conservative environment (i.e. in "the City" in London), I would be pretty picky about exact matches. You just have to read your environment and endeavor to fit it. Easy? Not really!
Vivienne, I view your blog everyday for your beautiful creations, and this is another great wardrobe that you have put together.
Mme UK
I love, love, love this color combo and many of the items you have selected, but I have no need for suits because I work from home. Would you consider doing a more casual version? These wardrobe posts are so inspiring!
Spectacular accent colors and accessories, thank you so much! :o)
The outfits really suit each day's activities. I do wonder whether the jacket and skirt on "Early 4th Day – Networking" look like they were meant to match but missed? I think other than that this is a great example of a travel wardrobe for business.
Dear Anonymous – you've got GREAT eyes. Sometimes I can't find matching suit pieces that meet my nine million criteria, so I have to work with "close" matches. It drives me crazy, but if I didn't finish a wardrobe 'til I found a perfect match, you'd never see anything on my blog! I appreciate your close observation and love the feedback – thanks!