How to Pack for a Conference (Where You Also Have a Job Interview)

Today I had a lot of errands to run, including getting my marriage license!  There were other less exciting errands, as well because I'm leaving town for a few days.  This¹ is what I wore to the courthouse, Target, the copy shop, and the dry cleaners.

1. Tank top - Old Navy (hand me down)

Cardi - August Silk (thrifted and remixed)

Skirt - H&M

Tights - Target (remixed)

Leg Warmers - Target

Belt - from another dress (remixed)

Boots - Rocket Dog (gift and remixed)

Hat - Bijou Brigitte (remixed)

Scarf - Target (remixed)

Necklace - Etsy (gift and remixed)

Purse - Amazon.com (gift certificate)

Tomorrow I'm headed to the annual meeting of my academic discipline's major organization.  I'm ecstatic that this year the conference is in a location warmer than the Midwest!  I have a first-round job interview  one of the days of the conference, so I will be taking my Little Black Suit or LBS on the plane with me as carry-on.  Since my traveling companion is also suiting up, we are going to put our suits into one suit bag, which he will carry on the plane.  I know some might consider that cheating, but it will work out well for me because I'll still be able to take both a purse and my briefcase (loaded with extra CVs, syllabi, statements of my teaching philosophy, and an emergency pair of black tights for my LBS) as carry-on items.  The rest of my clothing will go into a suitcase, which I will check.

(Calvin Klein LBS)

I will be attending a few paper sessions and spending a bit of time around the conference hotel(s) one or two of the other days of the conference, so I'm also taking a couple of outfits that are suitable conference attire.  While the definition of suitable conference attire varies from academic to academic, to me it means professional looking separates and classy, minimalist accessories that will help to make me feel confident and put together.  I do have plans to meet up with a couple of dear friends of mine who no longer live in the cold Midwest for brunch and drinks, so I'm taking a couple of more casual pieces, as well.  I'm also planning on getting in at least one run in sun, so I'm taking running shoes and workout clothes.  I'm probably taking more than I need, but I like to be (over)prepared: one skirt, one pair of black trousers, one pair of black cropped pants, four tops, two cardigans, running shoes, one pair of casual shoes, running clothes, one pair of pjs, socks and undergarments. 

Tomorrow I'll wear my interview shoes (also pictured) on the plane with dark jeans and layers, including one of my blazers.  I always freeze on planes so layers are essential.

I apologize for the quality of the photos, but it gets so dark on the second floor of my house.  I also apologize in advance for being mostly absent from the blogosphere for the next few days.  I'll try to catch up on my blog reading and comments when I get back.  In the meantime, I'd love to hear how you pack for conferences and interviews!  I'd also be interested to know what you like to wear on planes.  Wish me luck!

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