I am hopping all over the place in the beginning on September... New York: 7days, Vegas: 3 days, San Diego: 3 days..... Yikes. Most of the activities are work related, but I will be slipping in some personal fun as well. How do I pack for this and still keep the wardrobe looking stylish and fresh by day 11? Help please.

layering layering layering! Live in your favorite straight/slim dark denim/black menswear inspired thin trousers with a mix of thin modern tshrits/silk tanks as well as wrap/thin longer chic cardigans. These can go from causal to dressier, with different shoes/makeup/accessories etc.
But take fewer things that can be worn in just one way (a structured dress for instance) and more thin layers that take up less room while being versatile so no one (including you) realizes you are wearing the same pieces over and over but in different ways. We'd love to help you pack for the trip if you want!

First, you need to make sure you have covered your basics which will be key pieces throughout your trip. 2-3 pairs of trousers (black, beige, maybe a darker brown depending on what you have), 2 pairs of jeans (darker wash and black), hi waisted pencil skirt (if that fits into your wardrobe) or a couple of other skirt options in neutral colors that can be used for work, a casual skirt for play, a couple of light jackets that can be mixed in with your trousers for a more dressed up look at work or in the evening with your jeans, 2-3 dresses (depending on your wardrobe) that you can dress up or down for work, dinner, party, or even a nice summer dress for a day at the harbor in san diego or vegas (you could even throw in 1-2 pairs of shorts as well) and finally enough blouses to mix in with all your pant and skirt options that can keep your look fresh every day without repeating an outfit. In addition, throw in some tanks, 1-2 light sweaters, basic tshirts for layering a more casual look. For accessories, be sure to bring a small combo of heels, flats, sandals and sneakers for walking, belt options that can change up the same pair of trousers, dress or skirt into a new look, and a few bold jewelry pieces that can also be used to mix up a partially used outfit into something new. The more basic looks from your wardrobe the better. Although I usually throw in a fun dress or crazy blouse that I can wear if the right occasion happens to pop up (especially in vegas). If you are going to have time for some fun, you should try and plan in a little shopping and pick up a few pieces that you wouldn’t normally purchase at home or are hard to find where you live. Vintage is always good for that. Make sure you leave some room in your luggage for the trip home! Oh and pack your swimsuit! Maybe you can work in some snorkeling at la jolla cove in san diego or a day in coronado island :)

Thanks so much! Love all the advice and I am just hoping not to burst the new weight restrictions at the airport;)

If you're flying jetblue it costs only $20 to have an extra suitcase but $50 for an overweight one!? illogical we know!

silly...

I once took a six-week vacation in Europe that spanned hiking in Italy to business meetings at Christian Dior in Paris. I packed it all in one of those suitcases on wheels that fit under the airplane seat.

Advice: Never take more than three pairs of shoes and one light coat that can be layered over other items for warmth. Wear the coat and the heaviest shoes on the plane.

The other items I took on this trip were: A sleeveless dress that could be worn alone or as a jumper, a suit jacket, a pair of wool trousers, a pair of jeans, a tshirt, and a sweater. Everything went together for a total of more than seven outfits spanning cocktail to business to casual to dressy casual. (I also had a few more tops so I didn't have to do my laundry every second.)

Instyle had an article in their March issue (I believe) with tips on packing for a long trip. It was timely for me, as I was headed to Italy for 10 days (business). It focused on assessing your wardrobe and then picking out a color palette that is most represented in your wardrobe. The color palette they chose was yellow, brown, cream, with red accents. Then they pulled basics out to fit that... a pair of grey-brown slacks, a yellow dress, a burgundy cardigan, a cream cardigan, a coordinating skirt, a blazer, belts, etc.. They only selected 3 pairs of shoes, I believe.

Anyway, for those who might read this after the fact, check instyle.com to see if the article is still up.

The tips worked like a charm for me. Though I did take extra luggage anyway just for the purchases I knew I was going to make (I bought like 10 bags)...

I personally hate to carry a lot of bags and a lot of weight, especially if the trip is work related. For a ten days trip, I would choose a colour, black or brown for you bags and shoes, and build up the clothes around that same palette. Two jeans, one on your body, one on the suitcase. Two pairs of pants, charcoal and black. About 5 tops that wont wrinkle in the bag in neutral colours. Two button downs. One boot (on the body), one flat, one high heel on the bag. Two scarves. Small jewerly for day (on you), big for night (on suitcase). Two knits, one blazer, two simple and wrinkle free dresses, one opaque pair of tights. Underwear. In that way you can mix and match with the dress and the knits or blazers. Tops, pants, scarves, etc, without carrying to much. Last but not least, two bags only. Big tote for day, small clutch for night.

Great list @robertacastello.... I like the idea of building your packing list around the color of shoes and bags - that seems really smart.