Q: I just received an invitation to the grand opening of a new high-end resort in Atlantic City. It will be during Memorial Day weekend, and will include media events, beach activities, business dinners, and a concert by a major pop star followed by an after-party. I’m looking forward to it, but also somewhat stressed out about what to bring. It is a weekend of work and play for me, so I need to look fun, cool, and professional at these events. Where can I go in New York City to build a wardrobe for so many different occasions on one small budget? I have about $600 to work with.
A: Although it might seem like an overwhelming task to put together a wardrobe for a weekend packed with so many different kinds of functions, it will actually be much easier than you think. The key to avoiding the pitfalls of overpacking (ie: dragging along two giant suitcases and never wearing 90% of what’s inside!) is choosing versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to suit every occasion, and then doing just that.
Although there are many types of activities on your itinerary, they essentially break down into three categories: 1) casual wear (for daytime activities and time on the beach); 2) professional attire (for dinners and media events); and 3) evening/party-appropriate clothing (for the concert and the festivities afterward). Luckily youʼre traveling in warm weather, which immediately makes things simpler by eliminating the need for the bulky sweaters and boots that take up way too much space in a suitcase. And $600 is actually a fairly decent budget, since summer clothes generally cost less than winter stuff, and since youʼll be mixing and matching a few key pieces to fit all of your needs.
Start by evaluating your closet and deciding which things you might be able to work with and which items youʼre lacking, then decide what your investment pieces will be. A good rule of thumb is to spend the most on things you know youʼll use after the trip. Need a fantastic pair of heels? That might be a good place to start. Attending a wedding later in the summer? Invest in a great dress instead. After choosing your investment pieces, simply mix in a few trendy items from less expensive stores, and fill in the rest with items from your existing wardrobe.
Consider including the following on your packing list:
A swimsuit, if you donʼt already have one. Make sure itʼs something that you feel comfortable in, and stay away from anything too revealing. Two-pieces are fine, but a suit with lots of cutouts or a barely-there bikini is probably not the best idea if there is a possibility of running into colleagues (or potential business connections) on the beach. And keep in mind that high-end swimwear can get very expensive very quickly, so unless you have a beach house or plan to spend the summer hanging out on the Great Lawn, donʼt make beachwear your big investment. Stores like H&M stock suits in a range of stylish, affordable options. (Plus they usually come as separates, which makes it much easier to find the perfect fit.) Loehmannʼs on the Upper West Side also has a great selection of decently-priced swimwear, as well as coverups and and floral print maxi dresses which are suitable for the boardwalk and beach.
Sundresses can be worn with flip-flops or sandals during the day, then dressed up with some fun accessories and a cute pair of heels for an evening out. (A bonus? Knit dresses also pack exceptionally well.) Summer dresses are available in lots of styles and at virtually any price point, from inexpensive stores like Forever 21 to discount retailers like TJ Maxx. For investment-quality pieces, consider a boutique like Montmartre which offers dresses from a variety of designers and has several locations in the city.
A boyfriend blazer to pair with trousers, a blouse, and sandals for professional events, and with shorts and heels for a party. (If you pack the right dress, a blazer could also work as a layering piece there as well.) Check out the Schoolboy Blazer from J. Crew, which comes in both linen and cotton and is available in an array of fun summer colors. They even make a seersucker version!
A great pair of shorts to wear with a tank top and sandals during the day, then dressed up with heels and a blazer for evening events. Make sure theyʼre fairly neutral (white or khaki work well) and not overly short, and avoid anything too casual (distressed styles, denim) or too dressy (silk or satin wouldnʼt work on the beach). For a splurge, you canʼt go wrong with a great pair of cotton or linen shorts from Theory, while Zara and Club Monaco offer more wallet-friendly options. (Not a shorts person? Try a classic white trouser instead. Department stores like Lord & Taylor are a good place to start since they carry lots of different brands.)
Tank tops or sleeveless blouses, for casual activities, layering, and even sleepwear. Stores like Gap and Banana Republic make great basics, so unless you find a more expensive piece that you absolutely canʼt do without, this is a great place to save.
Shoe-wise, consider bringing cheap flip-flops for the beach, a pair of dressier flat sandals in a metallic gold or silver (try Aldo for a range of cute, durable choices that look expensive but wonʼt break the bank), and at least one pair of wedges or heels that work with the clothing youʼve chosen. The aforementioned Lord & Taylor also has a great shoe department, or give the enormous new 34th Street DSW a shot. Just be sure to go on a rainy day or first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
So, while itʼs tempting to overpack, itʼs not really necessary. Play your cards right and youʼll find yourself fitting a versatile weekend wardrobe in one tiny overnight bag. Good luck!
Rebecca Frey is a costume designer, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. She has worked on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and Conan, and is also the owner of Seek New York, a NYC-based company that provides a friendly, low-pressure approach to style and offers personalized shopping tours with licensed NYC guides. Every Tuesday, she answers your most pressing shopping-related quandaries. Need Becky’s help? Email your questions to emily@askanewyorker.com.
