As promised I have come back for the 4 week countdown to BlogHer. The excitement in my head is building I cannot imagine what you’re feeling, especially if you,re going for the 1st time. That was me last year.
Last year I had such a hard time figuring out what to wear to BlogHer. I wound up putting together these great outfits. In the end I threw in this sundress I could wear with any shoe. Sunday morning I was pulling out my “outfit” and thought, I wasn’t going to be comfortable all day in it. I found the comfy cute sundress, I’d thrown in last minute, and my Okab flip-flops, that took over the planned outfit. Iwas glad I threw it in. Looking back I think that so many different things would’ve worked, but staying polished and true to my style was where I felt and looked the best.
Now is the perfect time to shop on a budget if you need to get some pieces. Every single store out there is putting all their summer inventory on clearance. Fall fashions are coming out already, so they need the room. You could easily stay on a tight budget right now when it comes to shopping. One of my fave new sites, ASOS, is having a great sale, with fantastic chic clothing at the right price.
Are you a girl who never really wears dresses and skirts? Don’t go out and buy dresses and skirts just because you think that what you should wear. What would be the point? If you’re a jeans girl that’s fine, wear your jeans, but step it up a notch. Wear it with a tunic top, or cute blouse. Want to bring the bling up a notch? Wear a sequined tank top. If you wear a nice t-shirt consider wearing a bold necklace.
Don’t want to wear jeans, a skirt or a dress, that’s OK too. You can consider capris or ankle pants. Just like jeans the top can be a nice t-shirt or a button down shirt.
Do you love to wear comfy tees, and not much of a frilly cami/blouse girl? There are plenty of t-shirts that are going to be comfortable and chic at the same time. (I do realize that with some sponsors their shirts may be required, so please know that this is based on not having to wear those types of shirts.)
I know you are also concerned about the party scene. Don’t kill yourself, it isn’t as hard as you may think. I would label the night attire as “cocktail light”. It’s cocktail party attire, but stay closer to a day dress style then a formal style.
The easiest is to do your little black dress (“LBD”). This year my little black dress will be a black strapless maxi dress. Add a pair of wedges to your LBD, and you are ready to go. How about a flat dressy looking flip-flop? That will work too.
Maxi dresses are in this year, and I know we’re going to see them all day and night. Does this look appeal to you? Then think of packing 3 or 4 and plenty of shoes and accessories to punch it up, or dress it down.
Still not a dress girl when it comes to the evening parties? No problem, get out your nice black slacks, and a dressed up tank or flowy top. Throw on your beautiful shoes, and voila you’re just as dressed up as everyone else.
As I’ve said before the accessories make the outfit, so pack plenty of fun pieces. You can get some AMAZING pieces at Forever 21 at budget friendly prices.
One last piece of clothing advice. If you decide to ignore all of the above remember this one thing: Bring a lightweight sweater. I know many of you live in cold weather locations, and you think this weather won’t affect you, but remember you are by the ocean on the west coast. As a SoCal girl myself, I know that the ocean breeze on this side of the world has a chill to it. (I could give you a geography lesson as to why, but I think you would hate me.) Not convinced yet? Here’s another reason: the air conditioning will be pumping hard, while at a seminar you will probably get cold. Make it lightweight and shove it in your bag. My faves are black and asymetrical.
What about shoes and bags you may be asking. Do not worry next week we’ll discuss shoes and bags.
Do you want to keep track of everything you want to take with you? I created a spreadsheet that helps me pack smartly, and allows me to see what items I actually do need to purchase. You can dowload by going here.
In the meantime if you have any questions feel free to ask away in the comments below, or better yet…
Great list! Bottom line, just be you! So many people forget that. Last year, I felt so out of place in jeans, but I wanted to be casual because I never get to be casual. This year I’ll be in dresses because that is me.
Oh – but I second the sweater concept! I froze last year!
Twitter: FashOrganized
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Natalie,
EXACTLY! I loved my outfits last year, but they were a bit too put together. I want to take a few things matching each other and just decide whether or not to wear shoe a or shoe b. I don’t know how to stress the sweater enough, so I’m glad you agree. Thanks for stopping by.
Twitter: DresdenPlaid
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If I take a photo of my closet will you just circle what I should pack??
also? Can a plus sized gal pull of a maxi dress? TELL ME THE TRUTH! (I really want to try it but I am worried about the mumu effect…)
Twitter: FashOrganized
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Calliope,
I’m going to tell you something: are you ready? I’m on the cusp of Plus and not plus sized. I bought a strapless maxi dress for a wedding and I loved it so much I just bought another the other day. There are so many different kinds that you can definitely wear them. Be mindful of your body type and you’ll be good. My current favorite is ASOS Curve. They have gorgeous stuff for the squishier lady. Just remember to be comfortable in your clothes.
Yes, take a picture and send it over.
Awesome post! I have been thinking about what to wear to BlogHer and I’m wondering how many outfits I’d need. 2 to 3 per day sound right? [So I can change for evening parties.]
Hehehe…I think I’m going to have a few wardrobe changes… 
Twitter: FashOrganized
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Definitely count on wardrobe changes. You’re not going to wear what you wore running around all day in to the parties at night.
LOVE this!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Twitter: FashOrganized
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Your welcome, your welcome, your welcome
I love Maxi dresses, and they’re nice and flattering for my post-baby belly! Also good for events like this are convertible dresses…you can pack it and decide at the last minute how you feel like wearing it.
Twitter: FashOrganized
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So true. I’m loving the maxi dresses that can also convert into maxi skirts. It doesn’t get better then that right? I can’t wait to see your post baby self. Will you have baby w/you? Are you staying there or going home every night? See you soon!
Twitter: centsiblelife
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Love this!!!! Thank you for putting it all together for every style.
I favor semi dressy during the day and gorgeous dresses at night because I typically wear yoga pants or PJs most days. 
Twitter: FashOrganized
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Do you know what I would give for Yoga pants and pj’s during the day? The grass is always greener right? I’m like you, I like to feel “girly”. Big surprise right?
Twitter: justprecious
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I can’t wait to pull together my outfits. Though I loved my dresses last year so much I’m tempted to wear them again. Except. My boobs are gone from the lack of bfing.
going to cry in a corner.
Great post!
Twitter: FashOrganized
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I didn’t love everything I brought w/me last year, and I think that’s b/c I didn’t know what to expect. I am much happier so far w/m choices so far.
I seriously cannot wait to see you. We need to spend more time together this time.
Thanks for the tips, and the pics for those of us a little less fashion savvy are super helpful. These posts about the conference have been incredibly helpful since I had zero idea what to expect!