What I Packed for WHCD Weekend
A 4-day work trip that required a little bit of everything
Packing for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was kind of a tall order. First of all, I was only going to D.C. for three nights (which actually turned into four, after my flight home was cancelled) so I didn’t want to check a bag. But the weekend was packed with events that required a range of outfits. There’s the big, black tie, main-event dinner, of course. But there are all sorts of ancillary parties, too—brunches, cocktail parties, pre-parties, etc. So I needed options and I also needed to think strategically.
So, I did. I planned my outfits day by day and even purchased my gown with packing in mind (it’s a jersey blend, so it doesn’t wrinkle, meaning it was fine in my suitcase on the flight and didn’t require a hanging bag).
Below, I’ve rounded up all the stuff I packed for a four-day weekend in DC in the hopes that it could serve as something of a template for your own short-but-sweet travels. I’ve broken it down into what I wore while traveling (i.e. on the plane) as well as what I wore for various activities each day.
The Basics/Everyday Essentials
My Paravel suitcase fits perfectly in the overhead bin and is lightweight enough to easily throw into an Uber or onto an airport conveyor belt. The matching toiletries bag also came in clutch and easily fits in the aforementioned suitcase.
Jewelry-wise, I wore the same pieces almost day-in and day-out: my beloved Louis Vuitton necklace, a gold chain, Louis Vuitton “V” earrings, and a vintage scarab ring that belonged to my grandmother.
I do not travel without this primer, which you can wear sans makeup or under foundation. It was an absolute must for a trip that required wearing a lot of makeup (this stuff evens everything out and ensures your products stay put).
I also brought a travel sized version of this beloved dry texturizing spray, which helps extend a blowout.
Allow me to introduce you to the most comfortable bra I’ve ever owned, largely because it has no underwire. It packs really well and won’t change shape just because it’s stuffed beneath clothes, but it also works great as a traveling undergarment, because it feels like you’re wearing noting.
Day 1
These Gucci x Adidas Gazelles are not practical in the sense that they are expensive. But I have worn them a lot and I love that they offer a fun take on a classic style. These were comfortable enough to wear in the airport but also served as my go-to shoe for museum trips and lunch outings.
These Nili Lotan pants are my closet workhorse. I wear them multiple times per week and they never fail me. They are chic. They are comfortable. They can be washed. They have a really interesting fit and are tailored perfectly.
This is the perfect t-shirt. No notes.
I bought this sweater in Atlanta during a cold spell and have worn it consistently ever since. It looks great with a pencil skirt but goes equally well with plane-wear.
I knew I wanted to bring this blazer as a way to top off cocktail dresses but it’s a linen-blend and would easily wrinkle. So I wore it on the plane and steamed it in my hotel room.
A baseball hat is a non-negotiable for me on an airplane. That and a quality sunscreen.
This leather pouch has carried me through several years’ worth of special events. I love that it holds everything I need and instantly elevates any outfit.
Day 2
Daytime
I visited the National Gallery of Art and it was a very wet day, so I wore my favorite Nikes. They are colorful enough that if they get a bit beat-up, no one will notice. Plus, you can wear them to work out in or lace them up and go for a run.
I adore these brown, barrel-legged jeans.
The black version of my aforementioned favorite tee. A true favorite.
Wore this sweater again in an effort to get more life of my three-day capsule wardrobe.
Evening
I gave this dress high praise on Instagram Stories and for good reason—it will make you look completely snatched. It does not wrinkle. It fits a range of body types. And it stretches, so you can order a room service cheeseburger and go directly to an Elle Magazine party after.
These Bottega heels are basically classics at this point and I wore them all weekend long. Easy, sexy and not exactly comfortable—but they won’t kill you.
Worn with the leather pouch, Louis Vuitton necklace, a gold chain, and a vintage scarab ring.
Day 3
Day
On Saturday, the day began with a very fancy Garden Brunch at a private Georgetown residence. There were…so many celebrities there. I did not eat a thing but chugged the most delicious latte of my life while taking it all in. This Skims bodysuit was just the thing to pack because it takes up no space in a suitcase and can be worn with pants, or a skirt.
I wore an Alemais skirt that screamed “brunch” to me. Sadly, it’s out of stock but the brand makes several similar pieces.
Another day, another pair of Bottega heels. Because of the color and texture, these are a bit more daytime-friendly.
Also wore the blazer again which I think tied everything together, and the same leather pouch as the day prior.
Evening
THE dress. I got this Victoria Beckham dress at Saks in Atlanta. I basically ran to it when I saw it and when I realized it was made out of jersey, and therefore wouldn’t wrinkle, it was a no-brainer. I plan to wear this for years to come.
Wore the strappy black Bottegas again.
I added a vintage metal clutch that I got at a flea market, but this bag lends a similar vibe.
In addition to the scarab ring, I wore this stunning pair of earrings. And, of course, a set of false lashes.
Day 4
So, as I mentioned Day 4 stretched into 5 for me due to a flight cancellation so on my actual Day 4, I did little more than order a turkey club to my room, catch up on some work, and binge the final episodes of Jury Duty. But on the flight back, I wore athleisure, pairing my all-time favorite workout leggings with a white tank, Nike sneaks, tie-dye socks and my LouLou Studio blazer. Topped with a hat, it made for an easy and comfortable outfit ideal for a short flight.
And I’ll leave you with this….