I’m going back to NYC for Christmas & New Years, where it’s really cold there! San Francisco is around 59F (15C) and NYC is 31F (-1C). My trip back only allows for a personal item so I had to fit everything into my Dagne Dover backpack. Here are the things I packed.

Backpack

Laptop

I am working from home for 2 days while I am in NYC so I brought my work laptop 

Dagne Dover Tech Pouch - 

• Charger - I don’t want to buy a charger for my computer, that’s so expensive and I have so many already

• Pencil case 

• Portable Charger

2 Small Notebooks

My two notebooks go everywhere with me. I write so many things down, I even code in my work notebook. Yes, I hand write some code, my mentor already makes fun of me for that HAHA oh well

Small Makeup Bag 

I always have this makeup bag in my backpack holds necessities like: chap stick, hand cream, lipstick, wet wipes.

Clothes

2 Heattech Undershirts

I swear by Heattech. They are magical. It is the only thing that has gotten me through the cold winters in NYC. I always trusted Uniqlo’s Heattech to keep me warm. It is one of the 3 things I never forget to bring with me when it’s cold outside. 

1 Pair of Jeans/Pants 

For jeans/pants, I leave this up to the individual because I think it depends on what type of shoes you’re wearing. I chose jeans because I am wearing my Cole Haan chelsea boots but I probably could’ve gotten away with wearing slacks instead with other types of shoes. Because I only had space to bring one pair of shoes, which will be the pair that I wear that day on the plane, I had to pick something that matched my shoes. I chose my boots because they’re warm and they’re waterproof. 

1 Turtleneck 

I didn’t know how well I would fare in the cold climate anymore so I only brought turtlenecks. I think covering your neck is one of the most essential things in the cold weather. If your neck isn’t covered, ugh I pity you. 

1 Sweater Dress

My sweater dress also happens to be a turtleneck as well. I don’t care about my legs being cold as long as my neck is covered and I love the way my Everlane sweater dress makes me look in the winter. Paired with the next item + Heattech, I am warm and stylish. 

2 Pairs of Tights 

I am bringing two pairs of tights because I imagine myself wearing all of my clothes at least twice. I don’t think my clothes will be dirty after one wearing in the winter… right? Except for intimates, I usually wear my clothes multiple times before washing, especially if it’s sensitive material. 

Don’t forget these things! 

1 Pair of Joggers 

I am bringing a pair of joggers since I’m going to wear these to sleep. During the winter, I always sleep in joggers and Heattech. This also helps in packing light because I don’t need to bring an extra top just for sleeping. You don’t have to bring joggers, you could go with leggings, fleece pj pants, Uniqlo’s Heattech pants, etc. I just like my joggers tyvm. 

Socks & Intimates 

Ahh yes, don’t forget these! I feel like I always forget these and I have to stuff them in at the very end in all the crevices. Don’t be like me unless you’re doing it because you already planned for them to be there. 

Dagne Dover Toiletries bag 

This holds my toothbrush, toothpaste, face masks, toner & lotion, sunscreen 

Small Tote Bag

I always think a small tote bag is a wonderful addition. I got mine for free a while ago and I just bring it everywhere with me. It’s super thin and super convenient and I don’t have to only rely on my backpack to bring things around with me. Also, sometimes it sucks to be a girl because you don’t have pockets. So this solves that issue for me. 

Plastic Bag

This could be a plastic bag or a set bag for dirty laundry. I hate when my soiled laundry mixes with clothes I want to wear sometime in the next few days. I like to put my soiled laundry (like intimates, socks, etc) in a separate place that doesn’t mix. 

Miscellaneous

One Jumpsuit for NYE party 

• One festive outfit in a sea of practicality, 100% recommend!

There’s more!

Just adding an intermission of my airport fashion.

What I’m Wearing

One Turtleneck

One Pair of Jeans

Socks & Underwear 

Chelsea Boots

Hand carry: 

Gloves & Scarf 

Remember how I said that Heattech was one of the three things I find most important in keeping warm? Well, gloves and scarves are the other two things. These really make a world of difference in keeping warm. I didn’t realize until I didn’t have them a few times and I really noticed the difference. Trust me. Or not. You can test it yourself.

Outerwear Jacket 

Ok, just freeze if you don’t bring this.