I didn’t take a job in December 2022 for the travel perks.
I took it because I was burned out on yoga. Teaching had become a source of stress instead of alignment, and I needed financial stability while I figured out what was next. I’ll share more about that decision—and how it shaped the path I’m on today—in a future podcast or post.
But here’s what I didn’t expect: the surprising sense of gratitude that’s bloomed in this new role. I’ve reconnected with structure, embraced simplicity, and been given the kind of recognition that reminds me I’m valued.
One of the most unexpected blessings? Business travel.
This post is part travel log, part capsule wardrobe diary. I’ll walk you through the trip highlights and the navy-based outfits that got me through a busy week with ease.
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Salt Lake City Spring Conference Recap
The company’s spring conference took place at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, a modern, walkable location that made the week flow smoothly. We flew in early on Saturday, and thanks to our CEO’s generosity, the entire team was upgraded to first class.
Here’s a quick peek at the week’s itinerary:
Saturday: Travel day, check-in at Hyatt Regency
- Sunday: Full-day education meeting to plan 2026 training
Evening highlight: Staff dinner at Lake Effect + Wicked at the theater (souvenirs included!)
Monday: Conference setup + team dinner at Blue Iguana
Tuesday: Pre-conference setup and check-in + evening welcome reception
Wednesday–Thursday: Full conference days with 6:30 a.m. team meetups
Friday: Travel day home
When I pack for a work trip, I want to look polished and professional. But let’s be honest: I’m also at the stage of life where comfort is queen.
So while I absolutely want to represent my organization well, I also need clothes I can wear from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. without daydreaming about sweatpants. That’s where my spring capsule wardrobe in navy came through like a true MVP.
Real Talk: Rediscovering My Style After Yoga Pants
After wearing yoga pants for 15 years, going back to a traditional work environment meant I needed a serious style reset. I was a little rusty, my body had changed, and honestly… I wasn’t sure what business casual meant anymore.
Plus, giving up yoga pants is no small thing. They’re basically the best invention of the 21st century.
But I wanted to be comfortable and confident, and still feel like me without spending every morning staring blankly into my closet.
A little internet research led me to Classy Yet Trendy, and it was exactly what I needed. Her capsule wardrobe system gave me just enough structure to rebuild my style, one intentional piece at a time. It reminded me that you don’t need a huge wardrobe—you just need the right mix of pieces that well work together.
(And yes, some of them can still be stretchy.)
Why Navy Was the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe Color for Spring Travel
Navy is one of my favorite base colors, softer and lighter than black, which I save for fall conferences. It also aligns with our company’s brand, which gives my outfits an on-theme, professional edge without feeling too buttoned-up.
For this trip, I chose versatile, low-maintenance pieces that layered well, mixed easily, and kept me aligned with both my calendar and my comfort level.
And I’m glad I did, because the Salt Lake City weather had a personality of its own—from sunny 80s one day to a chilly 40s the next, plus one day that felt like I might actually blow away. Layers weren’t just helpful—they were essential.
My capsule wardrobe didn’t just help me look pulled together—it helped me adapt with ease.
What I Packed in My Navy Capsule Wardrobe
Even though I needed a style review, I was doing capsule wardrobes long before they were trendy. Back in the early 2000s, when I was traveling as a corporate trainer, I had to carry on a laptop and a projector.
Everything else had to fit in one checked bag because juggling tech equipment and baggage to the rental car was no fun. Those years taught me how to pack with purpose, and I’ve carried that mindset into this job, too.
Tops
navy tank, navy t-shirt
white tank, white t-shirt
1 graphic tee
1 new white cardigan (bought mid-trip!)
Bottoms
Navy and tan drawstring linen pants (they hem the pants for free)
Navy and white striped pajama-style pants
- Navy ponte pants
- Navy dressy stretch pants
Navy yoga pants
Shoes
Navy Asics tennis shoes
Blue loafers
- Tan sandals
- Tan slides
Accessories
Tan tote
Tan belt
Printed scarf (when I wasn’t wearing it as a headband and getting lots of compliments, it was a cute addition to my tote)
Packing Tools
Packing cubes
Rolled clothing to reduce wrinkles
Checked bag, carry-on bag, and personal item (tote from above)
This combo gave me structure without sacrificing spontaneity—and yes, I still had room in my bag for souvenirs.
What I Wore Each Day: A Week of Work Travel Outfits
Even without daily outfit selfies, I remembered what I wore and recreated them.
Here’s the breakdown:
Sunday: Education Meeting + Wicked
Morning: Navy stretchy yoga pants, white tee, navy printed topper, and tan slides
Evening: Green dress for the staff’s green/pink theme night at the theater
Monday: Setup Day
Tan linen pants, blue tank, denim jacket, and navy tennis shoes
Tuesday: Check-In + Reception
Navy linen pants, white tank, new white cardigan, scarf as headband, and navy loafers
Wednesday: Conference Day 1
Navy ponte knit pants, blue/white striped eyelet shirt, blue loafers, and tan slides
Thursday: Conference Day 2
Blue/white striped satin pants (yes, they felt like pajamas), white tee, navy blazer, scarf headband, and navy loafers
Friday: Travel Day
Navy yoga pants, graphic tee, denim jacket, navy tennis shoes
Each outfit gave me exactly what I needed: comfort, confidence, and one less decision to make before my 6:30 a.m. call time.
How I Packed my navy capsule wardrobe
Packing light doesn’t mean going without—it means making space for what matters.
Here’s how I packed it all:
Packing cubes kept everything organized and compact
Rolling method minimized wrinkles
Carry-on + tote: carry on contains one outfit, one lingerie and pajama set in case my checked-in bag gets lost
Mix-and-match mindset: everything worked together
Bonus space: room to bring home a white cardigan + Wicked souvenirs
Final Thoughts: Aligned Living, One Outfit at a Time
My navy capsule wardrobe made mornings easier, evenings more comfortable, and transitions smoother. It left space in my bag—and my brain—for presence.
For conversations over dinner. For exploring or grabbing an iced tea and cookie with colleagues. For pausing to appreciate how far I’ve come, even if this wasn’t the path I originally pictured.
I didn’t take this job for the perks. I took it because I needed a break from burnout and a bridge to something steadier. What I’ve found is not just steadiness, but time and space to enjoy more experiences. First-class upgrades, hot air balloon rides, mountain dinners, Broadway shows, and work that is appreciated and recognized.
Yoga happens when you choose simplicity over stress. The deep breath you take before you roll out of bed at 5:45 a.m. It’s in the way you honor your energy instead of pushing through. When you choose presence over performance.
When you let go of what doesn’t serve, even if it once did.
🛋️ Want to see what I use and love in daily life?
Check out My Faves List—a curated collection of cozy, practical things that make life (and yoga) a little sweeter.
