What I Wore in Anaheim, CA (aka That Time My Choir Took First Place)
April 2025
This trip was one for the books—and not just because my middle school choir snagged first place at a competition in California. (I’m still riding that high.) We left Anchorage on a chilly Friday morning and landed in sunny Anaheim after a long day of travel and a layover in Seattle. I packed light, didn’t check a bag, and somehow still felt cute every day. Here’s what I wore and why it worked.
Friday – Travel Day Chic
Outfit: Spanx Air Essentials Wide Leg Pants (XL), Adidas sneakers, a lightweight cardigan (XL), and my trusty bucket hat
Vibe: Cozy but pulled together.
These pants are my go-to for long flights—soft, breathable, and they somehow never wrinkle. The Adidas sneakers were on repeat this whole trip (because who has time for sore feet with 20+ middle schoolers?). And yes, I wore the bucket hat just to annoy my 13-year-old who thinks it’s hideous. Mission accomplished.
Saturday – Competition & Exploring
Outfit: Open Edit blazer (XL), Open Edit satin tee (XL), Athleta pants (12), Madewell embellished flats
Morning: All-black ensemble for my “Choir Director Mode Activated” look
Outfit: Aerie wide-leg jumpsuit (L) and those same Adidas
Afternoon: Comfort was key after a morning of directing, adjudicating, and managing nerves. That jumpsuit felt like pajamas but looked like I had it together, which is really all I ask of an outfit.
Sunday: Theme Parks & Sun
Outfit: Black short-sleeve button-up (XL) + linen shorts (L) set from Old Navy, Adidas sneakers
Anaheim was hot this day and this breezy linen set was everything. Bonus: it didn’t take up much room in my carry-on. Big win.
Monday – UC Irvine Clinic + Travel Home
Morning look: Linen pants, tank, sandals, and a Quince cashmere sweater (XL) draped over my shoulders
Monday Morning’s Look
Afternoon Look with Travel layers: Swapped in sneakers and added an oversized denim jacket
We had a clinic with a professor at UC Irvine, lunch, and some shopping before our evening flight. I layered up before heading home (because plane rides are basically flying meat lockers), and good thing too—because nothing says “Welcome home!” like four inches of snow on your lawn.
The Takeaway?
Travel light, lean into linen, and never underestimate the power of one good pair of shoes. Also, winning feels real good.