What to Pack for a Film Festival

Ten essentials to keep you organized and after-party ready.

Fashion and Function - Whether you’re heading to the Sundance Film Festival  (which kicks off on January 16) or a smaller festival in your hometown this spring, you’ll need to be prepared. We’ve got you covered with our top picks to help keep you stylish, organized and after party ready. By Britt Middleton We love a good handbag as much as the next gal, but lugging an overstuffed bag around for hours is a drag. A chic backpack, like this one from Tory Burch, distributes weight more evenly. Trust us, your back and shoulders will thank you. (Photo: Tory Burch)

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Fashion and Function - Whether you’re heading to the Sundance Film Festival  (which kicks off on January 16) or a smaller festival in your hometown this spring, you’ll need to be prepared. We’ve got you covered with our top picks to help keep you stylish, organized and after party ready. By Britt Middleton We love a good handbag as much as the next gal, but lugging an overstuffed bag around for hours is a drag. A chic backpack, like this one from Tory Burch, distributes weight more evenly. Trust us, your back and shoulders will thank you. (Photo: Tory Burch)

Shoes That Don't Hurt - For day, a stylish, low-heeled boot like the “Tiarraa” by Steve Madden is perfect for standing in line for tickets or browsing the gifting suites. (Photo: Steve Madden)

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Shoes That Don't Hurt - For day, a stylish, low-heeled boot like the “Tiarraa” by Steve Madden is perfect for standing in line for tickets or browsing the gifting suites. (Photo: Steve Madden)

Cute Cover-Up - Lafayette 148 New York’s zippered cable knit capelet will certainly come in handy in those chilly theater screening rooms. (Photo: Lafayette 148 New York)

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Cute Cover-Up - Lafayette 148 New York’s zippered cable knit capelet will certainly come in handy in those chilly theater screening rooms. (Photo: Lafayette 148 New York)

Photo By Photo: Lafayette 148 New York

Stay Connected - If the festival you’re attending has a mobile app, use it! They’re great resources for information about featured films, festival events and last-minute changes to schedules. (Photo: Sundance Institute)

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Stay Connected - If the festival you’re attending has a mobile app, use it! They’re great resources for information about featured films, festival events and last-minute changes to schedules. (Photo: Sundance Institute)

Take Notes - It may seem old school, but you’ll be glad you had a notebook and pen with you if your cell phone battery dies unexpectedly. Use it as a backup to store important phone numbers, screening times and addresses you’ll need for later.  (Photo: Moleskine)

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Take Notes - It may seem old school, but you’ll be glad you had a notebook and pen with you if your cell phone battery dies unexpectedly. Use it as a backup to store important phone numbers, screening times and addresses you’ll need for later.  (Photo: Moleskine)

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Good Eats - Before you reach for that candy bar in your swag bag, remember those empty calories will result in an energy crash shortly thereafter. Fuel your day with something good for you, like a protein-packed Über Bar made from whole nuts and dried fruit. Or check out our list of healthy snacks that travel well. (Photo: Larabar)

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Good Eats - Before you reach for that candy bar in your swag bag, remember those empty calories will result in an energy crash shortly thereafter. Fuel your day with something good for you, like a protein-packed Über Bar made from whole nuts and dried fruit. Or check out our list of healthy snacks that travel well. (Photo: Larabar)

Multi-Purpose Beauty - You never know who you may run into, so you’ll definitely want to look your best. Sephora’s Jumbo Glossy Lip Pencil is ideal for quick touch-ups, plus you can dab a little on your cheeks for a flush of color. (Photo: Sephora)

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Multi-Purpose Beauty - You never know who you may run into, so you’ll definitely want to look your best. Sephora’s Jumbo Glossy Lip Pencil is ideal for quick touch-ups, plus you can dab a little on your cheeks for a flush of color. (Photo: Sephora)

Pick-Me-Up - No time to re-apply your foundation? Spritz on Evian’s Mineral Water Face Spray, which revives tired, dry skin in a snap. The travel-size bottles are perfect for stashing in your backpack, too. (Photo: Evian)

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Pick-Me-Up - No time to re-apply your foundation? Spritz on Evian’s Mineral Water Face Spray, which revives tired, dry skin in a snap. The travel-size bottles are perfect for stashing in your backpack, too. (Photo: Evian)

Sweet Travels - Now, this is what we call double duty! Estée Lauder’s Pleasures Charming Horn Pendant opens up to reveal a solid version of the brand’s Pleasures perfume, ideal for a quick refresh throughout the day. Plus, it doubles as a go-with-everything necklace. Genius! (Photo: Estee Lauder)

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Sweet Travels - Now, this is what we call double duty! Estée Lauder’s Pleasures Charming Horn Pendant opens up to reveal a solid version of the brand’s Pleasures perfume, ideal for a quick refresh throughout the day. Plus, it doubles as a go-with-everything necklace. Genius! (Photo: Estee Lauder)

Ready, Set, Recharge - When there’s no time for a power nap, an energy drink made from natural ingredients rather than harsh stimulants is a good stand-in. Try adding Pür Pak, an organic powdered supplement with energy-boosting B vitamins and other nutrients, to a glass of water before heading out to the after party. (Photo: Pur Pak)

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Ready, Set, Recharge - When there’s no time for a power nap, an energy drink made from natural ingredients rather than harsh stimulants is a good stand-in. Try adding Pür Pak, an organic powdered supplement with energy-boosting B vitamins and other nutrients, to a glass of water before heading out to the after party. (Photo: Pur Pak)