Maybe it’s because I’m heading on a much-needed vacation this week (if anyone has any tips of fun things to do in Miami, drop ’em in the comments!) but I think packing for a fall trip is a matter worth discussing.
Traveling in the summer couldn’t be easier – just toss your bathing suits, shorts and cute little dresses into a bag and go. And packing for a winter getaway is fairly straightforward, too: You basically just need your snow boots, some comfy sweaters and a nice warm scarf.
When you’re dealing with unpredictable weather, like you might in the fall, it gets a little trickier. How do you make sure you’re covered for warm or cold weather when you only have little suitcase to stuff with clothes? I’ve narrowed it down to 10 items I feel are essentials. Of course, you’ll probably need some other stuff as well, but this could be a great place to start if you’re lucky enough to have a trip on the horizon. I’m not one for pre-planning outfits so I’m focusing on individual pieces here, things you can simply mix and match with one another so that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
- A cute jacket: It should be something you can dress up or down – pair it with jeans and a tee while you’re running out to brunch; rock it with a dress if you’re heading out for the night. A leather jacket is ideal, at least in my opinion, but if that’s not your style, a great blazer or military jacket will work just fine. This jacket should be something that’ll keep you warm!
- A black long-sleeved tee shirt: A great piece for layering under jackets or vests, but also a piece that looks great with nothing over it. This way you’re prepared to wear it as a base layer if it’s cold or as its own shirt if the weather is nicer.
- A felt hat: Hats are so cute but they are kind of difficult. I always have a hard time deciding when to wear mine – I feel weird wearing it a restaurant or work event. When you’re on vacation you can totally get away with just wearing one while you roam around and explore town, though. It adds a bit of style to any outfit.
- A pair of booties: Any kind of boot is great in the fall, but I would personally advise taking your booties over your tall boots if space is an issue. Why? Because they look super cute with dresses or with pants – you can easily style them with a cute little dress if you’re heading to a warm place, while still looking seasonally appropriate.
- A day-to-night dress: Dresses are so great for travel because they fit easily into small spaces and they are just so easy. It’s an entire outfit in just one piece! If it’s warm enough, wear this out during the day with your jacket and then style it with some fancy shoes for night.
- Jeans: They’re foolproof and you can dress them up or down depending on what your plans are.
- A pair of high heels: Even if you aren’t planning on doing anything fancy, I would suggest tossing a pair of simple pumps into your bag just in case. You can add pumps to absolutely any outfit and it instantly becomes cute enough to wear out to a hot restaurant or club – even if everything else is fairly casual.
- A cute crewneck sweatshirt: You’ll need something comfy for when you lounge around. If you’re comfy sweatshirt is cute enough to go out in, well that’s just multitasking. You can style one over your dress for a day out or even sleep in it if you get cold overnight.
- Sneakers: Even though I’m pretty anti working-out-while-on-vacation, it is a good idea to be prepared. Stash them in case you do decide to log a sweat session or so that you’re prepared if an impromptu hike or day of walking around a lot pops up in the itinerary.
- A bathing suit: I personally think you should always take a bathing suit on vacation no matter what time of year it is, even if it seems like the last thing you’ll need. Have one on hand in case your hotel has a pool or hot tub.
