As someone who cares about packing cute things for trips but also wants to be comfortable and appropriately dressed for the weather, I have a lot of trouble packing for climates that call for warm days and cool nights. It's common weather for this time of year, especially in certain parts of the world, and when I'm faced with that, I used to overpack and still not have the right clothes. So I finally decided to do something about it.
I thought long and hard about what items would be the most practical, versatile, and chic for trips with warm days and cool nights. Since then, I've tried to shop for these items since I'd also wear them outside of vacations. Since I don't think I'm alone in thinking this type of climate is a predicament, I'm not gatekeeping my list. Below, you'll find a list of the essentials you need for your next trip, along with my favorites in each category. You'll thank me when your next weird-weather trip rolls around.
Cotton and Linen Dresses
Breathable dresses that you can easily transition from day to night with some strategic layering are essential.
Shop Linen and Cotton Dresses
Shorts
Shorts take up minimal room in your suitcase, and when it's hot outside nothing else compares.
Shop Shorts
Slip Skirts
Slip skirts are great for warm travel days because they work with sandals, sneakers, or flats. They can even make even a plain T-shirt look elevated.
Shop Slip Skirts
Linen Pants
Linen pants help keep you cool and are a great casual alternative to jeans and shorts. They also make for chic swimsuit cover-ups.
Shop Linen Pants
Tank Tops
I advise packing several tank tops as you can wear them alone during the day and layered under a sweater or button-down shirt at night.
Shop Tank Tops
Simple Sandals
Simple sandals such as Birkenstocks will keep your feet cool and comfortable and take up minimal room in your suitcase.
Shop Simple Sandals
Lightweight Sweaters
I advise throwing a couple of 100% cotton sweaters into your bag for casual nights.
Shop Lightweight Sweaters
Trench Coat
A trench coat will make you look instantly put together. Wear it on the plane to save precious suitcase space.
Shop Trench Coats
Layering Tees
Thin long-sleeve tees are great to have on hand. They go with everything and will provide a little warmth.
Shop Layering Tees
Non-Bulky Jeans
This isn't the time to pack heavy 100% cotton jeans. Lightweight, loose jeans will still provide warmth without taking up too much suitcase space.
Shop Non-Bulky Jeans
Oversize Button-Downs
Long-sleeve oversize button-downs can be worn with many warm-weather items, such as slip skirts, tank tops, and linen pants.
Shop Oversize Button-Downs
Socks
When my feet are cold, everything is cold. Luckily, wearing socks with pretty much every shoe style is cool right now.
Shop Socks
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