Opening up my suitcase - err, backpack - and sharing everything I packed for a weekend in Boston.
Although I’ve always considered myself a “weekend travel blogger,” I suspect this year was the one where I truly took the most true “weekend” trips of all, departing on Saturday and returning on Sunday (in the past, I’d say I probably traveled more Friday-night-to-Sunday, or on those occasional long weekends).
This post is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned here but contains commissionable links.
Packing for these overnight flyaway trips is a breeze when you decide to simply pack one outfit per day – and you get bonus points in my book when those garments could combine to form additional outfits if needed, especially when you’re flying budget airlines like Spirit (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…).
I took this concept and applied it to packing for my recent trip to the Boston area, which was quite easy to do considering we had a fairly relaxed itinerary of museum hopping, dining, and exploring. As always, I like to dress for the destination, letting it inspire the pieces I bring, and for Boston that meant a backpack full of classics. I reached for my favorite natural fibers in neutrals, and soon Michael and I were off, budget airline-approved backpacks in tow.
With plenty of room to spare for my current knitting project plus an impulse coat purchase, here’s everything I packed for a chilly early-winter weekend in Boston and Cambridge:
BOSTON PACKING LIST
BOSTON OUTFITS
Saturday
The first day of a trip is always so exciting – and even better since we had a little extra time to get ready in the morning before our 9 a.m. flight (normally we fly out around 6 or 7 a.m., but this is what was offered and I relished that extra bit of sleep). An all-black outfit made things easier still, while an elastic waistband kept me comfy all day long. I topped the whole thing off with a classic camel coat for an extra touch of luxe, elevating the outfit a little for our dinner with a business casual dress code. This outfit formula appears in many forms during my travels, and there’s a reason I keep reaching for it.
—
Sunday
Unfortunately, Sunday brought a downpour that I was not expecting (of course I checked the forecast beforehand, and of course it was wrong), but I made it through the day with the help of a few great accessories: my waterproof loafers (use code WAYWARD10 to save 10%), a cashmere beanie stashed in my coat pocket, and a borrowed hotel umbrella. Back indoors, this look was perfect for exploring the Gardner Museum and enjoying a brunch cocktail at Krasi before trekking to the airport to fly back home – truly, it’s hard to beat a white cashmere sweater and blue jeans.
THE TAKEAWAY: PACKING FOR BOSTON IN THE WINTER
November and December are Boston’s rainiest months, so I suppose I had an authentic travel experience! If I had to pack for this trip all over again, I’d probably pack the same items plus a raincoat for the downpour (there was room in my backpack, after all).
Looking for more packing list inspiration? Discover what's in my suitcase each season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
Other than the rain, I felt quite comfortable for the entire trip, both in regard to temperature and atmosphere. Style in Boston and Cambridge spans from casual (there are so many college students in leggings) to preppy (think cardigans unironically draped over the shoulders), and a camel coat was the perfect topper for this trip. A great coat makes all the difference in an outfit, doesn’t it?
As you’re prepping to pack for Boston, I’d note that I didn’t see many outfits that felt particularly edgy or avant-garde; even in the city’s fashionable shopping areas, people’s overall style felt very classic and traditional. I suppose that leaves even more goodies on the racks at thrift shops for the rest of us to take home…
—
Questions for you:
Have you ever been caught in the rain while traveling?
Do you like to travel with a little room in your luggage, or do you take advantage of every inch of space?
Enjoyed this post? You may also like:
- 36 Hours in Boston and Cambridge
- A Review of Moëca in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Tea at the Boston Public Library
- Three-Day Winter Travel Guide to Providence, Rhode Island
- Traveling Light: Providence, Rhode Island Packing List
- 36 Hours in Albany, New York
- Traveling Light: Albany, New York Packing List
- 36 Hours in NYC: Lower Manhattan
- Traveling Light: New York City Winter Packing List
- The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Rochester, New York
- Traveling Light: Packing List for a Weekend in Rochester, New York
- All Travel Guides by Destination
- All Style Reviews
- Checking In: Hotel Reviews
- Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
Your insights have broadened my horizons.