Traveling Light: A Packing List for Greensboro, North Carolina

Opening up my suitcase and sharing my real-life packing list for a weekend in Greensboro, North Carolina

As much as I was looking forward to our recent trip to Greensboro, North Carolina, I dreaded packing my suitcase for the weekend in equal measure.

Though summers in North Carolina are not nearly as intense or long-lasting as summers in my former home state, they’re certainly not gentle. The days are hot and sticky, and the nighttime brings no relief.

Frankly, it’s not my favorite season.

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But what can you do? Certainly not give up and stay home, that’s for sure.

Instead, you shift your itinerary around, placing your outdoor activities at the coolest part of the morning, and heading indoors once the sun decides to bare its teeth.

And, of course, you pack wisely.

Looking for more packing list inspiration? Discover what's in my suitcase each season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter

When it’s simply too hot to think, I prefer to fall back on my tried-and-true favorites and rely on the ease of wearing black (an unthinkable thing to do in synthetic fibers, but not nearly as hot as it seems when you choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, or wool – plus it doesn’t show sweat!). So, when faced with highs in the mid-90s on a recent weekend in Greensboro, I did just that.

Here’s everything I packed in my miniature carry-on for my summer getaway (at a lightning pace, I should add!):

GREENSBORO PACKING LIST

Ruffle Top* | Linen Mini Dress | Linen Jumpsuit* | Wrap Dress℅ (save 10% with code WAYWARDBLOG10) | Trouser Shorts℅ (save 15% with code WAYWARD15) | Denim Jacket℅ | Pajama Top | Pajama Bottoms | Crossbody Bag* | Sunglasses | Heeled Sandals℅ | Sneakers℅ | Leather Sandals

GREENSBORO OUTFITS

Alyssa wears a white top and black shorts with sandals — Ruffle Top* | Trouser Shorts℅ (save 15% with code WAYWARD15) | Crossbody Bag* | Leather Sandals | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings | Ring | Bracelet | Necklace* | Anklet

Alyssa wears a black jumpsuit and sneakers — Linen Jumpsuit* | Sneakers℅ | Sunglasses | Crossbody Bag* | Leather Sandals | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings | Ring | Bracelet | Necklace* | Anklet

Alyssa wears a grey dress and black heels — Wrap Dress℅ (save 10% with code WAYWARDBLOG10) | Heeled Sandals℅ | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings | Rope Bracelet | Chain Bracelet | Necklace* | Anklet

Alyssa wears a black linen mini dress — Linen Mini Dress | Sneakers℅ | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings | Rope Bracelet | Chain Bracelet | Ring℅ | Necklace* | Anklet

WHY I CHOSE THESE ITEMS

I alluded to it in my intro, but I chose these garments for their sense of ease.

Rewearing clothing isn’t a possibility when the temps soar, so there really was no point in trying to get creative with layering or mixing and matching my tops and bottoms. Instead, I stuck to dresses and jumpsuits – you know, those one-piece wonders: A linen mini dress that is the very definition of summer chic, a linen jumpsuit to provide coverage from the sun without sacrificing style or comfort (mine is no longer available, but here is a very similar option), and my travel-ready wrap dress℅ (reviewed here) for a fancy dinner out.

I probably could have stuck with two pairs of shoes (my sneakers℅ – reviewed here – and a pair of flat sandals), but said dinner seemed like a special enough occasion to warrant a summery-heeled sandal℅ (reviewed here), too. And because this is the South (the land of the eternal A/C), a jacket should always be kept close at hand. I grabbed this denim jacket℅ (reviewed here) before running out the door.

I kept accessories extra simple by wearing the same few pieces of jewelry over the course of the weekend, just swapping bracelets and rings off the nightstand when I felt like it. I’ve been wearing the same solid gold hoops and studs (with a pretty price to match!) over the past couple of months, and appreciate that I don’t even need to remove them to shower or sleep. What’s easier than that on a hot night?

*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked

FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

To be honest, I questioned sharing my packing list for this trip because it’s so simple.

But then I thought back to my former life as an overpacker, and considered how much I might have appreciated this inspiration back then – so here we are.

Packing well doesn’t have to mean packing your entire wardrobe, or getting fancy with a mini-capsule every time (though I do occasionally love that). To me, a good packing list is one that is appropriate for the destination, climate, and itinerary. And ideally, a good packing list allows you to stop focusing on your clothing once you’ve arrived, so you can go out and enjoy the place you traveled so far to reach.

So, in my opinion, here are a few things that will make your packing list for Greensboro a success:

Comfortable shoes | Greensboro has a walkable downtown and plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy nature, so comfortable footwear is a must!

A goes-with-everything jacket | A jacket is a must in the summer because Southerners really love their air conditioning – but even if you’re visiting at another time of year, you’re going to need a jacket, too. Greensboro experiences all four seasons, so you’ll at least want something light in the evenings as the temperature dips. Visiting in winter? Bring a coat! Snow isn’t a guarantee, but it’s definitely possible. Finding one that matches everything in your suitcase makes it easy to toss on when needed, and frees up valuable suitcase space.

Something dressy for evening | Unlike other regions, “dressing” for dinner is still pretty common in the South. There’s no need to bust out a full-length gown, but a dress, jumpsuit, or chic pair of trousers is usually a safe bet.

Beyond those specific items, ask yourself, “Will I really want to wear this outfit in Greensboro?” and trust your gut with the answer. You’ve got this, I promise!

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Questions for you

What are your go-to travel outfits for the hottest summer days?

Do you tend to switch up your jewelry a lot while traveling, or do you reach for the same pieces over and over again?

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