If you ever travel through the Southern U.S. in the summer, you’ll likely notice two distinct styles:
- Very casual: likely just a tank top or tee (bonus points if it has the local sports team’s logo emblazoned on it), khaki or denim shorts, and some kind of thong or slide sandal.
- Very preppy: sometimes in the form of polo/button-down/nicer tee paired with khakis and pointed flats (bonus points if they’re Tory Burch), and sometimes in the form of a sundress (bonus points if it’s Lilly Pulitzer) and lately, a pair of white sneakers.
While I generally like to fit in at a destination, neither of these styles is really “my” style. But I’ve learned to embrace sticking out in my black clothing, which tends to fall somewhere in the middle of the casual-dressy spectrum, as I travel through the South (because it’s my home!).
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Today I’m sharing my packing list for our weekend in Columbia, South Carolina.
It was such a quick trip, and honestly, I don’t really know if it seems exciting – it’s not an ambitious two weeks in a carry-on packing list or a fun destination wedding packing list. But it’s real. And ultimately I feel like sharing real-life packing lists as well as my thoughts on how those garments performed/how I felt in my clothing still holds value.
Looking for more packing lists? Discover what's in my suitcase each season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
Some quick background info for this trip that influenced how I packed: This was a quick one-night road trip that took place at the end of June, with high temps in the mid-90s. Scheduled activities included visiting a morning market, art museum, local bars and restaurants, and the zoo – I’d say my time was evenly divided between indoor and outdoor activities. Although I suppose I technically could have packed as many outfits as I wanted (so long as they fit in my car, of course), I just packed everything into my mini carry-on bag. Let’s peek inside:
COLUMBIA PACKING LIST
Initially, I’d planned to change into my woolen midi dress℅ for dinner on Saturday, but I managed to stay surprisingly cool (and odor-free) in my fun patterned jumpsuit* (if you’ve been reading for a while and are a little surprised to find me in so much pattern – me too!). With cushy heeled sandals℅, the outfit was “dressy” enough for dinner, but I swapped in this pretty neutral clutch℅ that can also be carried as a tote for a little extra polish. The following morning included brunch and a trip to the zoo, so I chose to wear my leopard-esque skirt* to fit in with my environs. To balance it out, I kept my top and shoes simple (but beautifully crafted). By the time we left the zoo, Michael and I had both sweated through our clothes – everyone at the zoo was sweating through their clothes! – and I was so grateful to have my woolen midi dress℅ at the ready (for some reason I don’t have any photos in it from this trip – but it got lots of wear during our time in Guadalajara if you’re curious to see it IRL).
COLUMBIA OUTFITS
FINAL THOUGHTS: PACKING FOR COLUMBIA, SC
Overall I’d say it was a successful pack! I’d gladly reach for these items and fabrics again if we were returning, but it does leave me wistful for fall. I find myself feeling a little bored with the lack of layering opportunities, and I think I’m trying to compensate for that by wearing bolder looks.
*Item is no longer available and I've linked a comparable product
Looking for more packing list inspiration? You might also enjoy:
- St. Louis, Missouri Packing List
- Guadalajara, Mexico Packing List
- Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach Packing List
- St. Croix Packing List
- My Flight Got Canceled and All I Had To Wear Was This Dress
- Cartagena, Colombia Packing List
- Charlotte, North Carolina Packing List
- Jacksonville, Florida Packing List
Has your summer style shifted?
