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 this time of year—especially in certain parts of the world, and when I’m faced with that, I used to always just overpack and still not really 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 (of course) for warm-day and cool-night trips. Since then, I’ve been making an effort to shop for these items since they’re all things I’d wear in life anyway. 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.
Breathable dresses that you can easily transition from day to night with a little strategic layering are key.
Shorts take up minimal room in your suitcase and when it’s hot out, nothing else compares.
Slip skirts are great for warm travel days because they work with sandals, sneakers, or flats, and make even a plain T-shirt look elevated.
Linen pants will keep you cool and are a great casual alternative to jeans and shorts. They also make for chic swimsuit cover-ups.
I advise packing several tank tops as you can wear them on their own during the day and layered under a sweater or button-down shirt at night.
Simple sandals such as Birkenstocks will keep your feet cool and comfortable and take up minimal room in your suitcase.
I advise throwing a couple of 100% cotton sweaters into your bag for casual nights.
A trench coat will make you look instantly put together. Pro tip: Wear it on the plane to save precious suitcase space.
Thin long-sleeve tees are great to have on hand. They go with everything and will provide a little warmth.
This isn’t the time to pack heavy-weight 100% cotton jeans. Jeans that are lightweight and loose will still provide a bit of warmth without taking up much suitcase space.
Oversized button-downs (with long sleeves) can be worn with many of your “warm day” items, such as slip skirts, tank tops, and linen pants.
When my feet are cold, everything is cold. Luckily, wearing socks with pretty much every shoe style is cool right now.
Next up, the useful items a frequent flier always packs.