At the beginning of March, Michael and I spent a grand total of 36 hours in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas metroplex. Today I’m sharing what I packed for that whirlwind trip, which I had to do quite differently than I usually would.
Heading to Dallas-Fort Worth in the warmer months? You can also check out my summer packing list!
Normally I’d bring my Away Carry-On and leave lots of room for any souvenirs I’d bring back, or share a suitcase with Michael to lighten my load. However, our class of plane ticket dictated that we could only bring one item that would fit underneath the seat, like a backpack or tote (update: this restriction has been lifted – hooray!).
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True, I could have gotten away with wearing the same outfit two days in a row, bringing only one pair of shoes, and sleeping in my undies (the weather was comfortable, and I wouldn’t have really sweated through my clothes; I mean I do this type of thing at home all the time).
But I also crave variety, and it turns out I didn’t need to sacrifice that to adhere to the baggage policy. Below you’ll find all of the clothing, shoes, and accessories I brought with me to Dallas – which miraculously fit into my Longchamp bag (pictured), so long as I was wearing one of my outfits.
Not pictured are pajamas, underwear, socks, my liquids bag and makeup bag, and even a curling iron – but you probably don’t care about that stuff, do you?
PACKING LIST FOR DALLAS TEXAS
Tops
Cashmere Mockneck* | This sweater has been in constant rotation since I bought it last fall and I wanted to wear it for what might be the last time before the weather warms.
Raw Silk Top, handmade (by me!) | The weather on Saturday was forecasted to be warm, and I’m starting to crave lighter colors again. I want to add more tops in this color to my wardrobe, but for now, I have this one and I love it more with each wear. Find a similar option here.
Pleat-Back Sweatshirt | This is one of the newest pieces in my wardrobe, and I bought it specifically for traveling. I love the fact that Cuyana elevated the sweatshirt to something I would wear out of the house without a second thought.
Bottoms
Skinny Jeans | These have been my go-to travel jeans for some time. They have more of a “jegging” feel, which makes them a good choice for wearing on airplanes.
High-Rise Legging | I picked up a couple of pairs of these during the brand’s pre-launch, and wear them to the gym several times a week, as well as around the house. Since our flight back home would land after midnight, I wanted to feel as cozy as possible.
Dress
Sheath Dress* | You’ve probably heard me talk about this dress enough during the 10×10 challenges, but quickly this dress: 1) has pockets 2) is slim but stretchy 3) is black and goes anywhere with anything.
Bags
Crossbody Pouch* | I find that the larger my purse is, the more tempted I am to stuff it with anything and everything. Limiting myself to a small bag has really helped with back and neck pain, and it fits into my tote bag with ease; essential when flying basic economy.
Folding Tote | Since I picked this up in Paris, I’ve been using this bag as my “personal item” at the airport. I’m not a *huge* fan of the nylon exterior, but I love that it folds closed between trips and the fact that it’s easy to clean.
Outer Layers
Down Jacket | At full price, I’m not sure this jacket is worth it – I found mine in the “damaged” bin at Uniqlo because the zipper pull is no longer attached – but I like having the option to wear this alone or under my Columbia coat since it’s so thin.
Cardigan* | This slouchy sweater gets worn once or twice a week, and I’m glad to say that it has softened with wear nicely without much pilling. It takes me through the airport easily, and I love curling up under it when I’m cold.
Shoes
Gumsole Sneakers* | You’ve probably seen these sneakers before; they’re a more ethically made option than some others out there on the market. However, the white leather is beginning to peel along the lace line. Not terribly noticeable, and I’ve seen where Veja denies this is an issue, but it clearly exists.
Brown Boots* | These are my most “western” looking boots and I insisted on wearing them during our trip to Texas. That’s a fact I regretted after a few hours since my toes had big, bubbly blisters by the end of the trip. I either need to find inserts, wear thick socks, or send these on their merry way.
Accessories
Tights | These recycled tights are a little on the pricey side, but the quality and fit are both great. As pairs in my tights drawer start getting runs in them or losing their elasticity, I will replace them one at a time with Swedish Stockings.
Black Camisole | This was an impulse buy several years back and I likely will invest in something a little better when it’s time to replace it, but I’m happy to say it’s still going strong.
Sunglasses | If “ride-or-die” can be applied to sunglasses, well, these are my ride-or-die sunglasses.
Copper and Leather Necklace* | I now own this necklace in two colors, and love the way it goes with just about everything.
Rose Gold Hexagon Ring* | I picked up this ring at a small shop in Montreal. It’s one of very few “nicer” rings that I own (though I commit to no longer buying rings that will turn my finger green!).
Herkimer Studs | These popped up in Etsy’s “recommended for you” section, and I couldn’t get them out of my head. I’ve been wearing them frequently since they arrived.
DALLAS-FORT WORTH OUTFITS
Saturday
There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about this combination, but it was perfect for wearing on the plane, to the botanical gardens, through all of our taco meals (thanks, stretch denim!), and to the rodeo. That is, except for the boots, which caused awful blisters on the tops and bottoms of my feet and me to swear off wearing them for the rest of the trip. I swapped my Longchamp out for my crossbody once we landed, and carried it comfortably well into the evening of one of the longest days we’ve had in a while – we were awake for about 22 hours straight.
Sunday
Daytime
Initially, I planned to wear this outfit with my boots, but there was no way my swollen feet were going to allow me to do that again! It’s not my favorite outfit – I think it would look better without the tights, but I refuse to be cold and uncomfortable for style – but it’s not terrible. I felt comfy and cozy for lots of walking around Fort Worth and at the museums.
Looking for more packing list inspiration? Discover what's in my suitcase each season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
Evening
Afternoon rains brought cooler evening temperatures, and I was grateful I brought this outfit along for the return plane ride. I don’t remember where I read it, but I once read a blog post or article about a woman who asks herself if she would wear her current outfit in Paris before heading out the door each day. Even with the athleisure trend, I’d say a solid no to wearing this in Paris. But this isn’t Paris, and we were on the last flight of the night, so 100% comfort was my goal and I achieved it.
*item is no longer available and I've linked to a similar product
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR DALLAS-FORT WORTH IN EARLY SPRING
You might not expect it, but early spring in the Dallas area can still be quite cold at times, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Yet with some careful planning and packing, it is still possible to pack for a weekend away in just a personal item.
Headed to Dallas in the summer? Be sure to check out my packing list from a return visit to keep your cool!
Enjoyed this post? You may also like:
- Travel Diary: Four Days in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Traveling Light: A Summer Packing List for Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Day Trip: Lafayette, Louisiana
- Day Trip: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Day-Tripping: What it’s like to fly somewhere for the day and everything I packed for a day in New Orleans
- A Holiday Weekend in Denver, Colorado
- Traveling Light: Denver, Colorado Packing List
- Weekend Guide: St. Louis, Missouri
- Traveling Light: St. Louis, Missouri Packing List
- All Travel Guides by Destination
- Checking In: Hotel Reviews
- All Packing Lists
- Style Reviews Index
- Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
- Shop My Closet
That’s a wrap for my Dallas posts! I’m currently planning upcoming trips and adding features to the blog. Please let me know if there is anything you would like to see in this space!
I’m wondering if you’ve reviewed the Away bag here (I’ll have to search, I’m new to your blog). I received a coupon for one, but for all the good reviews I read one really bad one from a travel writer and I’m leery of spending the money. What if I hate it?!
I love your outfits. I’m big into making things work over multiple days. We are going to Hawaii in 2 weeks (hallelujah as it’s snow outside…) I really just need a swimsuit, sandals and a sun dress right?!
Hawaii sounds incredible. I’ve never been, but you’re right, I think all you would need is two swimsuits (one to wear while the other is drying!), and a couple of cute dresses (and don’t forget the sunscreen!).
I did an initial review of the Away case, and I plan on updating it after a year of solid use. I know they bill it as being the perfect case with well-thought-out details, but it’s not quite there yet. I definitely think some improvements could be made. That being said, I also don’t really have a better recommendation for a case. They do have a really great trial-period, so I don’t think you have anything to lose!