A Stylish Summer Packing List for Charleston, South Carolina

Wondering what to wear in Charleston? It seems like everyone is visiting this classic Southern city lately, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already planning your Charleston packing list moments after booking your trip.

Charleston’s climate is famously hot and humid, which brings its own unique packing challenges—especially in the summer, when the heat is at its peak. I just returned from a trip in August, arguably the hottest month, and with that experience fresh in my mind, I thought I’d unpack my suitcase and share some tips with you right here on the blog.

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Charleston has a unique sense of style, and it’s hard to say whether that’s the result of so many visitors or something the city developed on its own. Either way, I always find that embracing the local style in my own way adds to my travel experience.

For our weekend in Charleston, I opted for airy linens and crisp cotton poplin, incorporating more color than usual but still balancing it with my all-time favorite: black. Add in a few warm-weather accessories, and even the darkest color palette feels light and breezy.

Looking for more packing list inspiration? Check out my packing lists by season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter

Even though Michael and I drove and could (in theory) have packed an entire trunkload of clothes, I stuck to a carry-on suitcase, as I usually do. It helps avoid decision fatigue and makes the trip feel lighter. I’m currently reviewing the carry-on suitcase from Quince, and even with an average of two outfits per day (more on that later!), I had plenty of room for souvenirs.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into everything I packed for a summer weekend in Charleston:

CHARLESTON PACKING LIST

A collage of all items packed for Charleston — Crop Top | Midi Skirt | Black Maxi Dress | Blue Maxi Dress* | Jumpsuit | Mini Dress | Sunglasses | Portable Fan | Basket Bag* | Sandals | Heeled Sandals* | Sneakers

CHARLESTON OUTFITS

Some snaps between meals while avoiding the hot, hot sun

Alyssa wears a pink tank top and looks over a menu — Crop Top | Hoop Earrings

Blue Maxi Dress* | Sandals | Basket Bag* | Sunglasses | Earrings | Necklace

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

THOUGHTS ON LOCAL STYLE IN CHARLESTON

There are so many moving parts when it comes to describing local style in Charleston, but I'm happy to share a rundown

Alyssa wears a gingham dress from the Charleston packing list and plays chess at the Kings Courtyard Inn

The streets of Charleston are awash with soft color. It’s not just the buildings of Rainbow Row dressed in pale blues or sweet peach—it’s the people, too. Of course, you’ll occasionally spot a bright pop of color or a bold print (I’m not a Lilly Pulitzer pattern expert, but I saw plenty of Lilly-esque prints on King Street). Creams and ivories commonly appear as well, serving as a blank canvas for colorful or textured accessories.

Fabric and silhouette are almost as important as color when it comes to Charleston street style. Lightweight linen and cotton are everywhere, and clothes tend to gently drape as opposed to clinging to the body. I don’t advocate for shopping for a trip unless you truly need something, but if you’re looking for warm weather clothing, I recommend buying light natural fibers that allow a little breathing room (too tight and it feels even hotter than it is outside!).

When it comes to jewelry, bold and gold are the things to know. I rarely saw a flash of silver; though it’s back on top in many other cities, yellow gold takes the crown in Charleston. For non-metal pieces, I caught sight of things like fun raffia earrings, colorful chunky chain necklaces, and playful colored rings.

Even if these notes don’t describe your usual fashions, it can still be fun to reach into your closet and approximate the signature Charleston style.

ZIPPING IT UP: MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR CHARLESTON

Alyssa looks up at the sky from a courtyard. She is wearing a striped dress.

Looking at the photos above, it’s clear I was far more interested in exploring the city than capturing each outfit, but I did end up wearing everything in my suitcase: on the way to Charleston, I reached for my comfortable jumpsuit and sneakers, which ended up being such a blessing as our three-ish hour drive turned into a five-hour one. A quick swap for heeled sandals made me feel so much more put together and like I’d arrived.

The following evening, I reached for my black tiered maxi dress for the loveliest dinner at Vern’s. This dress has so much presence, so I try to keep the rest of the outfit nice and simple. Heels kept it from dragging the floor, and my woven basket bag kept the look from growing too spooky.

And if you’ve been thinking I took the easy way out by packing dresses, a jumpsuit, and a matching set, you’d be spot on. I gladly kept this packing list as foolproof as possible.

In summary, though it was incredibly hot during our Charleston visit and I would advise most visitors to choose another season for their visit, I can honestly say this packing list did its job. It kept me as cool as it possibly could, and I felt at home strolling the city streets (in the shade, of course!).

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Questions for you

How would you describe Charleston style?

Are you reaching for gold or silver jewelry these days?

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2 Comments on “Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for Charleston, South Carolina”

Prabik says:

September 25, 2024 at 8:16 am

Thanks for sharing this detailed guide on packing for Charleston! Your outfit ideas perfectly capture the local style, and I love how you’ve highlighted the importance of lightweight fabrics in the heat. The mention of color trends, like the soft pastels and bold gold jewelry, really adds to the vibe of the city. It’s great to see how practical and stylish choices can make a trip more enjoyable. The snapshots of outfits and accessories also provide a great visual reference for anyone planning their own Charleston adventure!

Julia says:

September 27, 2024 at 9:03 am

Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. I love all your outfits and that is a great packing list! We loved our trip to Charleston, but I took a lot more clothes ! 😂 (In my defence we were touring for 3 weeks!)
Julia x

Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for Charleston, South Carolina