Opening up my suitcase and sharing everything I packed for a fall weekend in Durham, North Carolina.
As the weekend of my recent trip to Durham grew closer and closer, my anxiety began to bubble below the surface.
Not because of the stress of planning an itinerary, or finding enough things to do to stay busy while in the Bull City – oh no, there’s so much to do in Durham that trip planning is a cinch – but because every weather radar predicted a tropical storm would make its arrival at the same time I was due in the city.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather” and all that, but heavy wind and rain typically means that less time is spent outside (and of course, that special events and activities are more likely to be canceled).
Not to mention, it makes getting dressed a drag.
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But wet, windy travel is still travel (my very favorite thing in the world!) – so I trudged ahead, pulling out my sturdiest waterproof shoes and raincoat.
The result is a utilitarian and slightly gloomy packing list, with a hit of light for the final day when the sun emerged.
Looking for more packing list inspiration? Discover what's in my suitcase each season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
Because my packing lists for any destination would look different in July than say, in January, here’s a quick bit of info about this particular visit:
Time of Year | September (during the Autumn Equinox!).
Weather | Highs ranging from 69°F to 82°F, lows around 50°F. Days varied from overcast to pouring rain with strong gusts of wind to sunny and mild.
Itinerary | Shopping, an art museum, lots of walking, and tons of eating.
Method of Travel | Car (approximately 2h15m).
Luggage | One carry-on suitcase℅ (review) with coats stored in the backseat for quick cover.
Ready to get packing? Here’s everything I packed for my weekend getaway to Durham:
DURHAM PACKING LIST
OUTFIT PHOTOS + WHY I CHOSE THESE ITEMS
The rain made it difficult to snap every outfit photo for the weekend, but hopefully, you can imagine my silk top, cashmere sweater, rain jacket, and sneakers in the mix!
I had every plan to pack some fun dresses and jumpsuits for the weekend in Durham, but those plans were quickly scrapped (no one wants to wrangle a dress with gusts of 30 mph winds!). Instead, I reached for some old familiar favorites, like my Breton top, wide-leg pants, and an actually substantial white tee.
Helpful rain gear was essential for this trip, and I brought out my waterproof loafers (save 10% with code WAYWARD10) and lofty Chelsea boots to keep my feet high and dry. A sturdy umbrella and rain jacket were tossed in the backseat and thus always within reach.
Accessories-wise, I packed some easy gold jewelry, a couple of fun bandanas, and a favorite pair of sunnies (reviewed here) for my last day in Durham.
*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR DURHAM
I regret not being able to express a helpful opinion on Durham’s style, as everyone was bundled up in their rain gear for most of the weekend. But I would be willing to bet that because of its Southern location and the prevalence of cool, kitschy thrift stores, that the resident style veers classic with a touch of the eclectic. But just to be sure, I think I may need to make a return trip… ?
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Questions for you
Have you ever canceled a trip because of bad weather?
What is your go-to rainy-day outfit?
Looking for more travel and style inspiration? You may also like:
- The Best of Bull City: The Essential Weekend Travel Guide for Durham, North Carolina
- Checking In: A Review of Unscripted Durham
- Touring the Triangle: Travel Guide for Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
- My Flight Got Canceled and All I Had To Wear Was This Dress
- A Car-Free Summer Weekend in Chapel Hill, North Carolina – and Everything I Packed
- Checking In: A Review of Graduate Chapel Hill
- The Ultimate Weekend Travel Guide to Greensboro, North Carolina
- Traveling Light: A Packing List for Greensboro, North Carolina
- Weekend Travel Guide: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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