A Carry-On Packing List for Columbia, South Carolina

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 a recent summer 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

A collage of items packed for Columbia, SC — Jumpsuit* | Midi Dress℅ | Silk Tank* | Patterned Skirt* | Sunglasses℅ | Face Masks | Sunscreen | Heeled Sandals℅ | Leather Flats | Pajama Top | Pajama Bottoms | Clutch/Tote℅ | Shoulder Bag℅

Initially, I’d planned to change into my woolen midi dress℅ for dinner on Saturday. Still, 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

Alyssa wears a black tank, patterned skirt, and black leather shoes — Silk Tank* | Patterned Skirt* | Leather Flats | Shoulder Bag℅ | Watch*

Alyssa wears a botanical jumpsuit and stands in front of an art display — Jumpsuit* | Shoulder Bag℅ | Sunglasses℅ | Watch* | Earrings | Necklace℅

*Item is no longer available and I've linked a comparable product

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.

Still, I felt perfectly at home in this classic Southern city. Here’s to the next pack!

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Questions for you

Has your summer style shifted?

Does your packing strategy change based on your destination?

Looking for more inspiration? You might also enjoy:

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