It’s time again to share one of my favorite kinds of posts: a packing list post!
If you’ve read my San Francisco guide or my Nisolo boot review posts, you know that I traveled for work with just my under-the-airplane-seat bag (and even if you didn’t read those posts, I guess you know now too – but you should still go read them!).
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Any time I travel, I try to maximize style and comfort, and minimize the amount of stuff I bring with me. I generally accomplish this by relying on monochrome dressing, creative layering, small accessories, thin baselayers, and re-wearing garments – and this time was no different.
The biggest challenge for this packing list was the weather, as cold-weather garments take up more room than warm-weather ones, however, cooler weather has a bright side as it allows for more mixing-and-matching fun!
Looking for more packing list inspiration? Discover what's in my suitcase each season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
A few key strategies for this trip: packing just one set of ultra-thin pajamas, wearing a very comfortable bra on the plane, layering over and under my dresses for a different look, and relying on just one coat and one pair of boots the whole time. Oh, and since I’d be working in a jewelry booth at West Coast Craft, I left my own jewelry and scarves at home.
Is this packing list the epitome of current trends? No, not at all. Do all of these outfits feel timeless and put-together? Yes, I certainly think so. Take a look at the full list of items I brought (well, minus undies and socks) and a few of the outfits, and share your thoughts!:
SAN FRANCISCO PACKING LIST
SAN FRANCISCO OUTFITS
*many items in my wardrobe are thrifted and/or several years old, and no longer available from the retailer; links provided are for suitable substitutes. If you're looking for the exact item, leave a comment and I'll try to help you locate the piece secondhand!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR FIVE DAYS IN A PERSONAL ITEM
This is just the moodiest packing list, isn’t it?
By the end of the trip, I was craving a little more color than black (no shade to charcoal, but it’s just not quite different enough), but I also recognize it was what I needed to bring to be able to pack practically and fit in behind the booth. Working through body changes has left me with a smaller closet, but I’m still thrilled I can pack cohesively all the same.
Would I have liked a larger bag? Of course! But I feel confident knowing I can pack for so long in such a small space – and when it’s chilly.
Enjoyed this post? You may also like:
- Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for San Francisco, California
- 36 Hours in NYC: Lower Manhattan
- Three-Day Fall Weekend in New York City
- Traveling Light: Chicago Packing List
- Three Days in Providence, Rhode Island
- Winter Packing List: Providence, Rhode Island
- Winter Weekend Getaway Guide: Washington, D.C.
- Winter Packing List: Washington, D.C.
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- Shop My Closet
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What are your favorite tips for maximizing your fall/winter wardrobe pieces?
