Over Labor Day weekend, Michael and I visited Kansas City, Missouri (you can read about what we did over the weekend here, here, and here) and had a blast! As I often do after returning from a trip, I (figuratively) open up my suitcase to share what I packed and wore each day.
Attentive readers may note this looks similar to my Nashville packing list, and it will probably look similar to future packing lists, as I’m currently focusing on having a limited but hard-working wardrobe. I’ve edited my closet down pretty far, but I’m methodically adding pieces back, carefully considering a new piece before inviting it into my home.
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You’ll also note that this isn’t necessarily a “minimal” packing list—due to the hot weather forecast (highs around 90°F), I needed to add a few extra pieces. I wore every item I packed, although I could have flown back in the same dress I wore earlier in the day on Monday had I been short on space in my suitcase. As it turned out, I had large pockets of space in my bag and I prefer flying in jeans, so I could justify bringing another pair. Enough yammering, let’s get to the outfits!
KANSAS CITY OUTFITS
Saturday
This first outfit is basically my current go-to air travel outfit. Jeans, a tank, a sweater, a long necklace, and my crossbody purse tucked inside my airline-compliant “personal item.”
I haven’t quite adopted a backpack as a personal item because I have far too much paranoia about pickpockets (hey, watch some YouTube videos about pickpockets and you’ll be paranoid too!). But my Longchamp bag looks like a purse, and I feel more much more put together when walking out of the airport.
That evening we had dinner reservations, so I wanted to dress up while still feeling comfortable. My jersey jumpsuit feels unapologetically like pajamas, which is enough to outweigh the confused look Michael gives me when I wear it. Since it takes on a life of its own, I kept the rest of my outfit nice and simple.
Looking for more packing list inspiration? Discover what's in my suitcase each season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
Sunday
Sunday morning meant casual sightseeing, so I kept things super simple in a tee and cutoffs. This black top looks like your standard-issue tee, but it actually has a fun sheer stripe pattern when worn.
Our agenda for Sunday evening included barbecue and live music, with an unknown curfew and final destination, so I wanted to be ready for anything. (In actuality, the night ended at 10:00 p.m. and our final destination was bed since I started coming down with a cold). Jeans and a nice top fit the bill perfectly.
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Monday
On the final day, I wasn’t feeling well, and it was also the hottest day, so I’m glad I packed a simple outfit to round out the trip.
By the time the flight rolled around, I was grateful for a change of clothes, including jeans and my sweater to help fight my cold. I basically alternated the entire trip between my sneakers and sandals for comfort, so I wore my slides on the way home. Since we have TSA Precheck it’s so nice not to worry about having to remove shoes (i.e. no socks and sandals here!).
KANSAS CITY PACKING LIST
*many of these items are no longer available from the retailer and I've linked a comparable product
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR KANSAS CITY
I was a little surprised to find that Midwestern style bears a lot of similarities to Southern style. The day-to-day wear is quite casual (though less preppy or frilly) and trends seem to take time to trickle down, just like in many Southern cities. Being particularly “stylish” isn’t the focus, and honestly? It’s so refreshing to just pack clothes that feel comfortable.
Well, that’s a wrap on Kansas City!
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Questions for you
Do you have clothing items you reach for over and over again when traveling?
Would you ever fly in sandals?
Enjoyed this post? You may also like:
- Kansas City Travel Diary, Day One
- Kansas City Travel Diary, Day Two
- Kansas City Travel Diary, Day Three
- Weekend Guide: St. Louis, Missouri
- Traveling Light: St. Louis, Missouri Packing List
- 36 Hours in Downtown Chicago Travel Guide
- Traveling Light: Chicago Packing List
- 36 Hours in Nashville, Tennessee
- Traveling Light: Nashville, Tennessee Packing List
- A Dress with Hidden Pockets: A Review of The Roma Wrap Dress from wayre
- How to Outsmart a Pickpocket – 15 Items with Hidden Pockets
- All of My Summer Packing Lists
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