A few weekends ago, we visited my sister and brother in law in Seattle, and I’ve been excited to share my packing list with you ever since — today’s the day!
THE TRIP
- Destination: Seattle, WA
- Trip length: 4 days
- Destination weather: 45-55 degrees / mostly rainy and cloudy, with a little bit of sun
- Activities: Hanging out with my sister and brother in law. Exploring Seattle and the surrounding islands. Eating at cool little restaurants. Chatting at coffee shops. Oh! And visiting a pumpkin patch.
MY APPROACH TO PACKING
When traveling, my mantra is function first, style second. I started the packing process by checking the weather and thinking through our activities. It went something like this:
Rain likely. Okay, hooded rain jacket. Darker colors. No precious fabrics. Shoes that can get wet.
Lots of walking. Mhm, so durable, comfortable shoes that are already completely broken in and won’t give me blisters.
Varying temperatures? Alright then, layers. Soft and lightweight base layers, cozy sweaters, and warm jackets.
I centered my packing list around these things first. From there, I filled in the blanks, planning an outfit for each day, and editing out anything that was too precious or delicate.
Once I was done, my carry on suitcase was filled to the brim. Packing a carry-on for cold destinations is infinitely more challenging than packing for warm destinations. But I was able to free up some valuable real estate in my suitcase by following the advice that you already know if you’ve ever read a blog post on packing — wear your bulkier pieces on the plane. I wore my black jeans, ankle booties, base layer, sweater coat, and tote, in case you’re wondering.
My typical outfit each day was made up of three layers: a base layer tee, a sweater, and a jacket. And you know what? It worked! I felt perfectly comfortable each day by adding and removing layers as necessary, YAY!
WHAT I PACKED
TOPS
01 | Tee by Madewell | While my suitcase was mostly neutral, I could create a color rich outfit with this tee and some cognac accessories. I paired this tee with my black jeans, ankle booties, and my sweater coat to make this outfit.
02 | Fisherman’s sweater (old by Banana Republic) | similar under $100 | similar under $90 | similar for under $55 | An oversized fisherman’s sweater, paired with a base layer, is the easiest thing to wear on a day when temperatures are back and forth. Feeling too warm? Take off the sweater and tie it around your waist. Too cold? Pop the sweater back on.
03 | Sweater by Topshop (Fit note: I’m wearing a 6) | With it’s slouchy silhouette and soft fabric, this one is quickly becoming my favorite sweater. I dressed it up a little and wore it out to dinner one night, pairing it with my black jeans and cognac ankle booties.
04 | Layering Tee by Halogen | I’m picky about my base layers — they’ve got to feel amazing on my skin. This one is the best I’ve found so far — it’s supersoft and luxe while being lightweight and not adding bulk. I’d just pop it underneath a sweater, add a jacket on top, and be all set for a day out. No matter how unpredictable the weather was, I could add or remove layers as needed.
JACKETS
01 | Rain Jacket by Penfield | also in black | also in tan | Last year, we lived in Seattle for a few months, and I quickly learned that a waterproof, hooded jacket is necessary. A little rain? No problem. Just pop the hood up and keep walking.
02 | Fleece Jacket by Patagonia (made responsibly) | This ended up being more of a lounge piece during the trip, but it was nice to toss on when we were just hanging out at the house. I even wore it to sleep a few nights.
03 | Cardigan (old by Madewell) | similar by Anthropologie | similar by Madewell | I take this cardigan with me everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. It looks as stunning with jeans and ankle booties as it does with yoga leggings and sneakers.
BOTTOMS
01 | Jeans by Madewell (on sale) | similar by Mott and Bow (made responsibly) | Always need a pair of basic, versatile jeans. Cool.
02 | Black jeans (old by Joe’s Jeans) | similar by Mott and Bow(made responsibly) | You know what I love about black jeans? They don’t show a thing. I could spill red wine on them and no one would know. Travel necessity in my book.
SHOES
01 | Ankle booties (old by Sam Edelman) | similar by Madewell | similar by Fortress of Inca (made responsibly) | I always pack a pair of heeled ankle booties this time of year since I can dress them up for a nice dinner out or dress them down for daytime sightseeing. Don’t let their looks deceive you — they handle rain and mud like a champ, so I didn’t need to be careful with them in the rain. I’ve had them for years so they are already broken in and never give me blisters, no matter how far I walk.
02 | Sneakers by Veja (made responsibly) | I probably could have left these at home, but I’m going through a phase where I like travel with three pairs of shoes, instead of two, just in case I get blisters. Meh, on this trip, I could have done without ’em.
03 | Boots (old by Frye) | similar by Frye (on sale) | similar by Madewell | similar by Everlane (made responsibly) | These boots, both the color and the leather, are indestructible. They were perfect for traipsing around in a muddy pumpkin patch.
ACCESSORIES
01 | Tote gifted by ONA | similar (made responsibly) | similar (made responsibly) | This bag is my go-to plane bag. It can hold my beloved Hydroflask water bottle, my computer, snacks, and any suitcase overflow with ease. This does mean it gets a little heavy, but I just set it on top of my carry on and roll them both.
02 | Small bag by Live FashionABLE (made responsibly) | similar | An extra bag may seem unnecessary, especially when trying to pack light, but I’ve been doing it more and more lately. Why? Because my tote can get just a little too heavy for exploring + sightseeing. So I downsize to this little bag mid trip.
03 | Carry On gifted by Away | This is my third trip with my Away suitcase and it’s growing on me more and more. At first I was a little thrown that it was so lightweight (can it really hold up?) and that it doesn’t expand at all (so, no overstuffing your bag). But, flimsy as it feels, it turns out it’s a tank. And now I kind of like that it doesn’t expand, because it’s broken my habit of overstuffing my carry-on. Would I recommend one? If you have a perfectly good suitcase already, no. If you’re in the market and you’ve had suitcases break down mid-trip, definitely.
OTHER PIECES (NOT PICTURED)
01 | Travel steamer | Not only does it keep clothes wrinkle free, it also refreshes clothes between washes. Since this particular trip was short, I didn’t need to hand wash any items — the steamer was all I needed to keep things fresh.
02 | A set of workout clothes | This trip, my workout gear doubled as my PJs to save on space — but also just in case we ended up doing some hiking or yoga. We didn’t, but it was nice to have them anyway.
03 | Toiletries | I think I overpacked in this department so I’m currently trying to downsize my toiletry bag. My dry shampoo and glasses case seem to take up the whole bag. Eh, I’ll figure it out one of these days.
• • •
And that’s that! Now it’s your turn: Spill your packing tips! :) Particularly for when you’re headed to a chilly destination, and those bulky sweaters and boots threaten to take over the whole bag. Ready, go!
xo,
Not packing tips, we haven’t really travelled far with the kids, but I’m with you on the waterproof hooded coat! This week has been freezing (literally) and wet in the UK and a warm waterproof coat is a must for the school run. I went for function with a proper outdoor coat from Craghoppers – it does have a very stylish, detachable fur hood, however.
I also know what you mean by a tote being too heavy. I mostly use a small, crossbody bag as the children’s stuff is in their rucksacks. But when I have needed a bigger bag, I really notice how heavy it gets and pulls on my shoulders and back.
I think your cold weather packing is both stylish and functional. I’m all for comfort.
I wish I had seen this blog two days ago! I’m in Seattle for a conference related to work and I was lamenting how much I severely overpacked… I get caught up with this self-talk that keeps telling me I need options and this and that, and next thing I know, I’m lugging a far too heave suitcase to the airport… I need to do better with traveling light. ?
Great tips! Love the idea of thinking of the destination, then planning the outfits. When we travel in the winter, and the number of items is limited (and thus worn multiple times), I bring a variety of scarves and necklaces to change up the look.
Don’t forget to take Trixie!
http://www.umbrellaheaven.com/image/cache/data/Victorian_black_large-500×500.jpg
Well this is timely. I’m currently on a train on my way to catch the boat to my inlaws’. Weather on their wee island this weekend is forecast to be very cold, wet and/or snowy, and as well as enjoying the outdoors as much as we can, there’s a birthday lunch and evening drinks to cover, wardrobe-wise. And while island style is very casual, mine is not, and I still need to feel like myself. Over the years, though, I’ve come to value practicality and functionality at least as much as aesthetics. So that means my trusty, weatherbeaten high heeled Docs, a chunky sweater dress that can be worn on its own for slightly more formal occasions and over jeans for walks, a vintage trapeze cut raincoat with a removable faux fur lining for everything. Double duty pieces in neutral colours that can be combined in different ways for different settings, but with a hint of something interesting to elevate them without being inappropriately dressy. I tend not to rely on accessories to do that when I travel because they take up space…and head space I would rather devote to being in the moment. The more I accesorise, the more I tend to be aware of my clothes as I’m wearing them. Not ok. On a hideously practical note, I pretty much wear full cup moulded bras every day and find them ideal for packing underwear, tights and other little essentials into (in the suitcase, not when worn…)
Adding: I’m using a Loqi waterproof tote as a general all-purpose handbag. They’re designed as that handy substitute for a plastic grocery bag that you take shopping with you, but I use them as everyday bags because they’re super light and robust, great for travel. They don’t have a lot of structure but they can hold and handle a lot. I have a couple in different designs.
When I travel, I keep my dry shampoo (i.e. arrowroot powder) in a tiny glass jam jar I got at a hotel breakfast. I’ve collected more over my travels and use them for most of my toiletries. But you can buy them online as well – they save lots of room, and they’re reusable. If you google something like “mini glass jars” you could probably find them.
What a clever idea Christiana! :)
I thought about the same. But are you allowed to bring glass jars in your carry on?
is it weird for me to request how you packed all that in in a carry on? like, how’d fold certain stuff to fit it all in.
Rolling is key! We recently went to hawaii for 9 days & I fit everything, even shoes & toiletries, in my carry-on.
Hey Lan, not weird at all! I will work on a post like this to show you (and sometimes I share my packing process on Instagram Stories! ) :)
I agree, packing for the activities you’re actually going to be doing is by far the best way to ensure you’re not taking unnecessary items. Love your packing list, and there are a few items I’m looking to include in my wardrobe soon too.
A note on carry on toiletries: I split mine out into two bags: “liquids” in the clear plastic ziploc bag and not liquids in something cuter (bonus points for a zipper pouch you can use as a clutch bag), so that the not liquids don’t take up valuable space in your liquids allowance. Rules might be different in the US, but that has done me well across Europe and all the way to Australia (via Dubai and Brunei) last Christmas.
Bethan, that is a good idea to transport your liquids separately because you don’t have to worry about spills! :)
I am headed to Portland next week so thanks for this! Tip on glasses case, I just use a small soft zip bag – less room but offers protection. Took me a while to get my toiletries down, but take an hour or so to figure out the sizes you need and visit CVS to find those. Contact Solution is my problem as the travel bottles are expensive and when I put them in a travel size bottle they leak. I just keep that little bag always packed.
Thank you for the tips, Jane! :)
We (husband, self, and toddler) travel from the US to the UK to see family every so often. We do NOT try to pack solely in carry-ons because (1) it’s easier to have small, light carry-ons when you’re wrangling a toddler, (2) by the time we get through visa/passport control, our bags are already waiting on us, and (3) when you’ve got a kid in tow, true “packing light” becomes irrelevant.
Airplane with toddler really isn’t so bad, as kids are generally better than adults at sleeping anywhere when they’re really exhausted. We have little headband-headphones for him, but he usually never pays attention to the toys we bring–there’s too much novelty all around.
I guess, for me, the best thing to remember is that I’m not packing for every contingency; I’m packing for what will most likely happen. And, chances are, we will face at least one unexpected event we haven’t packed for. So it’s better to pack and travel with a spirit of adventure and flexibility–doing my best to remember the important things, but not expecting to be completely prepared for everything.
Oh, and space isn’t usually a problem for me: it’s weight. I’m pretty awesome at using every single spare half-inch of space in the suitcase. But then the bag is too heavy. If it’s a carry-on, it’s too heavy for me to easily lift overhead. If it’s checked baggage, it’s over the weight limit.
So, I guess my main tip is NOT to get carried away with clever, tight packing because it’s possible to overdo it!
MK, I love that you said “it’s better to pack and travel with a spirit of adventure and flexibility–doing my best to remember the important things, but not expecting to be completely prepared for everything.” :)
Ditto on the whole “traveling with toddlers” concept. Capsule packing, the idea of re-wearing items in different ways, doesn’t work for toddlers because they sometimes go through 2-3 outfits a day! They are just still clueless/learning about what makes messes/is dirty, and they can get into stuff faster than you can blink, sometimes. When packing for my kids, I have to pack for my 2-year-old at least half again as many days as we’ll be gone, and pack 1-2 extra outfits for my 5-year-old. Also, they need extra underwear and pajamas, for accidents. What’s funny is: when I pack extra clothes for my boys, we never use them all. When I try to minimize and pack just what we need, I always need to do laundry.
Love it! My favorite way to save space while packing/traveling is to wear my bulkiest pieces on the plane. If I have a huge cardigan or sweater, I’ll wear that and carry my coat. It’s always so chilly on planes and in airports anyhow.
I’m also a big proponent of varied shoes depending on the location. It’s nice to have options, especially if you’re planning to walk and explore your destination.
If I have large bottles or toiletries, I always keep some of those small mini travel size bottles around and fill those for the trip. I never take full sized bottles. Most of the time, I can pop my toiletry bag into my tote bag to carry on the plane. It’s nice to have to freshen up after a long travel day.
Cheers!
Sabrina, that’s a great idea — stay cozy and save space! :)
I build my packing around 1 item. On our 10 trip to Iceland, everything had to work with the scarf I took. Black, navy, burgundy, grey & white – it also helped that day 5 we stayed someplace with a washer and dryer. I also try to minimize shoes – one trip we realized that we had 9 pairs of shoes between us. I’ve gotten good at paring down my toiletries as well.
Packing cubes have been a game-changer for me when it comes to travel. I feel like I can fit more in my suitcase, I’m better organized, and they can double as drawer-inserts if you’re staying in a hotel.
I think they’d help with your cold weather destination problem as well. I’ve gone to Canada in the winter a handful of times and packing cubes let have let me really compress my bulky sweaters down, and when I zip up the cube it’s easy to tetris around with my other cubes, toiletry bags, etc.
I used packing cubes for the first time on my way to Spain and it has changed my travel life. I’m converted!
Maria
So you don’t bring a shirt/base layer to wear for each day? How does a steamer freshen it up enough? I just feel like on the second day of wearing a shirt I would start the day off feeling sweaty and kind of gross.
I am curious about this too
Hey V, in colder climates where I’m not sweating too much, the steamer definitely freshens it enough. The heat kills the bacteria, so it will hold up across a trip pretty well. On the other hand, if it’s on the warm side and I’m suffering from major B.O., I’d definitely have to wash it! Haha :)
A hair dryer can eliminate minor odor, too. Most hotels have them. Not as good as washing, but it helps.
Great tips, and they come just in the right time, as this weekend I’ll to do Dublin with only a small bagpack. I’ll try to work my outfit around things that I can get from day to night, as we’ll be going out there for sure. So I’ll bring a nice bodycon dress which looks hot yet elegant and combine it with a big woolen jacket and Doc Martens for the day. At night I can just exchange the shoes, leave the jacket and I’m good to go. Same for choosing rather chique shirts I am taking. The things all were rather cheap so if my plan goes wrong and I mess up my items it won’t be too much of an issue at least.
It was pretty chilly in Dublin when I was there a couple weeks ago, just fyi. ☺️
I have been looking for a cute rain jacket that’s versatile for when it’s cold for a while now and the penfield option you have above is adorable. Do you really love it? Maybe that’s a stupid question since you are posting it, I’d imagine you do! Also, I’m short waisted and noticed it appears to have a internal tie at the waist?
Hey Elisabeth, I do love the jacket! But I bought it while I was living in Seattle and don’t get many opportunities to wear it. It’s functional and goes with a lot of outfits when I need it. And yes, it does have a waist tie. :)
Seattle is such an amazing place to visit! I’m sure you’ll take lots of beautiful nature pics! I’ve been wanting to go there to enjoy some delicious coffee and see the leaves changing. I’m sure it’s a bit more chilly there so I would live in sweaters :)
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
I enjoy your ideas, your subdued colors, the common sense of it all, and the classic yet comfortable way of dressing you have.
Love this post Caroline! We live in Vancouver, it rains a lot, so this is the perfect list for an everyday fall wardrobe!! Especially love your hooded coat + cozy sweater coat. So, so pretty! xo
Hey Caroline, have you ever had your booties re-heeled? I have a pair of Sam Edelman booties that I’ve logged SO many miles in. In the process, the wood finish had chipped off a bit from the plastic block heel underneath. Are yours the same way? Not sure if the entire heel needs to be replaced or just that outer wood coating.
Hey Sara, I haven’t had my boots re-heeled, but let me know what you find out! :)
I’ve only ever had rubber block heels replaced but it’s always a cheap and quick fix for shoes that are otherwise still in good condition. Do try it out!
My absolute best trick as a Canadian that travels from cold-ish to colder : no more than 1 per “categorie” unless I plan it’s going to be gross at the end of the day.
Per example, the fleece shirt and cardigan are doing the same job, just like the Chelsea boots and ankle booties and the 2 purses. Just here, you cut 3 items! You will then have more place to pack more hot socks and a blanket haha!
I would like to know what kind of steamer you use? It must be small enough to travel easily, sounds easy to use, and thus something I may need :)
Hey Caralee, it’s the steamer I linked to in the post :) (http://bit.ly/2fi7v4x)
Howdy – here’s my tip for toiletries. It may sound weird, but it is the best method I have ever used.
I never check luggage, and I take a fair amount of girly stuff. I put all my toiletries and implements (including brush, stylers, etc), except jewelry and liquids, in a couple of zip lock bags. I also pack a mesh 8-pocket flat shower caddy and 4 hooks. When I get to my destination, I hang up the mesh caddy on the shower or towel bar. With 8 pockets, I can sort everything out, and it is easy to find every little thing. Manicure stuff in one pocket, stuff for use in the shower, makeup, etc. My stuff takes up way less space in my suitcase and on the bathroom counter, and I love being organized.
Great tips for toiletries! Thank you, Heidi :)
I recently packed for a month in Europe in a 30-liter backpack (I ended up coming home after only three weeks, but I had planned on a month). Trying to think of anything I would add to this…packing cubes for sure, they keep everything so organized and compact. Also for cold weather wool items are so fantastic. I wore the same sweater like…15 times probably and still haven’t washed it.
Bringing two jackets was helpful, because I got really sick of wearing my black north face one, and it was nice to have a warmer neutral to wear in the form of my Tradlands chore coat. I packed so much black I actually got a wee bit tired of wearing black. So I’d bring a few more warm neutrals in the future. :) But that will require slowly and intentionally adding some warm neutrals to my wardrobe in general. Haha!
Emily, what a cool adventure! Thanks for sharing your packing tips :)
What a fabulous post – your descriptions are so detailed and descriptive. It’s so nice to read things like this because it inspires me to travel. Before I travel anywhere I always look for posts or flatlays with tips for packing for that specific location. Love it!
Maria
http://www.EducationChic.com
Great tips! I am a terrible over packer! But i sure love my packing cubes!
Hey Caroline,
I noticed you took a hooded rain jacket on your trip. Wondering if you would ever do a post on how to ‘dress up’ a hoodie?
Amanda
I love everything on your packing list! So perfect for this time of the year and everything fits into the minimal theme x
http://www.wildfirecharm.com
Caroline, your small tote bag by FashinoABLE is a dark chocolate color. Do you wear this bag with cognac boots, or do you save it for your dark Frye chelsea boots?
You mention a cardigan but don’t show it? Can you post a pic please?
Hey Jan, the cardigan is the sweater coat (or could also be called a cocoon sweater). I’m also wearing it in this post – http://bit.ly/2eonA9V. :)
I’m curious… does Aaron pack this way too? Somehow my husband is a pro at packing a carry on, and yet he always seems to have twice as many clothes as I do. I just don’t get it haha
I recently moved to Seattle, and this reads like a 4 day segment of my growing Seattle-appropriate wardrobe!
Great post! We almost always travel with a carry on only, as well. I like that you go for function FIRST and then style your pieces. Very common sense and pulled together. I am a sample hoarder, lol, so thats what I pack in my carry on for toiletries. I have loads on hand that we collect as we travel. I also try to make sure that each clothing item is doing double duty and can be mixed and matched and worn several different ways. Especially shoes. Love your style!
Hello! I’ve loved your blog for quite some time and live in Seattle, so this is basically my wardrobe on repeat. :)
I was wondering if you have a packing cube recommendation–looking to organize my carry on while away not just when packing.
Thank you!
Hey Caroline!
I’ve been following your blog for almost a year now, and I must say that all your post are VERY helpful and always substantial! Some time ago, you listed a piece from Aritzia called the Ionic Cape (kinda like a cardigan). I was just wondering where it went- did it wear out, or have u given it away to a charity. I’m just curious because I have the same piece in my wardrobe and it is one of my staples. If you still have it, I’m really eager to see how you style it.
Thanks!!
Xo, Sherilyn
Hi! For some reason I find it easier to pack for a fall / winter trip than a summer one: In winter I know it’s going to be cold, and a summer suitcase needs options for all kinds of weather: beach days and rainy days, chilly evenings, workout, … and I always end up not wearing some of the clothes I brought. Tip for longer “adventure” trips: I always pack some one way clothes that I know are not coming back with me.
On a four day trip to Seattle, I would like to have a fresh base layer tee each day. I would leave one of the sweaters at home, I don’t mind repeating an outfit. By the way, I love your cocoon cardigan, it’s so versatile!
thanks for sharing this! I’m heading to San Francisco soon and imagine i’ll be packing similar and bringing some warm items with me!
Abigail Alice x
Caroline,
I actually just went to Seattle this last weekend! I saw your list while I was on my trip and thought that was awesome. Seattle is such a beautiful city and I packed similar except, I just brought one pair of booties and I forgot to pack workout clothing and sneakers, which is always a must in Seattle :) My tip was only bring one pair of pants and wearing one pair of leggings because pants can take up alot of space, too!
Love your blog!
Thank you for sharing!
Rebecca Duran
I really look forward to your posts. I hope you do some more ‘what to pack’ posts, this was great! x
Great list, very helpful! I travel to Seattle each year for ten days in 40 to 60 degree weather and attend a couple of football games so my rain jacket needs to hold up if sitting in the mist or rain for hours. My outfits are very similar to yours. I do 1 skinny jean, 1 skinny black pull on pant, a fleece lined jogger, 1 cashmere sweater, 1 long sleeve athletic top (for under my football jerseys) and a bunch of base Ts. For shoes, a Nike Flyknit and a waterproof short boot. I bring a waterproof shell with a hood and layer it over a warmer piece (a Northface thermoball jacket). The wet + cold is what threw me off at first until I understood my waterproof piece doesn’t need to be thick (layer layer layer!).
I love your packing list posts. What do you use to create your lists? I would love to create one with my own wardrobe. Thanks!
I know this is a year late, but if you see this I have a quick question: Is your rain jacket like windbreaker weight, or more like winter parka weight? We are going to Seattle over Thanksgiving (yes, crappy timing as far as weather goes) and I’m trying to decide which of my many coats to take.
Hey Sara, it’s a good midweight. Not super heavy, but definitely warmer than a windbreaker. :)
Hi there!! Lovely capsule :) I came across this post on Pinterest recently. Wondering if the Chelsea boots are dark brown?! And what is the Frye style name? Thank you! And omg I LOVE the ABLE bag, unfortunately I can’t find the color anywhere. Thanks for your response!!