Over the long holiday weekend Mr. Seasons and I planned a little, last minute trip to Astoria, Oregon. It’s a town that has changed so much in the last few years, and we have been eager to explore it. We were there for two nights and days, and had an amazing time. We left the kids with their grandparents (coincidentally, this is a photo I snapped that happened to include a family that stayed at our hotel) and enjoyed some uninterrupted grown-up time.
I can’t wait to share more about the trip – which was fun, relaxing, and included an über hipster hotel – but that will be for another day. Today I’m going to share what I packed.
PACKING FOR THE COAST
Packing for coastal weather can be a challenge. It’s often cool, windy and rainy. After consulting the forecast – which was about a high of 60 degrees F most days, I followed my own advice and set out packing via building outfits. This packing list is for just three days and two nights. Despite my best intentions, I am not a minimalist packer. I am way too worried about being under prepared. I don’t over pack anymore, but I’m not the type to leave home for a weekend with one pair of shoes.
With practicality in mind, I chose to leave most of my beloved spring sweaters at home, which wouldn’t stand a chance in the wind. I opted instead for my leather jacket, which is both functional, and polished. The downside is that it’s very fitted so only select shirts will work under it.
SHOES:
I knew we would be walking a lot, so I went for my best walking shoes. I included my Veja Sneakers because they are super comfy and look good with just about everything.
I wanted a dressy-ish option in the event that I got tired of sneakers or wanted something nice to wear to dinner, so I grabbed my Day Glove (c/o) shoes. I was thrilled with how well these shoes did. After several hours in my sneakers, the seam on my socks was starting to rub on the top of my feet, so I switched out to the Day Gloves. Though I worried they would irritate the same spots, amazingly, they did the opposite. They hugged my feet, almost like a band-aid and were completely comfortable. Kind of like a glove I guess! On a side note, these shoes always feel snug when I first put them on but, after about 5 minutes, the leather warms up and the fit changes a little bit.
Lastly, I included my Birkenstocks because I don’t like to leave home without them! They are my ultimate, walking/travel shoe.
TOPS:
This is where I tend to go overboard when packing. I try to anticipate if I’ll need to change my shirt more than once per day (am I getting sweaty? do I want something nicer for dinner?), or if I’ll just be in the mood for something different. For this trip, I wore my favorite (nearly rag-tag) striped shirt (mine’s thrifted, but here’s a similar, responsibly made option) on the way there and included a handful of other, comfy, universal options.
I packed my twin pair of fitted ribbed tops because they go very well with most things (especially Kamm pants, or under a leather jacket). I am embracing fitted tops lately, mom-bod and all.
I brought my Ikat Blouse c/o (same cut, different fabric) in case I felt the need to up my style game, and spring for more than a knit. Plus I knew the cropped shape would work well with my high-waisted jeans and Kamm pants.
And lastly, my graphic tee (c/o) made the cut, because I just can’t commit.
PANTS:
Four pairs of pants for three days? I told you I like options. Two pairs of jeans was a bit redundant, but I couldn’t bring myself to decide between my beloved vintage jeans and my new high-waisted denim. Both pairs create totally different shapes when worn.
I included white jeans because I knew I would want something other than blue, but felt a little torn between those and the brown Kamm pants, so I included both.
WARMTH & ACCESSORIES:
This was the hardest part for me. I really had to think through that chilly coastal weather, and consider what would be most effective. I was eager to bring a warm sweater or two, but knew they would be no match for the wind and would require an additional layer on top. Because I didn’t want a bunch of combinations that were NOT interchangeable, I kept it simple and went with my leather jacket and my favorite, cropped sweater (similar in mock neck).
I opted for my little backpack, (c/o) because I wanted to feel unencumbered by a handbag while exploring, and at the last minute tossed in my rust bandana (sold out) to try and warm up all the black and white I packed.
WHAT YOU DIDN’T SEE:
The usuals: undergarments, I wear these bras (referral link) because I am a half-size, and they are the only ones that fit. (I have no clue about their ethics, but at that price point, I hope they are responsibly manufactured). These have been my go-to undies for the last year and a half. I also included a few old tees to sleep in, a pair of thin shorts, and my recent lounge wear upgrade: French terry sweatpants. It had been a very, very long time since I bought a pair of lounge pants. In fact, these sweatpants replaced my velour Juicy Couture pants that I had worn for the last 10-12 years. And I only gave them up because the cord broke. It was comical, actually. Anyway, the sweatpants are a major upgrade and I love them. Every time I wear them, my husband eyes them jealously.
WHAT WAS MISSING:
If I were to grade myself on this packing list, I’d settle on a solid B. It worked well, I was never cold, and most of the time I liked what I was wearing. BUT, it was very limiting in terms of color palettes and shapes, two ways I love to express my style. I was content for the first day and a half, and then I felt a little bit like I was just living in the leather jacket (which I was). Looking back, it might have been a better to include some brown shoes, or a cognac bag, to breathe some warmth into the outfits.
This post has me aching for my sweaters and leather jacket! It’s so incredibly hot here; it pained me to pack them away for the season.
While you probably could have gotten away with packing less, I don’t think this is an overly excessive amount of things to bring for three days. Well done!
Gah, thanks Krystal, that means a lot coming from you! As for the jackets, the grass is always greener! I am ready for a few months of easy dressing, but instead I am still thinking about how to layer coats and sweaters. Bring me some sun!
I’m with Krystal – we had approximately THREE days of Spring in Missouri this year and now it’s HOT and HUMID all the time. I’m jealous of jeans and jackets! We went straight from heavy coats to stay-in-the-a/c days.
I love the shape of the vintage jeans and love that you’re enjoying the Cheeky so much. I have the Modern Boyfriend and it’s a bit too loose when stretching out, and so I’m really eager to try the Cheeky fit and hope to love the cut just enough more.
I’m not a minimalist packer except that I loathe checking a bag and don’t want to schlep heavy things unnecessarily. So I focus instead on the available space (bag) and total weight. I often find that the extra pair of shoes (usually a dressier sandal) or top(s) doesn’t make any difference, so no harm in their inclusion. I also like choices, and am moving away from a strict capsule in this season of my life for the same reason.
It’s good to know I’m not the only minimalist packer! I am right there with you on checking a bag, definitely no fun. Do you weigh your bags at home before you go?
Can’t wait to see your Astoria post! I went to middle school and high school there but haven’t been back in ages. I’m currently in PDX for work and ordered pok pok delivery to my hotel. You totally get credit since I didn’t know they delivered until I saw your recent post. :-)
Wow, really? It has changed SO MUCH! I used to go there as a kid because my Grandma lived in Warrenton, and I didn’t care for Astoria, but now it has gotten kind of interesting! Hope your PokPok was amazing!!
Holy moly this looks like so much to me! I audibly exclaimed when I saw the graphic haha. I’m glad it works for you though! A year or two ago I switched to bringing the same number of items as days I’m gone (sans outerwear – basically 10×10 rules). It was hard at first but now it’s so great. Much less stress in terms of schlepping stuff around. I usually take public transit everywhere though so I imagine if I was going to have access to a car, I wouldn’t be so strict with myself.
I always love seeing other people’s packing lists so thank you for sharing!
Ha, that’s funny! Yeah, I think if I were flying I would be way more strict. I love your tips, and I will definitely keep them in mind the next time I pack!