Packing for The Pacific Northwest

Packing is a skill that I’ve gotten better and better at over time. I used to be a BIG over packer! And even so, I’d end up not having something that I needed. I’m happy to say that I’m SO much better now and maybe some of my tips will help you as well.

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The hubby and I just got back from a fabulous trip to Washington State. Before I get into packing tips for the Pacific Northwest and this trip in particular, let me start with a list of general packing tips.

PACKING TIPS

1. Think about what you usually do on a vacation. For example, we walk a lot and we don’t usually go out for fancy meals. So the dresses and heels stay home, and jeans and sneakers are a must. Everyone is different, so be sure you plan for your own personal vacation style!

2. Make a list of every day of the trip and where you will be and what you think you might be doing. For example, I feel like a went with a different vibe for “exploring a small coastal town” than I did for a “city day in Seattle.”

3. Check the weather. And then check again. And then check every day!

4. Try on outfits for the trip in front of a mirror and snap photos of yourself. Also do a morning look (layers on) and afternoon look (layers off, or tied around the shoulder or waist).

5. Try to use shoes, pants, and jackets more than once.

PACKING TIPS ESPECIALLY FOR THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

1. Rain is ALWAYS a possibility so be sure to add a lightweight packable rain jacket to your suitcase.

2. The PNW is not your typical summer trip, often the weather will be overcast and cool (which I love). But on the other hand, you can be surprised with some warm, sunny days as well. The key to packing for the Pacific Northwest is layers, layers, layers. Be prepared for surprises on either side of the weather scale!

WHAT I WORE

My packing list included my Quince Bella Wide-Leg Jeans and the Quince Bella Relaxed Straight Jeans. My shoes were my classic Converse sneakers and my New Balance sneakers. For a 6-day trip, 2 pairs of jeans and 2 pairs of shoes were all I needed. I also brought 2 bags, a hearty straw tote with a zip top (some freebie from years ago) and my crossbody/swing bag (similar).

For my tops, I went more city chic in Seattle with my leopard oversized shirt, worn with a crossbody, wide-legs, and Converse. Then for a cute coastal town, I went for my Quince tank and striped sweater for one day (sweater on in the morning and then around my shoulders in the warmer afternoon) and a striped tee and striped sweater (worn for the cool morning and tied around my waist for the afternoon). A red turtleneck was perfect for a cool and windy ferry crossing.

I also brought 2 hats, a sun hat and a baseball cap. And some simple jewelry pieces.

A few days before the trip, it looked like we were going to have rain so I actually went out and bought this packable REI Rain Jacket. I didn’t need it once, but I’m sure it will be perfect for future trips!

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Have some packing tips for us? Please share in comments and feel free to link a blog post as well!

Also on the blog lately, these super comfy summer sandals and wearing a scarf as a belt.

Fun & Fashion,

Dawn Lucy

About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is me talking to you, other middle aged women like me who are over 40, but not over fashion.  We still want to look beautiful and stylish.  We still want to have fun with trends.  And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. We all have our own shapes and bodies, parts we’d like to cover and parts we still don’t mind showing off a bit.  This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and be fierce!