Heading to San Francisco? Here’s exactly what I packed for an occasionally rainy 3-day trip … outfits, shoes, and the packing mistakes I made so you don’t have to.
Last week I went to San Francisco for a creator/blogger summit. Today I’m sharing everything I packed and wore over three days of meetings, walking, exploring … and, yes, some rain.
Here’s the thing about packing. I’m terrible at it. Short trip, long trip, no matter … I overthink. I procrastinate and inevitably wait until the last minute, which leads to a mish mash of just-in-case pieces being tossed into my suitcase. Don’t be like me.
When I am on top of things, I pull out my rolling rack about a week before departure and start pulling together outfits. As the trip gets closer, I map out each day and its activities in a Word document, check the forecast, and look for pieces that can pull double duty. Successful packing, like most things in life, is really about the edit … what you leave out.
Also I try to stick to a color palette of mix and match pieces. In this case, black, white, tan/beige + denim, plus a few scarves for a color.
This trip? Not that. But, I wore just about everything I packed which feels like a win. My only regret, shoes. I brought too many. Five pair when two would probably do. I deeply admire people who travel Europe for a month with two pair of shoes. If that’s you, please leave a comment so the rest of us can learn.
Everything I Packed and Wore for 3 Days in San Francisco
I was in San Francisco for a conference, but everything I packed and wore works just as well for a sightseeing trip or weekend getaway. I was there with seven other creators, which meant the pressure to be pulled together and photo-ready was strong. To say the least.
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Let’s break it down day-by-day …
Day 1 ~
My travel outfit, if we can call it that, pulled double duty as my first-night look for a casual dinner at the hotel’s bar. I took BART into the city, and when I left home it was warm and sunny. San Francisco was warm too, but rain and dropping temps were on the way.
Pull-On Skirt | Ribbed Tee | Cotton Sweater (similar here and here)
Sneakers | Necklace (similar) | Earrings | Tote | Bandana
After checking into the hotel and unpacking, I swapped sneakers for these mesh Mary Jane espadrilles for dinner. A tad more polished, and a lot more comfortable than my sneakers after a day of hauling a suitcase on public transportation and through the city.
Day 2 ~
The first full-day meant meetings in the hotel’s conference center. My goal was to be presentable and comfortable. Others raved about the conference center bathroom mirror and its great lighting. Not for me.
Oversize Shirt | Casual Pant | Loafers (similar here) | Necklace | Earrings
- I’m a proud early adopter of Ruti’s very popular On-The-Loose pant and I wear them a lot. They’re easy to dress up or dress down, travel beautifully (no wrinkles) and they’re genuinely comfortable all day … and into the night. I also have a code – Juliet15 – yay!
- AYR’s The Deep End shirt is a shirt among shirts and I reach for it constantly. The cotton weight is absolute perfection, substantial enough to hold its shape without being stiff.
- My Paul Green loafers are old faithfuls but no longer available. The brand’s Carmel loafer is very similar. This one has similar hardware at a great price. Sézane makes a nice option too.
- I threw on my cropped twill trench when we headed out for lunch … a perfect springtime layer. Unfortunately I forgot my umbrella and it rained on the walk back. My hair never fully recovered.
- My leather mini tote is a great size for travel and everyday, with a crossbody strap that’s essential for trips. It holds all my essentials and on this occasion that included my travel umbrella. A leather bag wasn’t the smartest decision with rain in the forecast, but it came through unscathed. Whew.
- I also love tying a scarf to my bag handles … and brought several to switch up depending on my outfit. They also come in handy as scarf scarves.
- For our evening walk to dinner in Chinatown, I swapped my AYR shirt for a ribbed tee and sweater (similar), kept the trench and switched to sneakers. This time I remembered an umbrella.
Fellow bloggers Kim and Noe grabbed bright red umbrella’s from the hotel lobby that fit right into the Chinatown vibe.
Day 3 ~
Day three kicked off with a private shopping experience at Sézane, arranged by the adorable Noelani (La Vie on Grand ) who has contacts. We had the store to ourselves for a couple of hours … sheer bliss. So much so I neglected to snap a photo of my outfit, which was fabulous. If I do have to say so myself.
Reiss Blazer (similar here and here) | White Tee | Straight Leg Denim
Booties | Necklace | Earrings | Tote | Scarf as belt (similar)
- My straight leg jeans get a lot of repeat wear … they’re comfortable and the darker wash makes them a good gussy-up jean. I have them in black too. I packed this belt, but opted for threading my Hermès scarf through the belt loops.
- This Nic + Zoe tee in paper white is a wonderful layering piece and the stretch cotton always holds its shape. I have it in black too.
- My Reiss linen jacket is several years old, but classic blazers are forever. This one’s a similar look, and I like this one with the ruched sleeves. This one’s lighter in color.
- Mango’s square toe booties are a recent purchase and I couldn’t love them more. The heel height is just right, a little boost and still comfortable for walking.
This jacket caught my eye the second I walked through the door and we were not to be parted. It’s a linen-cotton blend and a large-format gold button shaped like a shell. Sadly It’s sold out online, but it is available in cream with a classic gold button.
I also brought home this necklace.
- For dinner I changed into a silk slip dress and cropped cardigan.
Slip Dress | Cardigan | Sneakers | Cropped Trench | Necklace | Earrings
- The silk slip dress is also a great travel piece, it packs beautifully, and works just as well on its own as it does layered under a cardigan or blazer.
- I’d packed a pair of leopard print flats (similar here and here) but faced with a long-ish walk to the Financial District I came to my senses and wore sneakers instead. Good call, I saved myself the agony of limping back to the hotel.
- And, yes, the cropped trench made another appearance. At this point its earned the title of hero piece of my travel – and spring – wardrobe.
Day 4 ~
I know, I said three days. But day four was a travel day, and most of us were up and out early, but it counts.
I’d planned to rewear my arrival outfit to travel home, but at the last minute decided on this comfortable set instead – with a tee underneath – that I’d originally packed for lounging around the hotel room. Always pack a lounge set! Especially since the hotel didn’t provide bathrobes. Quel horreur.
San Francisco Packing List Recap ~
- 2 pair jeans (blue and black denim, but only wore the blue)
- 1 pair casual pants
- 1 skirt
- 1 dress
- 1 blazer
- 2 sweaters
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 lounge set
- 1 cropped trench
- 3 scarves
- 5 pair of shoes (sneakers, espadrilles, loafers, flats, booties) – overkill. Always edit.
- 1 pair earrings
- 2 necklaces
- 3 days worth of unmentionables
- PJs, travel socks & hotel slippers – coziest socks 🙂
Packing Essentials ~
- Rolling rack – a game changer for pre-trip outfit planning. I have this collapsible one, and this one with shelves is great for laying out shoes and accessories.
- Suitcase – I’d hoped to fit everything into my favorite carry-on, but that meant also bringing my weekender duffle. Since I was taking BART I worried it would be unwieldy, so I packed my medium sized Tumi instead. In hindsight, the original plan was the right one.
- Packing cubes – love these
- Toiletry bag – the hanging ones are nice
- Travel jewelry box – I have this one
- Travel cord organizer – this one works for me
- Magnifying mirror with suction cups – just ordered this one
- Shower cap – Dry Bar’s is the best IMHO
- Sound machine – I like this one
- Umbrella – this one is highly rated
And one final piece of hard-earned wisdom, check the weather at your destination – again – before zipping your bag.
Shop My Packing List ~
And there you have it, everything I packed and wore for three days in San Francisco. If you’re curious about what we got up to in the city, I spilled it all here.
Now I’m curious, what would you add to the packing list? Or more importantly, what would you edit?
I’ll be back Saturday with another edition of weekend meanderings, my weekly round up of inspirations and goings on.
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Gosh I love the Aritzia jacket and those Sam Edelman espadrille Mary Jane shoes! Your outfits look fabulous…I packed very light for my two trips to France and Italy…mostly black and grey items but several bright scarves…only 2 pairs of shoes…sneakers (New Balance) and leather ballet flats! So nice to meet up with those amazing ladies!!!
That lounge outfit looks so cozy too…
Leslie
Hostess of The Humble Bungalow
Leslie! I knew it. The smart packers would make themselves heard. I’m in awe of your packing intelligence and inspired for my next trip. Two pairs is the goal and I can do it. Right?! I’m loving the Aritzia trench so much. Surprised by how often I’ve been wearing it. I know it’s going to be a long-term love. xo
How clever are you? I think you nailed it with what you packed and you were adorable in each ensemble. It is hard to choose which piece l like best … jeans? necklace? tote? black sweater? white tee? (can any of us have enough of them?) cropped cardigan? Golly. All were so cute.
Looking forward to your Saturday post. Be well
~holly
Holly! Aren’t you sweet. No, we cannot have enough of any of those things, but how to edit them for travel is the impossible question. Ha! See you Saturday. xo
You look great and appropriate for this fun getaway but the shoe game needs some adjustment. I travel for a month with two pairs. One sneaker and either a low boot or comfortable metallic sandal depending on the season.
Penelope! You are my heroine. The restraint, the discipline, the smarts. I want – need – to get to your level and how much easier packing – and travel – would be. xo
I am a ruthless packer, and have done several trips to Europe, for 10-21+ days with a carry on. My number one tip is to choose a color scheme and do not deviate. My usual is black/ khaki (aka beige)/white. Add color using scarves, socks maybe headbands if applicable, or jewelry; two handbags max, with the tote always black. No jeans ever because I hate them. I am firmly in the 2 shoes camp but I make an exception for a nice pair of sandals…no new shoes ever!
I envy your wardrobe, but I am in my deaccession era.
Linda! You are a pro and I appreciate your tips. Amazing advice. Shoes are so hard for me, but I hear from many ace packers like you and I’m going to get there. Thanks for chiming in, this is so helpful. xo
I think you did great! You looked very polished for your visit to the city. I can’t imagine the extra pressure of traveling with creators! It’s been fun reading about the trip from many angles because I’ve followed 6 of you for years.
I often travel solo and don’t see the same people even twice, so it’s easy to wear the same things on heavy repeat. I stick to a travel pallet of black, gray and white with a couple aqua pieces for color, even when I’m gone for several weeks. I’m also in the 2 shoes camp. Sneakers and then a pair of shoes or sandals for a dressier look, depending on the destination.
I was talking to a gal when I was in Rome last year and she’d brought a large suitcase full of online purchases that she’d never even tried on. She was giving clothes away to strangers rather than haul them around any longer. I can’t even imagine…
Cathy! Your story from Rome, wow … I’m sure she never made that mistake again. Painful. I love that you’re an adventurous traveler and you’ve got your packing system down. A travel palette is so smart. I agree that there’s a little less pressure when traveling sans group and repeat wears are the saving grace. I’m getting better at that, but the shoes. I’m so inspired by you and others with this two pair system. I’m going to master it. xo
As much as I travel, I’m the queen of overpacking! So I would’ve definitely had the same amount as you I have learned though I don’t bring as many shoes because Comfort is number one!! I have that quince cardigan and it’s such a great piece to dress up or dress down!! you look cute in all the pictures- I know it was fun to get together with all the gals!
Martha! I’m so happy to hear you say you’re an overpacker. You’re the queen of travel, constantly winging your way to someplace fabulous. I can’t keep up! Shoes really are the achilles heel. Ha! And, you’re right, comfort is essential. Nothing worse than blisters when in an amazing location trying to take it all in. Where are you now?! xo
Juliet! What a FUN SURPRISE…a Wednesday dispatch!!! You look completely fabulous in every picture. Perfectly CHIC! I always adore a blazer, white tee, denim and boots. I, too, pack at least 5 pair of shoes per trip but if you make me take only 2, it will be sneakers and boots. Thank you for this beautiful love letter to my inbox. Always an inspiration! XX kymmie
Kymmie! You’re right on, sneakers and boots are the key to a paired down (2 pair – yikes) traveling wardrobe. Or maybe sandals depending on time of year. I’m happy to hear I have a kindred – overpacking spirit – in you. xoxo
Looking fab in all of them Juliet.
Some of us men fall into the overpack too. If I had one, I’d probably pack a French horn “because maybe I’ll need that”.
Renny! Oh my gosh, you make me laugh. Maybe you’d like to do a guest post … overpacking from a man’s point of view. xo
Yes!!
Hi Juliet,
Please say you own something from Barefoot Dreams?! Their pieces are a must for both travel and everyday wear. They are my weakness….
Plus I keep eyeballing that cropped trench in black but I know it will never rain again here in Ojai the minute I do. I did take your advise and order the Dr. Scholls sneaks. What a great discount right now.
Always look forward to your posts.
Peace,
Dani
Dani! The Dr. S sneaks are the best. I bought them for Italy a couple years ago and wear them over and over again. Near and far. I wore them to a hockey game last night. Anyhoo, the black trench is fabulous, but I get it, Ojai has such a wonderful climate. Hmmm. Good to have in your bag of tricks for quick trip to somewhere less lovely … and you never know when it’s going to sprinkle. We have rain in our forecast over the next couple of days. Unexpected, but I’m prepared. As for Barefoot Dream. Yes, I love their things … I have a wonderful caftan that’s awesome for warm weather travel. And the socks. The best. Also, their baby blankets are my go to for new moms. Tell me about your favorites … and how they travel? xo
Wow! The Dr. S sneakers already showed up today and how cute! I bought the black leather and tres chic!
95% of my Barefoot Dreams purchases are from QVC as they have the best selection and prices (other than the outlet store which is in the Camarillo Outlet Mall about 30 minutes away). Most of the time I wear the CozyChic Ultra Light pants and cardigans. Only QVC has tall in pants which is what I need. Plus I have many throw blankets, and YES the socks!! God, I used to make fun of my Mom about 20 years ago for watching QVC and look at me now…..lol. And on how they travel, you do need a small steamer but who cares? You can dress them up too I find, with boots, jeans etc. There are no rules anyway.
Do what you want, and it’s right.
Dani
Dani, I love your attitude and approach. And, yes, I think we’ve all become our mothers. Ha. I bet the Dr. S sneaks in black are amazing … so glad they arrived and you love them. I wore mine several times this week .. it’s time to get out the Magic Eraser and clean them up. Black is looking like a very good idea. I have a Barefoot Dreams sofa blanket – essential for life with dogs – that I love. Everything I’ve ever purchased from them is fabulous and you’re inspired me to give their web-site a thorough look-thru. Our Nordstrom sells a lot of their baby things, and the blanket is a go-to baby gift that all recipients rave about. We all want to be warm and cozy. Happy weekend! xo
That trench was so fabulous on you! I am tempted to order it for France, but I am so long waisted I am afraid it will hit me at the—–! You had the most practical and stylish look of anyone!
Cindy! Thank you, I do love that trench and you should give it a try-on and see … it would probably be fabulous. And perfect for France. I can’t wait to see what’s in your suitcase for the trip. xo