Fall travel packing list

The beautiful, cozy autumn season is closing in fast, so that means it’s time to start planning out your fall trips asap, if you haven’t already. Maybe you’ve got a getaway booked this autumn and all that’s left is to figure out what to pack for your fall trip.

There’s just something so magical about the fall season. Apple and pumpkin picking, cozy sweater weather, hikes through colorful fall foliage, bonfires, apple cider, wineries, pumpkin spice, hayrides—there are so many fun and festive things that autumn has to offer!

But like the changing foliage, fall weather can be a unpredictable at times, which can make it a little difficult to pack for.

Not sure what to wear for a fall trip? This autumn packing guide features stylish cold weather essentials, cute fall outfits, and tips to help you efficiently pack for your fall getaway!

What to pack for a fall trip

Here’s a packing list to help you decide what to pack for your fall getaway!

Fall trip packing list:

Hats
Scarves
Outerwear
Cardigans and sweaters
Long sleeve tops
Jeans
Leggings
Sweater dress (optional: skirts)
Boots and/or shoes

Use this fall travel packing list as a rough guide on what to pack for your fall vacation. You can add and subtract from each category based on your personal style preferences, weather, how many days you will be traveling, and to accommodate for the size of your suitcase.

Note: Don’t forget your undergarments (bras and underwear), as well as socks, and sleep attire!

Fall hats

Hats are my favorite outfit accessory, especially for fall! They’re not only stylish, but they’re also a practical addition to your fall travel wardrobe. As the temperature drops and the wind picks up, a fall hat can provide warmth, protection, and a touch of flair to your fall outfits. Whether you opt for a cozy beanie, a chic fedora, or a trendy beret, hats can add an extra layer of style and comfort to your fall ensembles. They can also help keep your head and ears warm on brisk days or shield you from the occasional drizzle. Gotta love and accessory that’s both stylish and functional!

Need a way to store your hats while you travel? This hard shell hat case is my favorite way to take multiple hats with me on trips! If you’re only traveling with one, hat clips are the perfect handy little tool to store your hat by your side when you’re not wearing it.

Scarves

Nothing screams fall like a cozy scarf! Scarves are a versatile and essential accessory for the fall season. As the weather transitions and the temperature begins to cool, a scarf becomes both a fashionable statement piece and a functional item to keep you warm and comfy. Scarves can be worn in various ways, such as wrapping it around your neck, draping it over your shoulders, or even using it as a headband. So, don't forget to include a scarf (or two) into your fall travel packing list to stay stylish and snug throughout your autumn adventures!

Fall outerwear

It’s important to choose outerwear for your fall trip that suits your personal style, the climate of your destination, and the activities you'll be participating in during your fall travels. A lightweight jacket, such as a denim jacket, bomber jacket, utility jacket, or shacket (aka shirt jacket), is ideal for mild fall weather. A classic trench, parka, or leather moto jacket are perfect for both rainy and chilly days. And for the coldest of fall days, you can’t go wrong with a classic wool or sherpa coat! Since coats are longer in length, they provide you with more coverage to keep you warm. When you pack the right outerwear for your fall getaway, you'll be ready to enjoy the beauty of autumn while staying comfortable and fashionable!

cardigans

Cardigans, dusters, and shawls are all great cold weather pieces to pack for your fall trip because they’re perfect for layering over your fall travel outfits! As the temperature fluctuates during this transitional period, they provide you with the flexibility to adjust your outfit accordingly. Whether it's a knit poncho, chunky cardigan, or a lightweight duster, it adds both style and functionality to your fall wardrobe. You can easily throw them over a t-shirt, blouse, or dress to keep warm during cooler mornings and evenings, and remove it as the day warms up. The versatility allows you to create different looks by pairing them with jeans, skirts, or leggings. So, don't forget to include a shawl or cardigan into your fall travel packing list for that extra layer of comfort and style throughout your autumn adventures!

fall sweaters

Sweaters are a must have fall packing list staple! They’re super easy to style and they keep you warm during those crisp fall temperatures. My favorite sweater styles to pack for a fall getaway are turtleneck, oversized, and a slim fit (perfect for styling a chic fall date night look).

T-shirts & long sleeve tops

T-shirts and long sleeve tops are the perfect fall clothing staples to have on your autumn travel packing list. For warm or mild fall days, t-shirts are great for layering with a light shawl, and long sleeve tops can offer extra warmth under a sweater or alone layered with a cardigan for cooler fall days. Another great option is a t-shirt or long sleeve bodysuit! When packing for my fall getaways I typically pack 1 t-shirt, 1 long sleeve, and 1 bodysuit.

One of my favorite go-to fall travel outfit looks is a pair of leggings with over the knee boots, a t-shirt, and a shacket (aka shirt jacket) or light shawl for warm temps, for colder fall days I’ll swap the t-shirt for a long sleeve and pop on a cozy cardigan.

Jeans & leggings

Jeans and leggings are classic fall wardrobe staples that keep your legs warm when the temperatures drop during your fall trip. I personally love a good skinny ankle jean, they style so perfectly with over the knee or ankle boots for a chic fall travel outfit! For a cozier, casual fall outfit, opt for a pair of leggings. They look super effortless paired with a chunky sweater and UGG style boots! For cold weather fall trips, opt for fleece lined leggings to keep you warm and cozy. And if you’re dressing up, I recommend the Spanx faux leather leggings since they have a stylish semi-gloss sheen to them.

Sweater dresses and/or Skirts

Depending on the type of fall getaway you’ve booked, sweater dresses can be a great clothing choice to pack for your fall trip! They offer both coziness and style, making them perfect for embracing the crisp weather of the season for a casual chic daytime outfit or a elevated casual fall travel date night look. Pair a sweater dress with tights or leggings and ankle boots or knee-high boots for a chic and comfortable fall outfit. You can also layer a cardigan, jacket, or scarf over the sweater dress for added warmth and style.

Skirts can also be a stylish optional choice for your fall packing list! With the right styling and pairing, you can wear skirts comfortably during the autumn season. For warmer fall days, a mini skirt with a sweater and over the knee boots offer just enough coverage to keep you comfortable, while still looking fall-ready. On colder fall days, throw on a pair of leggings or tights under your mini skirt, you can also opt for a midi or maxi skirt instead to keep your legs warm!

boots & shoes

Boots are a fantastic choice of fall footwear and a must have for any fall packing list. As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change, boots not only provide style but also practicality and comfort. From ankle boots to knee-highs, there is a wide range of options to suit your personal style and the activities you'll be engaging in during your fall travels. Boots can be paired with various outfits, including jeans, leggings, dresses, or skirts, adding a touch of sophistication and coziness to your look. They also offer protection against chilly weather and rain, making them a versatile and essential item for your fall travel packing list! For a more casual footwear option, sneakers are another great shoe choice for fall, especially during warmer and more mild temperatures.

Tips on how to pack for your fall vacation

Here are some tips to help you pack more efficiently for your fall getaway…

Check the weather before you go! Not all fall getaways are created equal, so it’s important to know the climate before you go. Depending on your destination, you may experience cold and rainy days, or even warm and and humid climates, so make sure to check the weather before you go so you can plan accordingly!
Plan your outfits in advance. In order to prevent overpacking, or even worse, under-packing for your fall trip, plan all of your outfits ahead of time. Create and outfit for each activity or event, and try to mix and match pieces to optimize your clothing selections.
Stick to the rule of one. I love having options when I travel, however, when it comes to cold weather trips, these clothing items tend to be bulkier so it’s best to only bring a select few favorites to wear during your whole trip. Try to bring only one scarf, one jacket, one pair of boots, etc.
Keep it neutral. Creating vacation outfits can get a bit complicated if you have a colorful wardrobe. The best way to avoid bringing too many outfits is to pack neutral colors. This way it’s easy to mix and match anything you bring with you on your trip!
Roll, tuck, or vacuum seal your clothes. There are tons of ways to maximize space in you suitcase. Try tightly rolling some of your items and stacking them together, or even tucking them into other items in your suitcase, such as shoes. For bulkier items, use a travel-friendly space saver bag, or compression packing cubes to easily compress your items as thinly as possible.
Wear it on the plane. If all else fails, wear some of your items on the plane! Coats and jackets tend to be bulkiest when packing into luggage and they’re easy to take on and off so it’s one of the best items to leave out when packing. Plus you can use it as a blanket or a pillow during your flight! ;)

Need some fall travel outfit ideas?

Here are some cute and stylish fall travel outfits to wear on your next fall trip!

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