What To Pack for A Week In Southern California
With family and grandchildren across the country, I’ve perfected what to pack for a week in Southern California (which works for any warmer climates and seasons, too).
I’m showing what I took recently that includes comfort for the airplane, slightly elevated for going out to dinner and casual enough for playing with the kids in Pasadena.
Today we also have travel wardrobe advice from four of my Big Time Stylish friends. Their links are at the end of the post.
What To Pack In
No one really wants to a lug heavy suitcase around for a relatively short trip. Here are my favorite travel items. If you use my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
- Lots of airport terminals have free filtered water dispensers. So bring a reusable water bottle like this Swell one.
- My favorite suitcase is a Quince expandable carry-on and for this trip an Away commuter backpack with a compartment for my laptop, purse and water bottle. It has a sleeve that slips on to the suitcase’s extended handle. It’s been on several trips and still looks great.
- This Calpack clear cosmetic medium case is great for seeing all your travel size ingredients and makeup. It’s sturdy and I take mine on all my trips.
- A portable phone charger is a good idea. For my Iphone 15, I like mine from Clutch, it’s small and gives you some peace of mind about recharging your phone. Make sure you buy the right one for your phone model.
- I always use compression packing cubes to organize my clothing and create space.
You may also like Travel Wear For Summer In Portugal – Over 50 Style.
Clothing On The Airplane
It’s a long day of flying to the west coast to San Diego or Los Angeles from Jacksonville, Florida. We usually have a layover mid-way (like in Houston or Denver). I like to wear clothing with stretch, layers and items I will wear again at the destination.
Cardigan • Relaxed-fit T-shirt in premium-weight cotton (on sale) • Stretch Straight Jeans (nice “give” but doesn’t bag–$50) • Adidas sneakers
Vacation Packing Tips
This matching set blouse (petite M) and pull-on long skirt (petite S) is in a crisp cotton poplin. It comes in standard and plus sizes, too. And I love the woven leather crossbody purse from Quince. It’s a great size.
- Pack Light: Southern California’s casual laid back vibe means you can keep your wardrobe relaxed and minimal.
- Versatile Pieces: Choose items that can mix and match easily to create different outfits. For this trip, I am mixing white, red, black and denim.
- Check the Weather Forecast: While California is known for its sunshine, weather can vary. Check the temps before packing.
What’s In My Suitcase, California Packing List
The Quince lightweight leather sandals are really comfortable. Here I am wearing the red top as jacket with Ray Ban sunglasses, a white tee-shirt, slim raffia belt, Madewell bandana (similar) and my favorite Mother jeans (size 27 P). And red Chanel lipstick. The pony tail and red lips are to distract you from how badly I need a hair appointment (it’s next week).
- Lightweight Dresses or Skirts (two): Opt for breezy fabrics like cotton or linen for comfort during warm days and cool evenings.
- Denim and Casual Pants Three Pairs (Including the jeans from the airplane): Perfect for exploring coastal towns or strolling through local markets.
- Flowy Blouses and T-shirts: Versatile pieces that pair well with shorts or jeans.
- Light Jacket or Sweater (one cardigan and one denim jacket): Evenings can get chilly, especially near the coast. Pack a lightweight jacket or sweater for layering.
- Comfortable Shoes (three pairs including the sneakers from the airplane, yeah, it’s hard): Sneakers or stylish walking shoes are ideal for sightseeing and playing with the grandkids. Don’t forget a pair of sandals or a good pair of flip-flops.
- Sun Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the California sunshine with a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and stylish sunglasses.
- Swimsuit: Essential for beach days or lounging poolside.
- Crossbody Bag or Backpack: A convenient way to carry essentials while exploring.
- Sunscreen: California sun can be strong year-round. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
- Travel-sized Toiletries (like toothbrush and face wash), underwear, socks, pajamas and a few accessories (like a scarf and bracelets).
This side tie t-shirt material dress is my most flattering dress (and great for travel). I bought a medium from Sezane and tie it a bit tighter or looser depending on my weight. It’s a maxi on me but would be cute ankle length on a taller person. I’m tempted to buy another color!
The white denim jacket is on sale at the Loft (petite M). The block heeled sandals go with everything (and were one of my three pairs of shoes!).
And now advice from my Big Time Stylish friends:
Most Lovely Things – Annie
Une Femme d’un Certain Age – Susan Blakey
A Well Styled Life – Jennifer Connolly
MA! You’re a packing genius and I appreciate all your tips. I’m so happy to hear you love the Quince luggage. It seems to be a favorite and I’m going to buy in time for an upcoming trip. The only dilemma … what color?! That Sezanne dress is fabulous. You look amazing … woo hoo! xo
Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you for a wonderful post. I love that Sézane dress on you! I am hoping they will do a v neck version for busty women like me. And the charger is on my list next time l travel thanks for the recommendations. Lovely picture of you and your sister 🙂
Hi Mary Ann, these are excellent choices for Southern California! You have the perfect laid-back-but-put-together vibe!
Thanks, Susan. Love your Paris fashion observations!
Mary Ann,
So many great tips and outfits. I love you in red! That red outfit is so cheerful and beautiful on you, as it the black dress.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Mary Ann,
Louisa is on the get-go, training for her first marathon.
Sweet pic of you and your sister,
The tee shirt dress looks hot on you.
Louisa wears us out! But it’s so fun.
Hi Mary Ann. Is the black side tie dress made of a heavier t-shirt cotton or just regular weight? Thanks!
It’s a little heavier…can’t see through it.
You look so cute in your travel clothes! And that black dress is the bomb! It makes you look six inches taller!
I thought so too…and the heels only add 2″!
I would like to see how you use compression packing cubes with the type of clothing you are suggesting to pack (which are the types of clothing that I pack). Beyond putting underware and socks in a cube, I have never found them useful or space saving. I too like to pack light and usually in carryon luggage.
Thanks for all the lovely clothing ideas. Cheers.
Sure! I will take a photo. I just fold everything neatly and then shake out dresses and tops and put on hangers. The rest can stay in the cubes. Sometimes I will hang a blouse in the bathroom when I shower to steam things out.
I love those bright red pieces on you Mary Ann! They look striking. I’m with you about traveling light! I find I never wear all the extra things I pack.
Oh Mary Ann that black dress is perfection. I think the dusty blue on the site is calling your name! (Maybe have it shortened a bit to vary its look a bit from the black…..and/or the print and bring it to the knee…..you know where I’m going….haha)
Yes…I bought the shorter version and had to return it…too short!
Buy long and have it shortened? (I’m a dressmaker)
I wish I was!!
Mary Ann! I love that red 2-piece dress both ways! It looks so chic as a dress and then I love how you’ve broken up the pieces and are wearing the top as a cropped jacket!
I love my Clutch charger! I will never leave home without it, especially when traveling.
If anyone knows how to pack well for a week in California, it’s you!
xo
annie
Thanks, Annie. I love how small the Clutch charger is. Love all your chic outfits!