Packing for a Weekend in Charleston : What to Wear in Charleston SC

Wondering what to wear in Charleston, SC? Charleston is one of the best destinations to dress for – and I’m here to help! Long before I ever lived in Charleston, I loooved vacationing in Charleston. Going to school in the South (at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), I roadtripped down to Charleston more times than I can count – and it has always been one of my absolute favorite places in the world. It’s also one of my favorite places to dress for in the world. I mean, how can you beat balmy Southern nights and warm coastal breezes? Charleston is in a league of its own when it comes to fashion and style, and packing as a newcomer coming to Charleston (or the South) for the first time can be intimidating! You’ll definitely notice that people dress up a bit more here, yes, even just walking downtown or heading to the beach, tourists and locals alike look ultra-chic, all the time. Welcome to Charleston! So what should you wear for a trip to Charleston? I’m here to help. 

Let’s break it down by a Charleston packing list, and then some outfit inspo (with shopping links!) to get you ready for your trip.

What do people wear in Charleston?

The Charleston style is conservative, feminine, and classic. But that doesn’t mean it’s not fun at the same time. The shopping in Charleston is some of the best you’ll find anywhere, and that world-class style is reflected on the locals. This is the town where girls get ready for two hours before event thinking of leaving the house. A town of women who wouldn’t be caught DEAD with their hair not perfectly blown out, and who pride themselves on having the best closets in the game. Intimidated yet? Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you’re dressed to impress for your weekend in Charleston.

Packing list for a weekend in Charleston, staying 3 nights:

Here’s what I’m packing for Charleston for 3 days: 1 plane outfit, 3 daytime outfits, 3 going out/dinner outfits, 1 workout outfit, and 3 pairs of shoes : sneakers, wedges, and sandals I can walk in. I’m also packing 2 swimsuits, sunglasses, a sunhat, and a cute tote bag. I can fit all of this easily in my suitcase – which is more compact than most but still almost always a checked bag (because #beautyproducts)

Cute Outfit Ideas for Charleston!

What to wear in Charleston in the Spring & Summer

MINKPINK Perla Midi Dress in Blue Floral

Show Me Your Mumu Mia Midi Dress in Pink Clip Floral

Bella Dahl Sleeveless Utility Romper in Caribbean Wash

 

Tularosa x Jetset Christina Shiloh Maxi Dress in Robin Blue

Pictured here with this dress, this hat,and these shoes

LoveShackFancy Kyndra Dress in Paradise Pink

Tularosa x Jetset Christina Carly Mini Dress in Summer White

Janessa Leone Tinsley Hat in Natural

Rails Crystal Mini Dress in Lake Stripe

NBD Haze Midi Dress in Pink

Selkie Flutter Slip Dress in Cotswolds

SHERIDAN FRENCH Botanical Blues Kelly Dress

House of Harlow 1960 x Sofia Richie Evelyne Maxi Dress in Watercolor Floral

Steve Madden Sophia-Rose Dress in Faded Blue

TUCKERNUCK X AGUA BY AGUA BENDITA Exclusive Pink Floral Manzanilla Mini Dress

Callahan Sami Dress in Blush

For Love & Lemons Jackson Mini Dress in Ivory

 

HEMANT AND NANDITA x REVOLVE Teien Romper in Blue

DeMellier London Mini Seville Clutch in Gold Metallic

The JetSet White Bamboo Smocked Maxi Dress

olga berg Stevie Pleated Woven Clutch in Gold

OW Collection Emilia Dress in Lavender

 

The Breezy Tropics Resort Dress Ruffle Straps

L*SPACE Coast Is Clear Top in Cream

 

 

 

Petites Tagliatelle Linen Dress, image 1

 

MAJORELLE Tumbleweed Dress in Baby Blue

Lovers and Friends x Jetset Christina Nelly Mini Dress in Natural Black Blooms

Shop these dresses: 

 

 

 

only $45!!!

 

 

 

 

Shop this dress 

 

 

L'Academie x Jetset Christina Norae Midi Dress in Soft White

   

How freaking adorable is this dress? It’s a to-die-for Saturday in Charleston look.

Michael Costello x REVOLVE Mishka Romper in LilacHat Attack Avalon Sunhat in Natural & Black

This dress is so perfect for Charleston – especially if you’re the bride on your bachelorette party wondering what to wear!

 

L*SPACE Summer Days Backpack in NaturalZognsi Round Straw Beach Bag Summer mini Vintage Handmade Crossbody Bag Circle Rattan bag Small Bohemian Shoulder bag for women (Khaki 2)

I love this little rattan backpack or crossbody! So cute for Spring and Summer. A VERY Charleston style.

 

I love travel visor because it’s packable and always looks so chic! Gotta protect yourself from the CHS sun!

Dinner, drinks & girl’s night out: 

Going out to dinner in Charleston and then out? This adorable dress just screams King Street to me. I love it, and would pair it with a pair of nude wedges for the ultimate South Carolina look.

I’m alllll about this jumpsuit! Especially if you’re in Charleston for a bachelorette party and getting all glammed up for a night on the town.

Lovers and Friends x Jetset Christina Nelly Mini Dress in Natural Black Blooms Selkie The Flutter Slip Dress in Fantasy

ASTR the Label Enola Dress in Slate Blue

Norma Kamali x REVOLVE Mini Tie Front NK Shirt Dress in Orchid Pink

 

Image result for sheila fajl brushed champagne\

These are The South’s favorite hoops – in college, literally EVERY single girl had them. They’re still my go-to hoops.

What to wear to work out in Charleston:

What to wear to the beach in Charleston:

 Michael Stars Farrah Caftan in White

 

 

What to wear in Charleston in the Fall:

Autumn brings sunshine, blue skies, and generally temperatures that average in the 70s. It’s a great time of year to break out some fall florals, chic jewel tones, and day-to-night outfits.  

 

and.. if you’re traveling to Charleston later in the fall when the weather starts to cool, these are some of my favorite picks

 

 

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What to wear in Charleston in the Fall & Winter

 

ANINE BING Mountain Shirt in Black & White Plaid

HEARTLOOM Caudid Dress in Blue Multi

 

What do guys wear in Charleston?

If you’re looking for some recommendations on what to wear as a guy in Charleston, here are a few of my favorite looks that would fit right in on King Street or at Isle of Palms:

A perfect white linen shirt for cruising King

this is my recommendation

A nighttime look

 

A beach look (or few)

You’re definitely going to want to bring your best swim trunks for the beaches of Charleston. Here are my picks for fresh swim trunks in high-quality fabrics and prints that look great in Charleston:

 

 

What to wear golfing in Charleston (or just around town)

Golf in Charleston is more than a game, it’s a lifestyle. You’ll want to break out the best vacation golf polos in fun and fresh prints to have some fun on the course with your boys. This isn’t a stale, boring city, it’s vibrant and colorful, so make sure you ‘play’ the part on the course.

These are the best golf polos for Charleston:

The Azaleas in this print is a subtle nod to the Masters

Palms and Charleston go hand in hand. This men’s golf polo would be a perfect pick for a day on the course.

The best weekenders & travel bags:

This is the best carry-on bag I’ve EVER had. Well worth every penny.

 

Check out my other posts!

The best Charleston influencers and bloggers

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

Restaurant Recommendations in Charleston : The best places to brunch & eat dinner in Charleston

 

 

 

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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