We just returned from a week in Northern California wine country (Sonoma and Napa). I've found that writing up a recap of my travel wardrobe soon after returning home helps me refine and improve my packing for future trips.
But first, my thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, and the firefighters who are battling it. It's absolutely devastating. May all return home safely, and soon. We left Sonoma for Napa Valley just before the fire broke out, and other than some smoke in the air weren't affected. We arrived home to L.A. late Saturday, and woke up yesterday morning to the Getty Fire just a few miles north of us. We're not currently in any danger, but can smell and feel the smoke. All we can do is hope the winds die down, and the humidity increases to help get these fires contained.
A Wine Country Travel Wardrobe
What made this trip easier to pack for:
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we were driving rather than flying, so weren't constrained by luggage requirements
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it was a relatively short duration trip for us
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most venues in this area are casual to "smart casual"
Challenges were:
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temperatures that could fluctuate by as much as 50 degrees F daily
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hot days + cool interiors
I ultimately wore (almost) everything at least once, and never felt as though I didn't have something appropriate to wear. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I always feel short on "going out clothes" that are a step up from my basics. Still, everything worked well overall so I'm giving this wardrobe a 9 out of 10.
MVP's - My Wine Country Travel Wardrobe Workhorses
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the lightweight down jacket. Wore this most mornings, and a couple of evenings for s'mores action by the fire pit.
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the faux suede jacket. Went with everything, and was surprisingly comfortable in a range of temperatures.
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the slim leg jeans. They have a nice amount of stretch and the fabric is lightweight enough that they were comfortable even on very warm days.
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sneakers, both slip-on and laced (similar).
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the silk-cashmere scarf (c/o). Wore every morning as a scarf, and during winery tours as a light wrap.
Pinch Hitters - What I Was Glad I Packed For Wine Country
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the velvet jacket (c/o). Was nice to have for a more upscale dinner. (use code FEMMEAW1 for 15% off until Nov. 11)
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the walnut brown trousers. These were my Wild Card pick, and a comfortable alternative to jeans.
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the metallic mules. Perfect for out-to-dinner wear.
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the cotton shirt. Worked well for warmer days. Someone asked me about the fit on this one...I'm wearing the XS.
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the straw fedora. Nice to have when outdoors in sun. (Mine was purchased from Montecristi Panama Hats in Yountville a couple of years ago.)
Benched - What I Didn't Wear
Wish I'd Brought To Wine Country
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my sunglasses! Inadvertently left them sitting on the kitchen counter.
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a larger bag for daytime. We tended to pick up brochures during winery visits for future reference. They'd get stuffed into my small bag, and I'd have to pull everything out to get at items on the bottom.
All in all, I was pleased with this travel wardrobe for wine country. Do you have travel planned this season?
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