What To Wear In Charleston, SC.

Now is the time where I start to get a million DMs about planning a trip to Charleston. We already have you covered with my big Charleston Guide, a Q&A post, and the best hotels here… today, we are tackling what to pack and wear!

I first visited Charleston, South Carolina ten years ago on a press trip. (Just for fun: the blog post from that trip — it’s equal parts cool and strange to have a visual diary of everything I’ve ever done). I immediately fell in love with the city and could see why it’s such a popular travel destination. It really is the perfect weekend getaway (especially from New York or Boston). Downtown is very walkable. There is a ton to see (and it’s all so pretty!), and you can do a lot of it on foot (I highly recommend a walking tour with my friend Tyler on that note!). There is also tons of history, amazing food, and great beaches within twenty minutes.

The city is beautiful, the people are nice, what’s not to love! The best time of year to visit (in my opinion) are October and November or April and May. The rest of the year is nice too (except July-September… it’s just really hot!).

Charleston’s style is definitely more feminine than New York or LA. Brands like Dôen, Hill House, and Loeffler Randall reign supreme. Today, I’m putting together a list of key items to pack and some outfit ideas. If you’re packing for Charleston, consider this your guide!

what to wear in charleston, sc

This isn’t a comprehensive Charleston packing list, but it’s a good start! Dresses are a must, but you’ll definitely want to wear jeans, button-downs, etc.! My best advice is to leave the high heels home (unless they’re block heels!). The cobblestone streets are no joke and it’s a walking city.

1. A breezy button-down

A breezy button-down shirt is essential in any city, but it’s especially so in Charleston. Sezane’s Max Shirt is one of my all-time favorite button-downs. It runs a little bit roomy (I take my usual size as I like it big). Sometimes I’ll button every button except the top, other times I will just button two. Charleston can be hot, so I like that this is easy to care for (I wash and dry mine) if the day takes a sweaty turn.

2. A pretty day dress

I always get asked what people wear in Charleston, and the answer is definitely dresses. I definitely dress up more in Charleston than I did when I lived in New York! People live in dresses here. Yes, it’s the South, and women like to dress up, but also, it is practical!!!! A lightweight dress provides lots of ventilation; a longer dress protects you from the wind. I love this linen dress from Jenni Kayne. We styled it (below!) with black accessories (I wear my white dresses all year), but Doen and Hill House also make some great day dresses.

Other very Charleston dresses I have and love! This dôen and this dôen (I sized down to a small in both), this dôen dress (bought it last night), this Hill House cutie (I often size down in Hill House, but not in this one!), this Loeffler Randall dress (size down).

3. A crossbody bag

Nothing is better than a little crossbody for walking around. You will be shopping, taking pictures, maybe having a drink—you want to be hands-free! I love this one. If you are planning a trip to Charleston, definitely pack something like this. I prefer black, as it transitions seamlessly from day to night.

4. A throw-over-your-shoulder sweater

A light sweater is definitely key. Long sleeves, something soft and cozy. During the day, you can toss it over your shoulders, at night, you’ll probably want to put it on as the temps can drop a little bit. There have been a few nights this week where there’s been a bit of a chill (I welcome it, we’ve had a very hot summer!).

5. Comfortably chic sneakers

The Holy City is definitely a walking city. You will get a lot of mileage out of your sneakers, so pack a cute pair (I love these!).

6. A go-to tee

I have an abundance of these simple striped tees from Kule. I love how well they layer underneath my sweaters and that the fabric has enough heft to give it a little structure (but it’s still lightweight!).

7. Relaxed fit denim shorts

It is still pretty warm here, so definitely pack shorts for a fall visit. These are my absolute favorite cut-offs, and they are currently on sale!

8. Day-to-night jeans

Contrary to how it might look on Instagram, I wear jeans most days. This pair from Madewell is perfect. A slightly relaxed fit (note: you will still see a lot of skinny jeans here, Charleston can be slightly behind at times!) with a straight leg transitions nicely from day to night.

9. Wear everywhere flats

With all of Charleston’s cobblestone streets, I rarely wear high heels unless I am at a party or a special event. I miss them, but I have invested in loads of cute flats. This pair from Freda Salvador is perfect. The higher vamp, the woven leather. I will say that they took me a little while to break in but it was worth it.

Other flats I love: These leopard Mary Janes, these cream leather flats (among my most worn!), everything Le Monde Beryl (especially these and these!)

10. Everyday sunglasses

My Chimi sunglasses are among my most worn sunglasses. They flatter a larger face (me!) without being dramatically oversized; and they feel really classic. You will definitely need a great pair of shades as you tromp around town!

5 Charleston, SC Outfits

Breezy Dress

The most classic Charleston outfit recipe is a breezy maxi dress, a comfortable (but still stylish!) ballet flat, and a sweater tied around your shoulders. This is what I wear most days, and it translates really well no matter what you are up to. Whether wandering King Street, heading to brunch, visiting The Gibbes (our art museum!), or meeting friends for dinner, this formula is perfect.

I will add that Charleston can be a bit windy, which is one of the reasons people tend to wear maxi dresses instead of mini dresses!

White Button Down

This look is classic and easy (no matter where you are!) A simple straight-leg leg of jeans, one of my favorite button-downs. Elevated accessories like the Carnelian necklace and woven flats fancy up your basics.

Tee and Shorts

For a warmer day, you can’t go wrong with a striped tee, my favorite cut-off shorts, socks (this step is important!), and sneakers. Don’t forget SPF — this is my favorite! I could see myself wearing this wandering around Folley Beach or Sullivan’s Island.

Jeans and Tee

Jeans and a tee are always in style. I’m very into this pretty pointelle tee. (I have it in a M and a L and prefer the L; it runs a bit small.) Right now, the weather seems to be teetering between 50-70 on any given day, so having a lightweight sweater with long sleeves at the ready is perfect! And you know that these are my most favorite loafers. You can wear jeans with anything, but this is my favorite way.

Button Down and Shorts

This time of year, I find myself frequently reaching for long sleeves with shorts. A simple button down, my fave cut-offs, a cozy sweater tossed over my shoulders. Speaking of the sweater, we have a code for La Ligne. GRACE10 for 10% off.

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