Last weekend, Laura and I traveled to 86 Cannon in Charleston and it was a fabulous time. So if you’re planning a trip to Charleston soon, we have you covered. It's one of my all-time favorite southern cities. With its pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, beautiful gardens, and incredible food, it’s the perfect weekend getaway, especially if you love warmer weather and coastal charm.
But what do you wear in Charleston, especially when it’s hot and humid? You want to look cute and polished but stay cool and comfortable. Today I’m sharing exactly what to pack and what to wear. Whether you're brunching on King Street, heading to Sullivan’s Island, or enjoying a rooftop cocktail, this packing list will help you dress the part without overpacking. We were there four days and three nights and had just the right amount of clothes. Don't worry, our full travel guide will be out soon so you can plan your itinerary!
Charleston Weather: What to Expect
Before we dive into the fashion, let’s talk weather. Charleston is hot and humid in the summer, mild in the winter, and nearly perfect during spring and fall. Here’s what you can expect seasonally:
Spring (March–May): Highs in the 70s–80s, cool mornings, blooming azaleas everywhere. Great time to visit!
Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and sunny. Temps in the high 80s–90s with lots of sun. Afternoon showers likely.
Fall (September–November): Gorgeous. Think cooler temps, less humidity, and beautiful sunsets. Another great time to visit!
Winter (December–February): Mild, with highs in the 50s–60s. You will need layers.
What to Pack for Charleston
Here’s your Charleston packing list with everything you’ll need to stay stylish and comfortable. These are the exact summer outfits we wore on our 4-day Charleston trip, including dresses perfect for sightseeing, brunch, pool, and dinner.
I love to wear a travel look that can take me straight from the plane to exploring the town. The bow detail muscle top (size S) and cuffed jeans (fit TTS) was the perfect look. I love to wear a good walking shoe like these Gazelle Adidas (sized down a size ) not only because they are cute but also to save room in my suitcase. For a weekend trip like this one, I used this carry-on suitcase and this puffer tote bag. I like how the tote bag is big enough to fit other bags, like this basket bag.
Charleston calls for easy, lightweight dresses. This maxi shirtdress (size S) was perfect for walking and exploring the city. I love the navy, but it also comes in red and white. Since the air conditioning can cause indoors to get chilly, I draped this sweater (size S) over my shoulders for a chic look. Also comes in several colors.
This striped shirtdress (size S) is another perfect piece for Charleston! Laura wore the green version on the trip and I wore the navy version. It is so versatile and can take you from brunch to exploring and even make for a cute look to snap a photo.
Another easy and versatile dress is this eyelet royal shirt dress (size S). You can easily dress it up or down depending on the occasion. It is also a great sleeve length if you want some extra coverage.
You need a good sandal for dressier occasions! I loved these ruffle raffia slide sandals. It's a chic and elevated sandal that's perfect for a lunch or dinner on the town. I like the flat sandals but there is a heeled version too.
This eyelet mini dress (size S) was perfect for brunch and strolling. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, plus the style is so flattering. It's the perfect dress for pictures since it matches everything in Charleston!
You definitely need to pack a swimsuit when traveling to Charleston. Whether you're headed to the beach or relaxing poolside, this Hunza G one piece is a favorite. It comes in a bunch of colors. This swimwear brand is always one size fits all and it truly does.
These dresses were the perfect elevated styles for dinner. I am wearing this embroidered dress (size S). It is so gorgeous and perfect for summertime. Laura is wearing this striped strapless dress (size S). It is a high quality dress, but under $100.
There you have it! The perfect packing list for a weekend in Charleston. Which looks are your favorite? Also, there are only two weeks left of the NSale, so don't sleep on it!
xoxo - Tanya
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