{2025} The Ultimate Guide: Packing for a Trip to Charleston

Heading down to Charleston, South Carolina? Your favorite travel packing guide has rounded up her suggestions for looking stylish in the south's most elegant city.

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Packing for a Trip to Charleston?

Charleston, South Carolina is one of my favorite cities in the United States. Shopping on King Street, exploring as many historic houses as they'll let me into, and strolling the cobblestone streets after a delicious southern dinner. What more could I want in a domestic vacation?


Though I've built my blog talking about Europe, Charleston was one of my earliest travel memories. My parents and I started exploring the South, largely by car, every spring break when I was a kid. I'm an only child and, in true only child fashion, I largely got to pick our vacation destinations (within reason). And in no surprise to those of you know are familiar with the early American History major and home decor enthusiast I later became, Charleston's pastel color palette called to me. We combined our second visit to "Holy City" with Savannah (which I'd highly recommend, if you have time). My most recent visit was with my husband, for a wedding. We stayed at The Dewberry (one of the best hotels in Charleston)...and I still dream about that rooftop bar.


And I will say, I found Charleston to be incredibly fashionable for a relatively small city packed with tourists. The city offers excellent shopping, if you want to fit in with these stylish ladies. If you want to fit it, bring your classic, southern style (and your make-up bag). You can take the girl out of the southern sorority...and you know I've got tips. No, it's not what you'd wear in Europe, but we aren't in Europe, we're exploring "the New World' on the blog today!

Frequently Asked Questions about Packing for Charleston

What's the weather like in Charleston?
Unsurprisingly, the weather in Charleston is, to Yankees like me, fairly toasty. In July, one of the hottest summer months, you can expect an average high temperature of 87 (eek) with 9 days of rain/month. In February, an average high of 63. Though the waterfront location offers a breeze, they don't call it "the low country" for nothing - expect some serious humidity.

Is Charleston a walkable town?
​Absolutely! Historic sites, house museums, bars and restaurants, shops are all easily walkable in the heart of downtown Charleston. We did not rent a car on our last visit and had no problem walking or taking a quick Uber everywhere we needed to go.

Where should I stay in Charleston?
We really loved our time at The Dewberry, on our most recent trip. It's probably where I'd stay again. If you're looking for something more historic (The Dewberry has a fun, sort of swinging 60's vibe), I'd go with Planters Inn.

Where should I shop online for my trip to Charleston?

• Mersea
• Lilly Pulitzer
• Tuckernuck

{2025} The Ultimate Guide: Packing for a Trip to Charleston

Comfortable Walking Shoes
As in any historic city, you'll spend the bulk of your time in Charleston walking, walking, walking and...trying not to trip on cobblestones. Comfortable, classy walking shoes are the name of the game. For daytime, I'd largely go with white sneakers, preferably plain or with minimal logos so you can wear them with dresses. Personally, I would stay away from "beach flip flops" as they are neither supportive for lots of walking tours, nor dressy enough for meals out in Charleston.

Pro tip: Skip the athleisure after 10 AM
    Popping out of your hotel to grab a coffee at 730 AM? Rock those joggers. Going shopping on King Street? Fancy dinner out? Skip the athleisure. Lean in, have fun, and dress for the occasion.

Classic shorts
Most of your Charleston trip days will be spent strolling, exploring, and touring. Classic shorts are a must. In winter, jeans are fine, but don't even dream of wearing jeans in July/August. For evening, I'd wear some linen pants, like this pair I recently got from Quince.

Feminine blouses
Pair those classic shorts not with t-shirts, yoga bras, or windbreakers, but with classy, floral, feminine blouses. Sound a little bit old school? Probably. But that's the fun of it.

Colorful dresses
For day time sight seeing, or dinners out, strolling the cobblestone streets to enjoy all of the amazing food Charleston has to offer, a few colorful dresses are a must. Charlestonian women dress to impress, so why not join in? Don't have anything suitable? King Street has everything you could ever want to buy for a night out on the town.

Hitting the beach?
If a Folly Beach beach day is in the cards for your Charleston trip, don't forget the bathing suit, cover-up, beach bag, and flip flops (the only time I ever allow beach flip flops is...at the beach. Imagine that).

{2025} Charleston Outfit Essentials

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope you have a wonderful time in Charleston, as I always do! Visit The Dewberry's rooftop bar for me! xx And while you're here, I hope you'll check out my Weekend in Charleston Travel Guide.