What to Pack for Washington D.C. for 10 Days

What to Pack for Washington DC for 10 days in April #packinglist #travellight #packinglight #travel #traveltips© Can Stock Photo / Shakzu

Tank/Camisole • H&M | Striped Shirt • Mango | Dressy Shirt • Mango | Classic Blouse • H&M |
Wrap Top • H&M | Pullover • H&M | Black Sweater • H&M | Blazer • River Island | Skirt • H&M |
Denim • H&M | Casual Denim • H&M | Black Pants • H&M | Jacket • Mango | Scarf • H&M |
Hat • H&M | Sunglasses • Michael Kors | Flats • Yosi Samra | Casual Shoes • Vans |
Boots • Topshop | Tote • Aldo/Asos | Crossbody • Boden

After skipping last week while I was trying to get some gift guides out I am back to a packing list this week. I received a request from a woman who is going to Washington D.C. at the beginning of April as a chaperone for her son’s school trip. She is stumped for what to pack for this trip as they are only allowed a carry-on. This being a school trip I assume there will be a lot of sightseeing that will involve a mix of dressy-casual, and casual outfits depending on the itinerary.  I included some simple and easy to wear items that are both comfortable, and dressy when needed by some easy pairings.

I always encourage that you pack a couple of tank tops or camisoles because they take up little to no room and are perfect for layering under sweaters, cardigans, blazers, and even as a sleepwear option if necessary. This time of year in Washington is when the Cherry Blossom Festival is and would be beautiful to see and experience.

I played with some different colour combinations here because I was feeling the jewel tones. The coat is a mid-weight which is perfect for April’s unpredictability and is in a beautiful plum colour. The blazer is for a lighter jacket option, but it pays to check the forecast leading up to the day you depart so you know what type of jacket you need to bring. I added some accents of a rich green, with some leopard (because I love leopard mixed with jewel tones). The wrap shirt is multi purpose because it can be worn as a shirt over a camisole or open as a light cardigan.  The key to packing light is to pack things that you can wear in several different ways so you can make the most out of what you bring. I hope these pieces give you some ideas for your trip.

The outfit options are in this post.

Have you ever been to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington?

If you like this post you can find more packing lists and outfit options in my:
Packing Light Series 
What to Wear Options

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Sara

Sara is the founder and creative behind livelovesara. A George Brown College Fashion Styling Graduate, she provides advice on finding your personal style regardless of age and budget. She is always on the hunt for the perfect wardrobe piece and is a vintage and thrifting enthusiast who can't wait to share her newest finds. She is also trying to learn French.

5 Comments

  1. This is an excellent curation for your requester’s travel wardrobe, Sara. That’s my hat and pleated skirt, so I can vouch for these items. I really, really like that plum wool coat, what a great alternative for sometimes blah wintery weather.

    Just for fun, here’s a link to the Polyvore set I put together for my ideal winter wardrobe additions. Or, I should say the “in my dreams budget” additions @ .

    Hope you’re having a fine week. Cheers, Ardith

    • I tried that skirt on last week and it’s awesome. I didn’t get it because it’s just getting too cold so I thought my money was better invested in a sweater at this time of year, but a pleated skirt is on my wish list.

      I love, love Polyvore. That’s where I used to make lists back in the days of a newborn that wouldn’t sleep. It kept me sane making wardrobes and packing lists for random destinations. I love those pieces in your list and man, wouldn’t it be nice to know what it was like to actually be able to afford something like that without batting an eyelash? I can’t even fathom buying shoes that are as much as my rent. Those colours are fantastic though and I adore those purses and the prints on them.

      The week has been going well, the girls got some boots that totalled under $100 (it’s expensive here) and I found myself a pair of almost brand new Sorels at Value Village for $25 so I am set in the winter boot department too without having to drop a fortune on a new pair.

      Sara

      • OMG, $25 for Sorels, that’s incredible. Score! Kind of makes up for the cost of the girls’ boots.

        I hear you about the nice zen moments that Polyvore can give us. And yes, it would be fun even just once to buy an outfit, let alone a capsule wardrobe, of literally anything you wanted. Guess Polyvore’s the next best thing, eh?

        Cheers, Ardith

  2. Thanks Sara for the great Washington DC outfits. I am going in April with my son’s school as a chaperone, and boy I needed this.
    Love your outfits and they are so affordable.
    Irma

    • Your welcome Irma. Thanks for the inspiration. I try to keep everything affordable because it always sucks when you click on a link to something you like and it costs more than your rent/mortgage for the month. I hope you have a great time.

      Sara

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