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Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its beautiful fall foliage in October and we planned a leisurely getaway in the company of old friends. 

Our plans included breathtaking scenic drives through the famous Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking in Pisgah National Forest.

The weather in Asheville during this time of year can be quite pleasant, with crisp mornings (50’s) and mild daytime temperatures (70’s). To enjoy the fall foliage comfortably, here is what we ended up wearing. 

Tops

Layering was definitely key and starting with a base layer or a lightweight sweater to stay warm in the morning and evening was optimal. We both packed a variety of layers including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and knit tops.

A brand that has recently made its way into Crystal’s wardrobe is Marcella. The Palmer Knit Top from Marcella was a fantastic layering piece and is spot-on for shifting seasons. It’s perfect for layering over tops like the Marcella Kit Sleeveless Top and the sweater’s raised seam detailing adds visual interest to the knit texture.

The Palmer Knit top, with its versatile design and timeless appeal, effortlessly transitions from day to night, making it an indispensable addition to any fashion-forward individual's wardrobe. Whether paired with tailored trousers for a classic and sophisticated look, or dressed down with leggings for a relaxed yet chic ensemble, this versatile piece offers endless possibilities for effortlessly stylish outfits.

Whenever we go on trips where the weather is cooler, I always pack my Uniqlo HEATTECH tops. These tops have been a staple in my closet for years and I have quite a collection of them in several different styles and colors. 

I also made sure to include in my suitcase a simple cotton T-shirt from Easy Standard (receive 10% off an order with code ES-POCKETS10). This T-shirt is not only versatile but also an essential item that effortlessly complements any ensemble that I put together during my trip. The classic white color of the T-shirt adds a timeless appeal to my outfits, and the cotton fabric ensures that it's soft and breathable, providing ultimate comfort throughout my adventures.

Bottoms

It was unplanned, but both of us packed leggings from Alo and Athleta. We’ve gone through different brands of leggings throughout the years and these two brands are our favorites for a few reasons:

• Comfortable Fit - A snug fit without being overly tight or restrictive and moves with your body.

• Waistband Design - The elastic waistband sits comfortably and doesn’t dig into your skin.

• Design and Style - Whether you prefer classic black leggings, vibrant colors, or trendy patterns, both brands offer various styles, lengths, and patterns.

Outerwear

From lightweight jackets for those unexpectedly chilly mornings to cozy sweaters for the colder evenings, our carefully selected wardrobe ensured we were prepared for any sudden drop in temperature or unexpected weather conditions.

Crystal has become a recent enthusiast of Alo clothes and loves their causally edgy style. Crystal wore her Alo Urbanite Bomber, which was perfect for the slightly chilly mornings and evenings. This on-trend bomber is super-cozy and has a thick faux fur lining with hidden zip pockets.

I packed two options since I wasn’t sure if my Uniqlo PUFFTECH Quilted Warm Padded Jacket was going to be warm enough. The other jacket I brought was my MerinoLoft Collingwood Hooded Jacket from Icebreaker. I ended up wearing my Uniqlo Quilted jacket more often than the Icebreaker jacket since the Icebreaker jacket was a little bit too warm. I probably could have done without it since I only wore it for a couple of hours during sunset at Cowee Mountain Overlook.

The Uniqlo Quilted jacket was perfect and even better that I was able to stuff it in my backpack when I didn’t want to wear it. It’s a warm yet lightweight jacket with a pocketable design. What sold me was the collar which folds inward to stay hidden under a V-neck coat if you wanted to layer it under a warmer outwear.

Footwear

Since we only had light hiking trails on our itinerary, we didn’t think it was necessary to pack hiking boots. Instead, we both wore sneakers from Adidas. The shoes had enough traction since we did fairly easy hikes through the lush green forest. Our sneakers provided the perfect balance of comfort and durability, allowing us to navigate both rocky terrains and dirt paths with ease.

I also threw in a pair of UGGs in my luggage for wearing around our Airbnb and for the long drives. I prefer to switch to footwear that provides the comfort of slippers, especially when I know I'll be driving for hours. There's something about the cozy feeling of slipping my feet into soft, cushioned shoes that instantly put me at ease behind the wheel.

Bags

Crystal found an adorable fleece belt bag from Lululemon, which was perfect for our light treks. The bag was big enough to hold the essentials and was equipped with interior pockets, which helped with keeping valuables organized. 

I opted for my Pacsafe backpack as I wanted something versatile enough to store my jacket in case I needed to shed layers during our hikes. Additionally, I preferred having the convenience of carrying water and various miscellaneous items, even though it may not be essential for shorter hikes. I tend to be a worrier and feel more at ease when I have everything I might need at hand.

If you prefer to be completely free of carrying a bag, wearing a crossbody Bandolier strap is a great option. I wore the Lana Lipstick Strap in addition to carrying my backpack because it conveniently holds my phone, cards, and chapstick. 

Accessories

We both packed knit hats and gloves, but as it turned out, we didn’t end up needing them because the weather never quite reached the chilly point where wearing them was necessary.

Instead, I ended up wearing Alo’s best seller District Trucker Hat. It has an adjustable snap closure and it’s an elevated version of your classic cap. While I was shopping on Alo’s site, I came across their scrunch socks and added those to my cart as well. 

Remember that the fall foliage season in Ashville can be quite busy with tourists, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations and plan your activities in advance. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the stunning fall colors and outdoor adventures in North Carolina during October.

We had an unforgettable and delightful girls’ getaway, feeling fortunate to have visited at just the right time when the trees transformed into stunning shades of yellow, orange, and red.

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