What To Wear and Pack for Charleston, SC in May
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We were super excited for our mini road trip to Charleston, South Carolina, having booked a room right in the heart of the French Quarter. Envisioning ourselves in adorable Southern charm outfits, we were looking forward to our five days in Charleston.
The weather was cloudy with some showers, which actually helped cool down the temperatures so we got lucky with temps in the low 80s and cool mornings around the high 60s. It was also a bit muggy, as anticipated due to our location in the south.
Travel Outfits
We were driving from Tampa, Florida which was about a seven hour drive so we wanted to make sure to wear something comfy for our road trip.
Crystal wore her super comfy Maeve Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants from Anthropologie, which is their best-reviewed pair of pants ever. These pants are form-fitting and insanely comfortable. The high rise is flattering and the magic fabric is an Anthro one-of-a-kind.
Paired with the bottoms was Lulus Classic Essential White Striped Ribbed Scoop Neck Tee. Lulus has a really great range of tops. On the way back to Tampa, Crystal wore the same bottoms and wore Lulus Quintessential Muse White Ribbed Short Sleeve Top. Both tops are designed with a stretchy fabric that provides a comfy custom fit.
And for shoes, a classic pair of Chuck Taylor All Star C was comfy for the long drive. Converses will pretty much match any outfit.
Gas station break
A rest stop on our way to Charleston, SC
I wore a simple T-shirt from H&M along with a high-waisted pair of stretchy pants from Quince. These pants have become my favorite and I find myself reaching for them all the time. They make my legs look super long and the stretchy waistband does not dig in and is very comfortable.
For shoes, I decided to go with my trusty Adidas Samba, a reliable and versatile option that has remained a consistent favorite in my wardrobe for several seasons now. These shoes not only provide comfort but effortlessly complement any of my laid-back looks.
Evening Outfits
In the evenings when we craved a night out over a couple of drinks, our preference was to elevate our attire with a touch of sophistication. Crystal wore a chic pair of black stretch crepe pleated shorts from Quince paired with a tube top from Reformation (you can find a similar tube top from Revolve or Victoria’s Secret). Enhancing the look, she added her striped white blazer from Anthropologie and completed the look with a comfortable pair of lightweight sandals from Nisolo.
I also wore a pair of shorts, but mine were the opposite color in white. I bought these high-waisted shorts on a whim from Zara and I love how I can dress them up or down. I also wore a textured white blazer from H&M. Underneath, I wore my washable silk tank from Quince and completing my look I wore my dressy flats from Seychelles. I adore these sandals, but I can only wear them for a couple of hours.
H&M Textured Blazer
Lo & Sons Aoyama Bag
French Quarter Outfits
Crystal’s Outfits
We spent most of our time immersing ourselves in the charm of the French Quarter and enjoyed being surrounded by the historic architecture. Our days were filled with visits to museums, strolls by the Pineapple Fountain, and admiring the iconic sights such as Rainbow Row. Capturing memories in this picturesque corner of Charleston was so much fun.
Free People Rosey Posey Set
Rainbow Row Charleston, SC
The outfit that got the most attention on this trip was Crystal’s Rosey Posey Set from Free People. I can’t count the number of times this outfit got complimented by people we passed by. Even a guide on a carriage tour stopped to tell Crystal how much she loved her dress and even asked where she got it from.
The crisp poplin fabrication, the contrast embroidered trim, and the bold floral detail seemed to catch everyone's eye, making it a standout dress. This dress also came with matching shorts to wear underneath.
A simple pair of strappy sandals from Amazon Essentials turned out to be the perfect match for this outfit. These sandals have exceeded Crystal’s expectations and have accompanied her on countless trips.
There are so many cute purses that can be paired with this dress and Crystal grabbed her circle crossbody bag from Nisolo. This classic summer bag was purchased a few seasons ago so this particular one is no longer available, but Quince has an almost identical one made of fancy fine Italian leather.
Another outfit that was so perfect for Charleston was the Gingham Midi Dress from Lulus. This cute dress is designed so that it’s great for any bust size and it has pockets! The lightweight cotton-blend fabric has a darling gingham print and the high banded waist is very flattering.
The Powder Magazine Museum with Kuma
When the temperatures dropped, Crystal quickly reached for her trusty denim jacket from Amazon The Drop. This versatile piece has been a staple in her wardrobe for more than three years. Recently, she discovered that Amazon The Drop released a new version of this popular jacket, crafted from a blend of 99% cotton and 1% elastane. This slight addition of elastane provides a hint of stretch, enhancing the overall comfort of the jacket.
Lulus Amusing Charm White Floral Print Tie-Back Midi Dress (Yes, that is the actual name of the dress) was another dress that was perfectly suited for Charleston. It has an adorable contrasting floral-inspired design and the princess-seemed bodice is very figure flattering. The best feature of this dress is the back. The long sashes create a cute tying detail atop an open-back design.
Candy’s Outfits
Looking back at the outfits I wore, I packed a lot of white and cream colors for this trip. I’ve been loving the linen products that Quince has been releasing and wore the 100% Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress. This dress was perfect for the day we did a walking tour of the French Quarter. It’s soft, breathable, and lightweight, making it the perfect choice for warm weather.
For shoes, I wore my Beek Leather Finch Toe Ring Sandals. It's been almost five incredible years since I first got my hands on these sandals, and surprisingly, they still have plenty of life left in them. Crafted from pure 100% leather, these sandals boast a molded arch that not only provides exceptional comfort but also offers much-needed support. I can wander around all day long in these sandals.
Lo & Sons Aoyama Bag
I always make sure to bring along all my must-have items, like my Nisolo tote bag. It is my favorite choice whenever I need to pack my camera along with my various essential belongings. Nisolo has discontinued offering this particular bag, but an excellent substitute would be Madewell’s highly acclaimed Transport Tote. Crafted from sturdy leather that develops a lovely patina over time, this tote ranks among the top-selling items in their collection.
Right before I left for our trip, I threw in my suitcase my favorite pair of High Waist Marine Straight Pocket Jeans from Zara. These jeans are my go-to choice whenever I'm in a fashion dilemma. Throughout our time in Charleston, I found myself reaching for these jeans multiple times. I like pairing them with Quince’s Washable Silk Tank and my cozy Alpaca Wool Cardigan, which proved to be a perfect layer on slightly chilly mornings and evenings.
Hotel Lobby of Palmetto Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina
This trip was the first time I got to use my new Lo & Sons Aoyama Bag , and I couldn't be more thrilled with its versatile features. This bag easily transitions from a crossbody style to a chic shoulder bag or even a stylish handbag. It seamlessly combines functionality and fashion for every occasion.
Accessories
Jewelry
We both have similar styles when it comes to jewelry. Lately, we've been gravitating towards Quince for our accessory fix. What's even more exciting is that Quince offers fine-quality jewelry at incredibly affordable prices, making it easy to indulge in our love for accessories without breaking the bank.
Another brand we both are drawn to is Gorjana. Not only is their price point affordable, but their collection of necklaces is absolutely stunning. We find ourselves drawn to their versatile pieces that are perfect for layering, allowing us to create unique and personalized looks.
Gorjana Necklace
Crystal is a huge fan of Kristin Cavallari and adores her jewelry line called Uncommon James. She finds that Kristin's designs are always on-trend and matches her current style. Her favorite necklace right now that she wears almost daily is the Enamel Heart Necklace.
A recent favorite of Crystal’s is a brand called J&Co. Known for crafting affordable everyday luxury jewelry, each piece is meticulously handmade by skilled artisans. Among their collection, her current top choice is their Ear Threader style, adding a modern and sophisticated flair to her look.
Undergarments
For my Quince silk tank and linen midi dress, I didn’t want to wear a regular strapless bra, so I wore Gatherall’s Backless Bra. Personally, I have always had a dislike for strapless bras since they tend to slip and slide, resulting in me having to readjust them frequently throughout the day.
Gatherall Backless Bra
Gatherall’s reusable and washable adhesive silicone bra provides you with a comfortable strapless and backless solution. Unlike previous adhesive bras that I have tried, Gatherall stands out by offering long-lasting wear without irritating my skin. Additionally, it has been so easy to wash and store after each use.
Sometimes I wonder why brands even bother making pants that are white because the majority of them are see-through. I just love an all-white look, especially in the summer season. So instead of tirelessly searching for the perfect shade of nude undies for see-through pants, I've found a simple solution - wearing Thigh Society Shorts underneath for that added peace of mind. These are my must-have essential shorts that I always reach for when wearing white that is see through.
We hope that these clothing and accessory suggestions help you on your upcoming trip to Charleston!
