Travel Wardrobe 🧳 Recap: A Week In Wine Country 🍇
We just returned from a week in Northern California wine country (Sonoma and Napa). I’ve found that writing up a recap of my travel wardrobe soon after returning home helps me refine and improve my packing for future trips.
But first, my thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, and the firefighters who are battling it. It’s absolutely devastating. May all return home safely, and soon. We left Sonoma for Napa Valley just before the fire broke out, and other than some smoke in the air weren’t affected. We arrived home to L.A. late Saturday, and woke up yesterday morning to the Getty Fire just a few miles north of us. We’re not currently in any danger, but can smell and feel the smoke. All we can do is hope the winds die down, and the humidity increases to help get these fires contained.
A Wine Country Travel Wardrobe
What made this trip easier to pack for:
- we were driving rather than flying, so weren’t constrained by luggage requirements
- it was a relatively short duration trip for us
- most venues in this area are casual to “smart casual”
Challenges were:
- temperatures that could fluctuate by as much as 50 degrees F daily
- hot days + cool interiors
I ultimately wore (almost) everything at least once, and never felt as though I didn’t have something appropriate to wear. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I always feel short on “going out clothes” that are a step up from my basics. Still, everything worked well overall so I’m giving this wardrobe a 9 out of 10.
MVP’s – My Wine Country Travel Wardrobe Workhorses
- the lightweight down jacket. Wore this most mornings, and a couple of evenings for s’mores action by the fire pit.
- the faux suede jacket. Went with everything, and was surprisingly comfortable in a range of temperatures.
- the slim leg jeans. They have a nice amount of stretch and the fabric is lightweight enough that they were comfortable even on very warm days.
- sneakers, both slip-on and laced (similar).
- the silk-cashmere scarf (c/o). Wore every morning as a scarf, and during winery tours as a light wrap.
Pinch Hitters – What I Was Glad I Packed For Wine Country
- the velvet jacket (c/o). Was nice to have for a more upscale dinner. (use code FEMMEAW1 for 15% off until Nov. 11)
- the walnut brown trousers. These were my Wild Card pick, and a comfortable alternative to jeans.
- the metallic mules. Perfect for out-to-dinner wear.
- the cotton shirt. Worked well for warmer days. Someone asked me about the fit on this one…I’m wearing the XS.
- the straw fedora. Nice to have when outdoors in sun. (Mine was purchased from Montecristi Panama Hats in Yountville a couple of years ago.)
Benched – What I Didn’t Wear
- the black pants. Just never felt like wearing them.
Wish I’d Brought To Wine Country
- my sunglasses! Inadvertently left them sitting on the kitchen counter.
- a larger bag for daytime. We tended to pick up brochures during winery visits for future reference. They’d get stuffed into my small bag, and I’d have to pull everything out to get at items on the bottom.
All in all, I was pleased with this travel wardrobe for wine country. Do you have travel planned this season?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Great suggestions for travel! Out of curiosity, do you prepare for a quick evacuation if necessary? I feel if I were in your area I’d probably have my safe of important papers, my purse, and a carry on bag prepped at the door! My husband rolls his eyes, but I have a whole week-ahead checklist I follow every time we’re expecting a hurricane in NC (which feels like every month during hurricane season). Hope you all stay safe!
How do I sign up for the wine country guide?
Hi Linda, you can use the form at the bottom of the post, or in the sidebar. Thanks!!
Earning a 9 out of 10 is excellent. I am glad it all worked so well. I thought your choices were spot on. I personally think the walnut brown trousers were a great part of your travel wardrobe and understand why you had no need for the black pants. Good tip about needing a larger bag for daytime too. Did you wear the ankle boots? I didn’t see them in the photos. I always stress about shoes. I am glad you returned home safely and hope your area remains safe.
Thanks, Rondi. I did wear them one evening, but forgot to take a photo before it was dark.
Be safe!
My travel go to bags are from MZ Wallace. They’re lightweight & fold flat; perfect for holding papers and other handouts. They are both black and after seeing your posts this ex-New Yorker needs to add some color to her wardrobe!
Linda L- I too love MZ Wallace bags for every day and for travel. They just work so well. They’ve become my go to for everything except the more business like or more formal events.
Love the beige sneakers. I’m always on the lookout for comfortable and supportive footwear that doesn’t look too nerdy or matronly. What brand are they?
These are from Paul Green. This style seems to be sold out, but here’s one that’s similar: https://shopstyle.it/l/9Dva And another similar style that’s more budget-friendly: https://shopstyle.it/l/9Dva
I’m happy with Munro Gabbie. They are good for hard to find sizes.
If I already subscribe to your daily posts, do I need to re-enter my email info in order to receive the additional e-mail re: Wine Country?
Stay safe.
Thanks, Sandra. No, you do not need to re-enter your email. All current subscribers will receive the Wine Country newsletter.
What a nice tight capsule you packed! I really like seeing the outfit pics at the top of the post showing your new colours and silhouette. The colours make you look vibrant and younger. Getting rid of the long layers makes you look lighter and less weighted down.
You looked like a breath of the” Fall” air we covet in Southern CA.
Really look forward to your wine country newsletter.
Please stay safe.
We live In Fallbrook & have been evacuated 3 times.
Two years ago evacuated 2 weeks before Christmas.
My heart goes out to the firefighters & everyone in harms way.
Did the twill brown pants keep you warm enough when it was chilly?
Yes, it was usually more chilly in the mornings than evenings, and I mostly wore the pants in the evening.
I enjoyed reading your travel posts and love your new wardrobe. As i normally have to pack for two, would you recommend/review your husband’s travel wardrobe too?
Hi Susan,
How do you find the Xirena rand in terms of quality and sizing.
Thanks v much
Hi Helen, I’ve only had the top for a couple of weeks, but the quality does seem good. It’s a very soft, lightweight cotton and generously cut. It will wrinkle, but that’s the nature of it. 😉
Your new colours are really flattering you. You look fabulous.
Thanks, Gaye!
Many, many thanks for your other travel wardrobe posts. I used them to plan my first trip ever to Italy, and you nailed it! Love your new colors,btw.
What an elegant yet casual wardrobe! You might like a medium size backpack style bag for day; not one of the hiking type, but one that’s polished; it’s so great to have your hands free when touring.
Thanks, Duchesse! There are a couple backpacks I’ve had my eye on…