Wondering how to pack for a fall weekend getaway?
Fall is a busy season, with each weekend holding plans for family activities or projects around the house. Amidst all the chaos, I love being able to forget it all to pack up for a fall weekend getaway. This month I’m packing for a press trip with some of my best blogger pals! Every time I travel during autumn in New England, I reference this post written in 2018. Here is how to pack for a weekend away during the fall.
**Original post written 2018 – minor changes are made every year, including up-to-date fall fashion, affiliate links, and more tips for packing for a fall trip.**
We celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary in Falmouth, Cape Cod and Nantucket, two beautiful locations in New England on our bucket list. I prepared for this trip for a week, laying outfits out on the bed, and then finally packing everything the morning of our trip. I’m excited to share with you what to pack for a fall weekend getaway.
Thank you Lo and Sons for the Catalina Bag. It fits EVERYTHING you need for a weekend getaway!
LAYERS are a Travel Essential during the Fall
The temperatures in New England are exactly what fall is about – brisk and inconsistent. Checking the weather forecast before a big trip is necessary, but I like to be prepared for all weather and temperatures. Instead of bringing a variety of outfits, layering is the best way to dress for the fall. Layers are crucial during autumn when the mornings are cool and the afternoons are warm.
See my Mini Fall Wardrobe Capsule here for outfit inspo!
A sweater blazer, puffer vest, layering shirt, cape scarf, jean jacket or city coat are all ideal items to bring along on a trip during the fall. A sherpa or fleece pullover, leggings or tights, and a tunic sweater are easy to layer as well. My favorite fall wardrobe must haves in New England: fisherman cardigan, fisherman tunic, and Dudley Stephens fleeces. This year I picked up an open sweater cardigan that feels like a coat – coatigans are very popular for the fall.
Outfit Above: Vest // Sweater // Skirt (similar) // Tights // Boot Socks // Boots // Vintage Gucci
When considering what to pack for a fall vacation, always leave room for shoes!
I love fall footwear. Riding boots, loafers, white sneakers and booties came along with me on our trip. I also bring camp socks, a pair of tights, and knee high boot socks to layer under my shoes. One big regret: leaving my LL Bean Duck Boots at home, especially since it was very cold watching the sun come up on Nantucket.
Fall Travel Outfits Over the Years








Don’t forget to Pay attention to the weather
Going on a date night during the fall can be tricky. The temperatures may drop drastically while you’re eating dinner. If you are walking from place to place at night, you want to look cute while staying warm. I almost left some important accessories reserved for winter at home.
If you’re traveling around New England during the fall, pack a pair of gloves, a hat and a scarf! A pair of fingerless mittens, fur infinity scarf, and winter hats are cute accessories for a cool evening. This is a great brand for knitwear and this is a great brand for fall hats.
The Ultimate Packing List for a Fall Weekend Trip
- Weekender Bag
- 1 pair of comfortable wear all-day-long shoes (sneakers, rain boots, bean boots, etc)
- 1 pair of dressy boots or heels
- 1 pair of comfortable multi-use pants (jeans or leggings)
- 1-2 tops – casual and fancy (for dinner)
- 1-2 dinner outfits (skirt + sweater, dress, jeans + top)
- 2-3 pairs of undergarments
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1-2 pairs of pajamas
- 1 jacket (if casual, also pack a more formal jacket for evening)
Check out my fall style during my fall weekend trips here:
A Fall Family Vacation to Martha’s Vineyard, A Romantic Fall Getaway to Cape Cod, A Guide to Exploring Vermont in the Fall with Joules,
This post contains affiliate links – if you make a purchase using my links I may make a small commission. As always, Caitlin Houston Blog greatly appreciates your support!
I love all of these outfits! Those boots are really cute and the skirts are so cute!
I love how spacious that bag is! It looks like it held all your layering pieces, with room to spare.
So many cute looks! I love your green coat, it’s so chic and cozy!
XOXO
Cathy
Loving your fall outfits; and I so need that huge weekender bag!
Great tips! I’ve wanting to plan a getaway with my boyfriend for so long, but always something comes up and we can’t. I’ll keep this tips in mind for when I finally can lol
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Such a great post girl!!! <3
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
I need that weekend bag asap – so perfect!
What a fabulous getaway bag! I am planning a weekend getaway and need this bag!
xoxo Sarah
These are great tips and gorgeous outfits! You look amazing in all of them!
WOW that bag seems so spacious!! I love all your outfits you packed!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Such cute fall looks! Loving the pretty green color of the coat!
The white puffer vest is so cute! Normally I don’t have feelings about puffer vests, but it really works with the plaid.