What I packed for a winter week in the United States

I always follow my tried and true tips for packing for any destination but when it came to what I packed for a winter week in the United States I was following my number one tip even more closely.

That number one tip? Follow and track the weather app for the destination you’re heading to – right up to when you close your suitcase and head to the airport. Doing this gives you an idea of temperature ranges before and during the time you’ll be visiting and this gives you a great starting point for knowing the level of warmth (or coolness) you’ll need for the clothes you pack.

This was the forecast for the week I was going to be in Houston, Texas. Did I get excited about the rare possibility of snow during my visit? You bet. As a country Queensland kid, snow will never not be a novelty.

With some pretty cold temperatures forecast, I didn’t hesitate to reach into my snow wardrobe for thermals, beanies, gloves and my warm puffer coat (that never gets worn in a Queensland winter). And with an indication that it could warm up towards the end of the week, I made sure that my packed separates were layer-able. In the end it didn’t warm up as much as this early forecast above but it was above freezing by the time I was due to come home. 

I was visiting my brother (to spend time with him after he lost his beautiful wife on New Year’s Day to pancreatic cancer). I knew his home would be lovely and toasty. And I also knew I would mostly need casual clothes for this trip. What I packed would do me for one week or six! It’s so much easier packing for a destination where the temperatures and planned activities require the same types of clothes. Yes, I could have packed less but you’re not here for any minimalist packing tips are you? You’re here for considered packing tips – with plenty of outfit options while you’re away from home.

Key hero items packed and worn were tees and long-sleeve tees, ponte pants, jeans and the aforementioned puffer coat. Mine is from Uniqlo – bought more than six years ago for a winter trip to Japan. It’s a higher-rated level of warmth than the ultra light down versions that you might access year-round in store or online. It’s also water repellant. Pre-winter in Australia you’ll find Uniqlo stocks this level of warmth (here’s one coming soon) – buy at that time if you have a future Northern Hemisphere winter trip planned. While you’re shopping, add Uniqlo Heattech thermals to cart – the Ultra Warm will serve you well for cold destinations.

Comfortable shoes are a non-negotiable for me every day but especially while travelling. FRANKIE4 has you covered with styles for travel all-year round. Sneakers are a no-brainer but if you’re looking for a cold-weather boot, then this was the second trip where the Rocco commando boot served me so well. Rocco made its first winter holiday debut for me in Japan.

Take a look at what I packed for winter in the United States

(this travel capsule would easily translate to a winter holiday in any northern hemisphere cold-weather destination)

Scroll to take a look at everything I packed for a week in winter in the United States. Where something is available to shop at the time of publishing, I’ve included a link.

Shirt | Pants | Sneakers | Tote | Suitcases

Pants | Bag | Boots | Necklaces

Jeans | Boots | Puffer (similar)

Bag | Sneakers | Shirt | Jeans

Hoodie and leggings | Sneakers | Necklaces

Puffer (similar) | Sweatshirt (but in navy) | Boots | Pants

Long-sleeve tee | Puffer vest | Jeans | Sneakers

Sweatshirt | Shirt | Pants | Sneakers | Tote | Suitcases

Some of the links I’ve included in this post may be affiliate links. If you buy something I’ve recommended, I may receive a small commission. You don’t pay any more.

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