Charleston calls for outfits that can handle the heat, the cobblestones, and the photo ops—ideally, all at once! Between brunch, beach wandering, and bar hopping downtown, you need pieces from your wardrobe that feel light, polished, and ready for whatever the day brings (including surprise wine stops). This guide breaks down exactly what I wore, what to pack, and how to keep it cute without melting. Headed somewhere flashier next? Don’t skip out on my ultimate fashion travel guide to Las Vegas.
How to Pack for Charleston
- Breezy dresses: A mix of mini and midi dresses in lightweight fabrics will get the most wear. Florals, athletic cuts (bonus points for built-in shorts), and anything breathable are key for hot weather.
- Light layers: Lightweight button downs make a perfect layer for early morning coffee runs, indoor A/C, or tossing over a dress at sunset.
- Matching sets: A tailored tank and short set or a sleek two piece is an easy win for looking polished with minimal effort.
- Comfy Bottoms: Pack linen pants, shorts, or skorts that are cute enough for lunch but comfy enough for all-day walking and travel.
- Minimal accessories: Pack your go-to pair of sunglasses, neutral bags to swap out with different styles (one black, one white, one woven), and a couple of your fave jewelry pieces to dress up when needed.
- Versatile footwear: Grab some sneakers for exploring, sandal slides for casual days, and one pair of neutral heels that elevate without hurting your feet.
What to Wear in Charleston
Denim Vest and Maxi Skirt
A structured denim vest against a flowy chiffon maxi skirt were just the right amount of chill for lunch at Obstinate Daughter. Threw on my go-to sunnies, comfy sandals, a simple black bag, and boom—ready to wander Sullivan’s Island like a chic local.
2-Piece Summer Short Set
I love how this elegant and timeless two-piece summer set creates such a flattering silhouette! Perfect for date night, I paired the set with square toe heels and a sleek handbag for that polished, old money aesthetic that never misses.
Athletic Dress with Denim Button Down
I layered my spaghetti strap tennis dress with a lightweight denim button down for those breezy mornings that turn into hot afternoons. With a vintage bag and buckle sandals, this casual but cute outfit was perfect for grabbing matcha and food at Harken Café.
Linen Pants and Striped Button Down
Who says you can’t have throw-on-and-go airport outfit that’s trend-savvy? Wear these linen pants with a buttery soft square neck tank—literally felt like pajamas but looked put together. I added a striped oxford shirt and sneakers to stay comfy and cute from gate to landing.
Tie-Dye Mini Dress with White Heels
This gorgeous tie-dye dress set the tone for a fun night of dinner and drinks at Melfi’s. I kept it cute and simple by styling the dress with white open toe heels and a matching shoulder bag.
Tennis Dress and Button Down
A square neck tennis dress with built-in shorts is a functional but trend-savvy choice when walking the waterfront is on your agenda. Add sneakers for comfort and layer with a striped button down to elevate your look for selfies at the Pineapple Fountain.
Floral Mini Dress
I was feeling all the main character energy with this super cute floral mini dress all the way down Rainbow Row. Pair it with H-band sandals and a chic shoulder bag for a sweet, effortless Charleston outfit that marches the charm of the colorful district.
Plaid Shorts with Button Down
Gingham shorts and a denim button down layered over a ribbed tank made a cute and easy combo for a quick morning coffee run at Black Door Café. I slipped on my buckle sandals, threw on my sunnies, and called it a win before 10AM!
Floral Sundress
It’s not a beach trip if you aren’t playing with some retro prints! I’m obsessed with this floral print sundress that I wore with a pair of flip flops at the Isle of Palms. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and plenty of water in a cute woven tote to bring this beachy Charleston outfit together.
Embroidered Tank and Wide Leg Jeans
This comfy embroidered tank with white wide-leg jeans was the perfect look for drinks and apps at Bar 167. I finished it off with my square toe heels and matching handbag for a casual yet chic outfit.
Striped Tank with Denim Skort
I wore a striped tank and a denim wrap skort for a casual day exploring the City Market and grabbing lunch at Azur. Comfy sneakers kept it practical, and the whole outfit was cute and easy for walking around downtown.
Long Bell Sleeve Mini Dress
This stunning printed bell sleeve mini was the move for dinner and drinks at Frannie & The Fox. I paired it with these chic sandals and ordered the potato pizza with ham—both were solid life decisions.
Grab All Your Charleston Outfits on Amazon
From beach days to date nights, every look had a moment—and so did every bite, view, and café along the way. Follow me on Instagram to keep up on the latest trends and check out my other fashion travel guides to start planning your next stylish getaway!
Travel Recs: Charleston, SC
coffee/ breakfast – Harken (matcha & lemon bread), Black Door Cafe (honey maple latte)
lunch – Azur (chicken salad sandwich, Lavandou, & banana pudding), Obstinate Daughter (drinks, meatball & crab sandwich), Rodney Scott’s BBQ (also heard great things about Lewis BBQ, but the line was so long when we tried!)
dessert – Bennes (peanut butter pie)
drinks – Henry’s (during the day – get drinks & go on the rooftop! Loved the Lowcountry Limeade), The Co-Op (Frosé)
dinner – Frannie & The Fox (potato pizza with added ham), Melfi’s (Pepe pasta)
things to do – Sullivan’s Island (shops, lunch, frosé & beach), Isle of Palms Beach, Rainbow Row, The Battery, Pineapple Fountain, Waterfront Park, Folly Beach
——
next time
(didn’t have time to check these out, but they’re on my list!)
rooftop bars – Citrus Club, The Watch, The Loutrel, The Vendue
bars – Delilah, The Gin Joint, Coterie, The Select, Babas on Cannon, The Belmont, By The Way, La Cave, The Archer, Vintage, Halls, Blind Tiger
lunch – Island Provisions, Basic Kitchen, Berkeley’s, Leon’s, Miller’s All Day, The Darling Oyster Bar, Café Paname (Isle of Palms), Islander 71, Tavern & Table, Circe’s Grotto, Fleet Landing, The Pass
dinner – Le Farfalle, 82 Queen, Matador Restaurant, La Cave, Husk, Fuel Cantina
dessert – Carmella’s, Off Track Ice Cream, Jeni’s (Ice Cream)
