September is one of the best months to visit Portugal. The weather is absolutely lovely, and with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, it feels like an extended summer break. As a native of the Pacific Northwest, there’s really nothing better than a brisk morning, followed by a warm, sunny day. I love it!
I’ll do a more in-depth tourist post about Portugal another time, but for now, I’m talking packing lists. Our itinerary will include a variety of activities, including exploring villages and castles, wine tasting, dinners out, lounging by the pool, and wandering through family vineyards and orchards. Lucky for me, this means I get to do some creative packing. Let’s take a look at what made the trip!
CLOTHES AND SHOES
To help keeps things streamlined, I focused on a simple, neutral color palette: black, white, tan, and olive. One of the best packing tips I also try to follow is to make sure as many items as possible can pull double duty. For example, my Athleta leggings are for lounging or for working out; my Amazon tank dresses will be perfect to throw on at the pool or to dress up with heels; my basic AEO tees will work equally well with my denim shorts or as sleepwear; and my nude Sam Edelman heels will work with dresses and jeans alike.
Row 1 (from top, left to right): Madewell 10-in high-rise jeans // American Eagle jegging // Ann Taylor wide woven belt // ASOS off-the-shoulder bodysuits // Topshop plunge front swimsuit
Row 2: Free People ‘Adella’ bralettes // American Eagle ‘tomgirl’ shorts // ASOS double-ring belt // American Eagle ‘Soft & Sexy’ tees
Row 3: H&M denim jacket // LaClef racer back tank dresses // Sam Edelman ‘Yaru’ block heel sandals // Nike ‘Free’ sneakers
Row 4: Superga ‘Cotu’ sneakers // Joie ‘a la Plage’ slides // Lululemon Scuba hoodie // Athleta ‘All over gleam’ tight // Spanx ‘Camo’ faux leather leggings
ACCESSORIES
In keeping with my neutral color palette, I kept my accessories simple with gold accent jewelry, a few pairs of cute earrings, and bags that will go with anything. I also decided to try out this pretty spot-on dupe for the oh-so-popular Chloe Nile bag. At $40, it’s a much more reasonable price point for something that might get tossed around while traveling.
Row 1: Rebecca Minkoff ‘Mini MAC’ crossbody // MVMT ‘Abbott Kinney’ watch // Layered gold necklace // Stackable gold rings // Michael Kors ‘X-cross’ ring // Mesh beach bag
Row 2: Quay ‘After Hours’ oversized black sunnies // Ray-ban hexagon sunnies // LOFT reading glasses // Gold hoop earrings
Row 3: Chloe ‘Nile’ crossbody (Amazon dupe) // Acrylic oval earrings // Dark tortoise hoop earrings
BEAUTY AND SKINCARE
Maintaining my regular skincare routine is crucial for avoiding breakouts and skin issues, so travel-sized items of my fave products are a must. I also try to streamline my beauty routine and stick to a natural face, touch of blush, and a pop of lip color.
Row 1: Colorproof ‘Detox’ shampoo // Glossier Boy Brow // Glossier balm dotcom // Laura Mercier ‘Flawless Longwear’ concealer // Glossier ‘Puff’ Cloud Paint // GlamGlow ‘Gravity Mud’ firming treatment // Drunk Elephant NightBright Duo // Belif travel size Aqua Bomb, Eye Bomb, and Water Essence // BabyBum mineral sunscreen stick
Row 2: Drunk Elephant Rise+Glow Duo // YSL ‘Glossy Stain’ lip color // Glossier Invisible Shield SPF // Tom Ford ‘Patent Finish’ lip color // Gold collagen eye masks // Glossier Priming Moisturizer // Laura Mercier ‘Oil-free’ tinted moisturizer
The other packing tip I follow is to allow yourself one or two standalone items that you love, but might only wear once. In this case, I’m taking my striped, off-the-shoulder BB Dakota midi dress; I just feel so great wearing it and it still fits within my neutral color palette. Here are a few other items (including my fave M.Gemi ‘Capri’ slides and these Sephora sheet masks) that didn’t make the photo, but still found a way into my luggage!
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