As much as I love fall – no really it’s my favorite season – fall can be difficult to pack for, especially as a plus size person! Temperatures vary a ton throughout the day and depending on location. For some people, fall travel might mean going to warmer weather, but for me, fall travel means heading towards traditional fall weather. I’m talking changing of leaves, crisp, cool air, and light sweaters. So without further ado, here are my plus size packing tips for fall!
1. Check the Weather
To me, this feels like a very obvious rule. Apparently, that’s not the case! I know way too many people who just go off what they think or assume the weather might be, only to be unprepared! There are so many places with unpredictable fall weather – Tennessee & Spain, for example. I can think of several trips I’d taken where the weather was atypical and had I not done my research, I would’ve been unprepared. So yeah, check the weather!
2. Light Layers
Being plus size generally means we’re more likely to get warm when doing any sort of physical activity. To that end, pack light layers! This is so dependent on where you’re going, but I have a few go-tos. I love this oversized long sleeve, which I actually own in a large (I’m normally a 2X). For a slightly more dressed-up option, I have a mock-neck sweater that looks thick but is actually really breezy. This is a similar option, and the high neck protects almost as much as a mock-neck.
This also means light layering for bottoms! I believe leggings are pants, but I have leggings that are slightly more lightweight than others, so I choose those! I’ll also use midi-length skirts in fall, which some people might want to layer with tights. Tights generally bother me and I have a tendency to rip them, so I don’t usually wear them, but they’re a great option even to warm up under a pair of jeans!
3. Accessories
Accessories like scarves, beanies, and hats are crucial! I tried to be a hat person once upon a time but I couldn’t hack it. Beanies are more my jam, and they’re easier to stow away when you go in a restaurant or home. And as for scarves, well – they add a fashionable touch but also a layer of protection. I’ve been known to use scarves on my neck (of course), but also to wrap my hands in to warm them, and even as hair wraps in crazy wind! Depending on how much baggage you’re taking, I recommend having one very multi-purpose (or reversible!) scarf. I have one that’s a three-toned grey-to-black that I’ve almost warm through from so much use.
4. Weather-Appropriate Shoes
My third plus size packing tip for fall is weather-appropriate shoes. I was going to specify close-toed shoes that are warm enough, but then I remembered some particularly wet fall trips I’ve taken and changed my mind. There’s nothing worse than your booties or shoes soaking through, so I’d recommend having some kind of water-resistant boots or booties. If you can handle plastic Chelsea boots, I’d recommend those! I had a cheap pair from ASOS that were very comfy but didn’t last more than 4 months, so I’d also recommend you invest in something more quality here. Chelsea boots can be a bit narrow in the ankle, so they’re also a little harder to find for people with wide feet and ankles (like me).
5. Medium-Warmth Jackets
This goes hand in hand with layering. You’ll probably need a jacket at some point, but want to make sure it’s not too heavy. Too bulky and you’ll get warm, too light and you’ll be cold! For me, it’s about knowing the right combination of tops and jackets I take, but I have one go-to: my denim jacket. As a plus size person, denim jackets were basically impossible. For years I tried to make do with options from Old Navy and Forever 21+, but they were thin and ultimately not quality. Then – I got an actual real denim jacket from Levi’s. It’s heavy, which took a minute to get used to, but it’s amazing. It’s actually surprisingly versatile, warm enough but cool enough. Plus – the sleeves are actually roomy enough to wear clothes underneath! (I know, crazy!)
Other than a solid denim jacket option, I also recommend something puffy but lightweight. These types of jackets are packable and typically not too warm. I had a bomber-style jacket from Forever 21+ for years that was amazing! It was light enough to also tie around my waist when I got too warm.
6. The 3 R’s
Reduce, reuse, recycle. Yep – that’s the first tip I shared in my plus size packing tips for winter, and it’s an important one here! The bigger we are, the more space our clothes takes up. This can get very tricky when you’re backpacking or traveling with less baggage. So reduce the amount of stuff you bring by packing things you can reuse and recycle (mix and match) throughout the trip! Also – the reuse note is important because often being plus size, we have to wear particular undergarments under certain outfits, and you can’t re-wear those without washing! So if you won’t be able to re-wear that pair of shaping shorts but need them for two outfits – maybe re-think it!
Do you have any tips to add?
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