14 Things Southern Girls Never Forget to Pack

As a Louisiana native, I've spent a lot of time in New Orleans over the years. While I'm no longer a resident of the Bayou State, the majority of my family is. I had my wedding in the Big Easy, too, so my trips to New Orleans have been more frequent in the past couple of years. I've realized that there are certain wardrobe essentials when visiting the city, so if you're not sure what to pack for New Orleans, I'm here for you.

You've probably heard that heat and humidity are trademarks of the Crescent City, and while that's not exactly the case year-round, the rumors are pretty much true. Spring, summer, and even early fall can be downright steamy in NOLA; rain showers are a frequent occurrence; and you're probably going to spend a good deal of your time walking to places like Café du Monde, the Garden District, St. Louis Cathedral, Frenchmen Street, and Bourbon Street after dark.

The point is, you're going to be walking outside a lot, and you'll need appropriate attire that suits the festive yet chill vibe of the city. Keep scrolling to find out which 14 things I pack for every trip to New Orleans (so you can spend your time planning what to eat there, not what to wear).

Shorts

I'll go ahead and start with the obvious. You're going to want to pack a few pairs of shorts.

A Hands-Free Bag

Free up your hands to take Instagrams of the French Quarter and hold your to-go cup.

A Mini Umbrella

Thunderstorms often come out of nowhere in NOLA, so be prepared.

Leather or Denim Jacket

If the forecast calls for a jacket, a leather or denim one is usually the perfect weight.

Going-Out Tops

The nightlife is a big part of New Orleans's charm, so pack accordingly. I tend to rely on tops that will look cute with jeans and any shoe style.

Comfy Midi Dresses

Romantic dresses suit New Orleans to a T, and you can dress them down with sneakers or up with block-heel sandals.

Comfortable Sneakers

It's a city you're going to want to do a lot of walking in.

Lightweight Jeans

I love my 100% cotton Levi's elsewhere, but when heading to New Orleans, I stick to thin, stretchy denim.

Round Sunglasses

I love wearing vintage-inspired shades in NOLA and highly recommend local sunglasses brand Krewe.

Cool T-Shirts

You'll never look out of place when wearing a cool tee in New Orleans, so stock up.

Treggings

Stay comfortable when exploring the city via a pair of trouser-legging hybrids.

Fun, Walkable Heels

I always pack a pair of fun block-heel shoes for when I want to kick things up a notch for a night on the town.

A Sweater

It may not be cold outside, but you can bet that every restaurant and shop will have the AC blasting.

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are easy to style and don't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Win-win.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.