From the archives. Originally published in 2018.
After my post on packing essentials for a road trip through the Southwest, readers asked for details about some of the specific pieces I wore in my Instagram pics. The weather and activity dictated which items made the most sense each day, and even though this was a road trip, it was far from sedentary with a decent amount of physical activity…meaning hiking boots, puffers and jeans were in order. In the evening, I shifted gears to put together looks that were stylish and simple.
Knowing I’d stop at a moment’s notice for a scenic hike or trek down an intriguing path, the Merrell hikers were indispensable. Hiking boots can look sort of clunky, but I thought these were actually good looking and they were beyond comfortable. I wore them almost daily with jeans, with the occasional swap for sneakers to change things up on non-hiking days.
A puffer, occasionally layered over a vest as above, was also pretty much a daily essential. I can’t speak highly enough on the versatility of a black puffer jacket to go from trails to dinner in style. Rugged enough for any daytime activity yet chic enough, especially paired with all white, to wear at night.
Off the trails, variations in black and white never got old. I had several looks on rotation swapping black jeans for white, or wearing either color head to toe for a monochromatic look.
The main transition from day to night involved a fresh outfit and switching into shoes that I wouldn’t wear on a hiking trail. I brought a casual Isabel Marant boot and a slip-on loafer…both comfortable enough for evening walks, but extremely practical too. Keeping a color story to just a few classics that easily coordinate and interchange took all the guess work out of creating outfits. Black, white, tan and denim were an easy base to work from.
Blue denim and pretty shades of tan brought a freshness to the mix. Both colors add a different vibe to the black and white base I packed. A tan boot pulled together looks in a chic, casual way and I loved having a soft, oversize knit for the chilly desert nights.
SaveSave
KSL
Love this post and I did buy those Merrell hikers and wear them all the time. So comfortable and love the red laces.
Karima
They’re so good, I’m considering a second pair!
Rebecca B
Thank you, thank you Karima. I love your packing posts.
Karima
Thank you!!!
Susan
And it all looks great on you, too. Where is the fringed shawl in the last photo from? Thank you.
Karima
Thanks Susan. Mine is an old one from White and Warren, but theres a great looking one here, and on sale!