What to Wear in Charleston, SC

Y’all know we go to Charleston, South Carolina all the time. And we recently just got back from a long weekend trip there a few weeks ago. So I figured it would be ideal to share all about what to wear in Charleston, SC.

While there may not be a specific dress code to stroll down King Street, I will be giving you some ideas and inspiration on just what to wear when touring the Holy City. And really, it depends on what time of the year you are visiting as well.

I personally think the best time to visit would be either Spring or Summer. Especially if you are planing on just staying downtown Charleston. However, going during the summer is perfect too if you plan on being by Folly Beach or Isle of Palms.

I would definitely recommend staying somewhere near the water if going during the heat of summer. Charleston gets hot and humid for sure!  

And there are plenty beaches of Charleston to choose from! So keep on reading to see just what I would recommend to wear during your stay! And then you can start your own Charleston packing list too! Click on the pictures below for the direct links to purchase as well.

This post also contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission off anything you purchase through here, at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.

Comfortable Shoes

If you’re visiting Charleston for the first time, prepare to walk a bunch! That’s why I think the most important thing when considering what to wear in Charleston is comfortable shoes!

There are a lot of cobblestone streets and uneven walkways, so you want to be sure that you are supported and comfortable when walking. Plus, parking is a nightmare so a lot of times it is easier to walk to your location rather than try to drive.

So make sure you have a good pair of sneakers on hand! I always think white sneakers look so cute paired with a perfect dress. And this past trip, that was the look I was going for. You can see my white sneakers I wore pictured below.

However, I made the mistake of not wearing them with socks and paid the price with some nasty blisters. So definitely be sure to throw in some no show socks to your packing list too! And not to say I don’t enjoy wearing a few high heels while I am downtown either.

But, if we have a nice dinner planned, we usually will Uber to the destination. So in that case, I do wear a few high heels every now and then. Especially if we have a dinner at Hall’s Chophouse planned for the evening too! 

Dresses

I absolutely love wearing dresses during the summertime. Whether they just be casual dresses or maxi dresses, I am here for it. I think they are just so comfy and perfect for a hot summer day.

Plus, I think nothing says Charleston style better than a beautiful and flowy dress! However, the wind can be a factor sometimes to consider. I don’t want my dresses/skirts blowing up on me!

So one of my must-have items I packed with me on this trip, were a couple of skorts. Yes, you heard me, skorts! I don’t think I’ve worn them since like elementary school, but I think they are making a comeback for sure this season.

Because these skorts were so comfy and perfect to walk in! And, I didn’t have to worry about the wind blowing my skirt up either. So it’s a win win! I would highly recommend investing in a couple of skorts when thinking about what to wear in Charleston, SC.

I also love a good denim jacket when wearing dresses too. That way, if you go into a restaurant or store and it’s chilly because of the AC, you are covered! Nothing like a little summer dress with a denim jacket on top. I think it’s the perfect southern charm outfit in my opinion! 

Shorts

And of course, if you’re going to Charleston in the high temperatures, packing you a good pair of shorts is essential as well. I always like to pack some flowy and loose fitting shorts when walking around all day or during a travel day as well.

A good pair of denim shorts is always ideal to pack too. Especially if you’re heading to the beach, you can always throw those on above your swimsuit!

Speaking of the beach, be sure to pack a good straw hat or any other kind of beach hat to help block out the sun. It definitely gets intense over there. So you need all the sun protection you can get! 

And don’t forget to protect your eyes too! A good pair of polarized sunglasses is always a must too!

What To Wear For Men

Now, my hubby doesn’t analyze what he packs to wear in Charleston as much as I do, but I figured it’s important to mention.

He always likes to have fresh swim trunks on hand if we’re driving down to the beach. As well as some of his best golf polos for when we go out to eat. And a pair of nice khakis too. But also, he always packs comfortable tennis shoes too to walk around in.

I would say it’s important to have a mix of both dressy and comfortable options. That way you are prepared for whatever you may get into that day!

He always loves to wear his best vacation golf polos with some khaki pants and some nice dress shoes when we have a fancy dinner out for a special occasion like an anniversary. So like I said, packing a mix of both is important! 

Other Accessories to Consider

Now, if the forecast is calling for a little rain, definitely bring a rain jacket. We have been stuck in a couple of monsoons before, so it’s always good to have a rain jacket on hand if you need it.

And depending on the weather, some light sweaters may be good to pack too. Going in April, it was a little chilly in the mornings and warmed up during the day.

So just be prepared and pack depending on what the forecast is calling for that week. And there really isn’t a need for big ol puffy jackets. We have even been to Charleston in December before and it wasn’t even that cold. We just needed some light jackets and that was it.

So even during the winter months, Charleston stays relatively warm! And also, if you’re going for a carriage ride, it’s good to have a light jacket on hand for that too. Especially since you won’t be walking and driving up a sweat during that time.

It’s also a good idea to pack lots of sunscreen too. Even if you’re not going out directly to the beach or even if you’re not taking a trip in the summer months.

Regardless, walking around downtown, you can still get a lot of sun. So definitely be prepared and lather up before you go out! I always love to use my TULA sunscreen underneath my makeup. Plus, you can use my code “15CHARITY” to get 15% off of it as well! 

Conclusion

Well, I hope this post gave you some ideas on what to wear in Charleston, SC! I have shared some of my absolute favorite looks above and I hope that inspires you too!

Really, no matter what you wear in Charleston, I promise you will have a good time! There is just so much to do there. From touring historic houses to eating out at some of Charleston’s restaurants, you will have the best vacation.

There’s a reason why we try to fit in a Charleston vacation every single year. And that’s because you just can’t beat the area. So much to do and so much fun! If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, tell me, what are some of your favorite things to wear when you go?! I’d love to hear all about it below!