What To Wear In Charleston Summer 2021 16 Outfit Ideas For Charleston With Links + Photo Spots
As most of you avid blog readers know by now, I’ve been packing in the trips this summer, trying to see as many different cities as possible. Not only am I trying to get more comfortable traveling before studying abroad next Fall, but I’ve been wanting to put all my spunky clothes to actual use. No use having a closet full of goodies if you don’t ever get to wear them for their intended purpose—right?!
I have to admit I loved Charleston more than I ever could have imagined. From the sight-seeing to the palm trees, to the mix of the ocean with suburbia this place offers it all. I‘ve got my full travel guide/Charleston itinerary coming to the blog next, but first, let’s sit down and recap everything I wore during my week-long stay. And yes, I did change for practically every occasion because why not?! Plus, I wanted to give you as many outfit ideas as possible with links to shop all the goodies.
For reference, I visited in late June and it was hot. The humidity here is unreal. I recommend skipping the flat iron and reaching for a hat instead. With temperatures in the high eighties and the “feels like” in the mid-nineties dressing for temperature rather than style is going to be your best friend!
(click pink text for links)
TESTING THE TRAVELS
I’ve been getting lots of requests for airport-approved outfit ideas recently and I’ve got a couple from this past trip. Starting off with this adorable two-piece set from Windsor. This top and bottom are sold separately so you can mix and match sizes if need be.
The sets are seamless and incredibly stretchy making them super comfortable. Although it was scorching hot in Charleston, a hoodie was a must for the plane. I love this one and wear it all the time when needing an extra layer. Sticking with sneakers this time around—these are from Dolce Vita and surprisingly pretty comfortable.
top // shorts // hoodie // sneakers
photo location ✈ BWI Airport
MINI DRESS MOMENT
As I mentioned, the heat here is no joke. I highly recommend packing a handful of mini dresses. I know it may seem a bit fancy but not only are most locals dressed like this, but it’s what kept me the coolest throughout our activities. I am a sucker for this gorgeous copper color. This is from Fashion Nova, as are a lot of the pieces I brought on this trip—they have amazing vacation wear at a reasonable price.
Because this dress is super silky, I decided a pair of metallic gold lace-up sandals would pair perfectly with this. I wore the heck out of these shoes throughout my stay. I love them because they elongate the legs the way heels do but they are obviously flat so they are comfortable for walking around all day. This pair is old from Express but I’ve linked a similar pair for you to shop!
dress // sandals // bag // earrings
photo location ✈ Ion, Mount Pleasant
PRETTY IN PALMS
I couldn’t head to Mexican in anything other than a maxi dress. This was another Windsor find and one of my favorite pieces from them to date. This dress is cotton so it’s super breathable and although it’s a longer piece, the high leg slit helps elongate the legs and keep you cool.
To play off this beach vibe, I threw on a pair of straw heels from Dolce Vita. I just got these and love them already. They are a super manageable height for everyday wear and gave me no blisters which is always a plus. To go with I threw on my straw bag. You’ll see this piece styled with almost every outfit. Not only does it match the Charleston “aesthetic” but it’s large enough to fit all the essentials. Plus, it makes a cute prop. You truly can’t go wrong with it!
photo location ✈ Taco Boy Downtown
TROPICAL ESCAPE
As soon as I laid eyes on this two-piece set I knew it’d be perfect for my trip to Charleston. Honestly, I loved it so much that I bought it in a second color for my trip to Miami swim week. I love this set because it looks so effortless. Plus it’s an outfit all in one so not much thought needs to go into styling it.
I went with the same gold sandals and layered on tons of gold jewelry. This necklace combo I wore a ton throughout the trip and it’s from Ana Luisa, as are my rings and bracelets. The white jewelry pieces are Kendra Scott and make such a statement. Whether you’re headed to dinner by the water, drinks with friends, or a stroll along King Street, this outfit works for every occasion.
set // sandals // necklace // ring
photo location ✈ Ion, Mount Pleasant
EVENING BEST
I’ll admit, it was definitely hot in Charleston for jeans but if you’re headed to a rooftop bar for drinks with your girlfriends or somewhere a bit nicer, then perhaps they are a good option. Many of the restaurants kept the air conditioning blasting so if you are someone who gets chilly easily, perhaps this is a route worth taking.
I went for simple skinny jeans to pair with this beautiful nude tank top. A high neckline and an open back are a matchmake in heaven for me. I love this style with some slicked-back hair. My hair literally could not stand the humidity, so any excuse to wear a claw clip, I took. Although this city isn’t really one for stilettos, as it’s a bit uneven due to being so old, I braved King Street in my favorite lace-up heels.
top // jeans // heels // purse // earrings // clip
photo location ✈ Hotel Bennett (backside)
AFTERNOON STROLL
This is the perfect everyday outfit for Charleston. Regardless of where you’re headed, this would be considered “appropriate” attire. Plus, a scarf-style top with white denim shorts will keep you super cool. I love bringing these scarves as they can serve multiple purposes—in your hair, around your bag, or tied in different ways as tops. They are a great way to maximize your luggage. I’m keeping things simple with my hair up, straw bag in hand, and lace up heels on.
top // shorts // sandals // bag // clip
photo location ✈ Shems Creek
DOWN BY THE WATER
We headed to dinner in Folley Beach and then watched the sunset along the water. A floral maxi dress was truly the perfect outfit for the occasion. I had been dying to shoot these pieces along the water and was so excited to snap these photos—even if they weren’t the best. These tiered ruffles are everything and made me look far taller than I actually am. I love seeing this halter neckline come back in style!
photo location ✈ Folley Beach
DIP IN THE POOL
Of course one of our days called for a trip to the pool. The Ryder Hotel has a rooftop bar and pool that’s open to the public so naturally, I put on my favorite swimsuit and stopped by! This olive green one-piece is among the most flattering in my collection. Not only does the plunging neckline make your boobs look incredible but it wraps around your waist a few times making you look tooth-pick skinny.
This piece comes in a gazillion colors and looks good on everyone, I swear! To add a little something-something to my look I layered on gold necklaces and kept my hoops in. Jewelry by the water is definitely starting to grow on me.
swimsuit // earrings // necklace
photo location ✈ The Ryder, Little Palm Bar Rooftop
SANDY CHIC
Terry cloth is all the rage this season so you know I had to get my hands on some! This adorable set is from Princess Polly and made for the cutest photos ever. If you are someone who’s looking to wear pants—I highly recommend something flowy and cotton like this rather than a pair of jeans. Although these are long, they are breathable which is a must in a city like Charleston. This cross top can be tied a few ways too! Sandals and the straw bag were the perfect addition to this look and made for a cute outfit downtown.
photo location ✈ The Battery
RAINBOW ROW
Rainbow Row is a must-see when visiting Charleston. It makes for the cutest photos. I highly recommend wearing something with a pop of color here as there are tons of different colored buildings that you can match! I have these Fashion Nova flares in four colors now and they are the best on the market. Not only do they make your butt look incredible but they make your legs look miles long and your waist teeny-tiny. I will preach these till the day I die, lol.
They just came out in the purple and I knew I needed them for this trip. I paired them with a white tie-front top from Windsor and white espadrille wedges from Franco Sarto. These are a really comfortable height for walking around, however, I don’t recommend them if you’re headed towards The Battery/Pineapple Fountain which are also in this area. You’ll definitely want sandals over there! I’ll admit, I only took a photo in this outfit then changed because I sweating bullets, but if you’re visiting in the springtime, this look would be perfect.
photo location ✈ Rainbow Row
POP OF PALM
Truly anything palm print is so on-brand for the city of Charleston. There are people wearing bright colors and happy prints everywhere which is part of the reason I love this city so much. For another pants option, I’ve got these breathable palm-print palazzo pants from Fashion Nova. I styled them super simple with a white tank and those same white espadrille wedges. Such a cute look for some of the tourist attractions here!
photo location ✈ College of Charleston
DRESSY DINNER
We went to our fair share of fancy restaurants while in town, courtesy of brand deals and I was so grateful to have packed a few dressier looks. Personally, when I think of a cloth-napkin-type restaurant I instantly think of dress or romper. This layered pink one just came and it was the perfect piece for our trip to Park Cafe.
To dress up this silky piece, I threw on my nude lace-up heels. These gave me just enough height while also dressing up this romper. Of course, I’m wearing my favorite nude butterfly earrings. I always throw these on when wanting to add a little something to my look. A few key accessories and a pair of heels are all you really need to transform some of these items—sneakers or flat sandals would make this romper day-time approved.
photo location ✈ College of Charleston
BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS
When I think of Sunday brunch my mind instantly goes to a cute floral sundress. While not all of the restaurants here are “dress attire” there is definitely a cuter vibe than many other cities have. People are more prone to wearing things like this than a pair of denim shorts and a tee-shirt. Don’t get me wrong, people still wear those things as well, but there’s a beachier/trendier feel about this area that made me want to look my best for every outing. This dress is another Windsor find and has the most amazing open-back detail.
My shoes are from Dolce Vita and are fabulous. These have a super thick sole that is very comfortable for heels and the braided detail is so adorable. These come in a handful of colors and are one of their best sellers right now! Grab em while you can.
photo location ✈ King Street
KING STREET MORNINGS
We spent a lot of time along King Street this time around, popping into different stores, browsing the market, seeing different sights, and eating at different restaurants. Like I’ve said, you really can’t go wrong with a dress here. Plus, I found them to be the most comfortable thing for walking around the city.
This black off-the-shoulder one is from Windsor and looked amazing with my new platform shoes. If you’re someone who likes the height that heels provide, but actually wants to withstand the walk of this city, platforms are going to be your best friend. This pair is from Franco Sarto and they are the best! I have a feeling these will be coming on many, many more trips with me. Plus, they have a little bit of embroidery along the sole that gives off a beach vibe that I love.
dress // platforms // bag // earrings
photo location ✈ 5 Church
SHOP WITH ME
A trip to the outlet mall calls for a simple tank top and shorts. My tank top is from Express’s new Body Contour line and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. These tops go with absolutely everything and are crazy thick meaning you can wear them without a bra! I grabbed it in a few colors and will be adding the rest to my cart once in stock. For shoes, I’m sporting a pair of nude Franco Sarto sandals. I prefer open-toed shoes as you can tell. My feet sweat way too much in sneakers but sandals like this don’t give me tons of blisters!
top // shorts // sandals // clip
photo location ✈ Tanger Outlet Mall
WHEELS UP
One last look in Charleston! I’m sporting the most adorable set you’ve ever seen. Both of these pieces are from Spanx and while they are on the pricier side, I can assure you they are the best on the market. Their tennis skirts are incredible—they have built-in shorts that don’t ride up, a pocket that’s large enough for your phone, and a zipper pouch for your keys.
The Get Moving Skort comes in five colors and I have everyone. It really is that good. The longline sports bra is another favorite. It’s long enough to be worn on its own and has incredible support, holding your boobs in place while giving you just a little cleavage. Wearing these white sneakers again for a comfy airport shoe and throwing my nappy, humidity-ridden hair up into a baseball cap. Although simple and sporty, this was easily one of my favorite looks of the trip!
top // skirt // sneakers // hat
photo location ✈ Charleston Airport
pin this post for later!
Phew, that was a lot of outfits! I’m so glad I was able to style so many awesome pieces throughout my trip and am even happier that I was able to give you all so much Inspiration as to what to pack for your next trip to Charleston. I know for a feeling this won’t be my last trip there—hopefully I will be back soon.
Here’s to good outfits and a good time! Thanks so much for sticking around—be sure to come back Friday for a look at my Charleston travel guide.
With love, McKenz
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