As time for departure creeps near, you know you have to unzip that empty shell, but what to put in it? So many options, so little space. The anxiety begins. How will you ever fit your whole closet inside these four tiny walls?! I ask myself this every trip…and every trip, it doesn’t happen.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is the Bag Lady, and I got you.
Lucky for us, summer clothing is smaller and fabrics are lighter. Obviously, this is a great thing when packing for TWO climates. Layers and pieces are essential in creating the illusion that you brought more outfits than you really did 😉 Remember that skirt from yesterday? Pair it with a different top and accessories. BOOM. Completely new outfit, no one will ever know the difference.
Winter gear is harder to work around. Comfy clothing calls for puffy aesthetics and thick fabrics. Not so good for packing into a v small cubicle. I’m seriously all for signing a petition that will require airlines to allot more baggage weight for passengers once winter hits. All I want for Christmas is 10 extra pounds, and I don’t mean on my thighs okurrr?
Watch and learn from the video below. Yes, it’s long. Like, really long. But there are SO MANY good lil nuggets of travel info packed into this lil stocking stuffer.
What to Wear in Argentina
Buenos Aires fashion is a lot like any other cosmopolitan city – it doesn’t shy away from the latest trends. While typical Porteñas like their platform sandals and darker colors, jeans are worn year round and careful on the number of heels you bring (unless you’re delving into the art of Tango). Cobblestone streets are common in some neighborhoods…as are tiles and cracked sidewalks 🙂 Summer dresses and a leather jacket with cute sandals is perfect for day-into-night look.
Now for the outdoor fun in Patagonia…
Outerwear
Dare I say you can experience all 4 seasons in 1 day in Patagonia… 🙂 It’s all about the layers, and I don’t go anywhere without a big outer layer on me.
Tops & Thermals
Did I mention layers? Sometimes I’ll be wearing 4 different tops on my person (not including the jacket!). The sun could be out and you might be shedding everything but then a gust of wind comes out of nowhere and BOOM. Winter is coming. Time to put the thermals back on! Also, take a gander at the linked Classic Fit Plaid Workshirt. I get asked about mine A LOT, so I went into the depths of the internet to find a similarly cool one 🙂 And yes, it’s a men’s shirt. I love oversized.
Hiking Pants & Leggings
Word to the wise: invest in some solid hiking pants before venturing to Patagonia. I ADORE the Skyline Traveler Pant from the brand Patagonia…so much so that I may have bought another pair in another color while putting this post together.
Boots
Quite possibly the most important piece of an outfit down south in Patagonia is the footwear. You’ll need some waterproof hiking boots plus a second pair of comfy boots to wear around once the hiking is done. The Ballard Lace boot from North Face are my new faves. I will be veryyyy sad when they get to worn to function.
Accessories
I love a good beanie because not only does it keep my head warm (duh) but it also does a solid job of keeping my hair somewhat together in the Patagonia wind. Blanket scarves are everything. Mittens just in case. Hydro Flask because hydration.
Love this post! Very helpful! I was wondering about hair appliances. Do you take hair dryers, straighteners, etc? That seems to always be my struggle. Thanks!
Hi! I stopped bringing hair appliances with me a few years ago. They are added weight and the hotel/airbnb typically always has a hair dryer to use. I honestly reallyyy dislike clean hair, and dry shampoo is my best friend 😉 I had to let go of the fact that I couldn’t always curl my hair when away…but I got over it 🙂 All of that plus I’ve seen too many friends’ appliances blow up in front of them or fry their hair! Even with an adapter. Not worth it to me!
Loved the packing video!
Aw thank you!
Fantastic information and you added value by depictions of articles if clothing at the end. Can shop for those items.
Verbally in an audio video you may omit the words: anyway, so, and ah. (I am a former Toastmaster)😊.
Could also omit the word “guys”.
Love you and the work/play you do, and your style, intelligently shared.
This made me lol. Thanks for the tips, Linda 🙂
Beautiful!!!!. Thanks for sharing!
Argentina looks beautiful!! Your photos are amazing 😍
Thanks for all of the tips! I am currently trying to pack for the Salkantay Trek in Peru and this is so helpful! Since you have been to Machu Picchu, do you feel that the Northface boots you shared above would be a durable boot for this hike also? Did you end up wearing your hiking boots or shoes more? Thanks!!
Amazing, I’m doing that one next month 🙂 I’d probably wearing more of a hiking boot over those Northface boots for the Salkantay trek, although they’d work for wandering around Machu Picchu for the day (unless you’re hiking Huayna Picchu – then use hiking boots!)
THANK YOU!
Hi Lesley,
I was looking on Pinterest about what to wear in Argentina and yours was the first post to come up. It was so fun to see someone we know and so I thought I would reach out to you for advice on what to wear and where to go while we are there.
John and I are heading to Buenos Aires on the 7th of January and then joining Backroads ( our hiking, biking group )a few days later. Do you have any suggestions of your favorite things to do in Buenos Aires?
Hi thank you for your post! I’m going to a wedding in Buenos Aires in April and I’m wondering what to wear… Colours, style? Thank you for any advise.
Me and my girlfriend love traveling and Argentina is on our list for sure once this thing going on is over at last. Shared this with my girlfriend and we both loved your tips and advice.