A SHAMELESSLY STYLISH PACKING LIST FOR JACKSON HOLE
With summer in full swing, there’s nothing more refreshing than escaping the dripping Dallas heat to one of my favorite places in the world and my hometown of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Summer temperatures average a perfect 75-80 degrees during the day, but Teton nights can be as chilly as below freezing, which makes packing for a vacation somewhat less intuitive than, say, a week at the beach. And of course, your own packing list will depend on what activities you have planned during your stay.
Newbies to summer in Jackson Hole might anticipate daily, high-intensity outdoor adventure, which for some is definitely not to be missed, but there is also a thriving arts scene, excellent dining, great style, and haute shopping distinctly apart from the predictable tourist wares. (I will post my full guide to Jackson Hole later this summer, so please follow!)
And then there’s the subject of camping. While the tongue-in-cheek saying in my family is that I “camp at the Four Seasons,” to be perfectly honest, if there is a choice, I’m not a sleep-in-a-tent-on-the-ground kind of girl. I’m just not. I overpack. I wear makeup. I bring a copy of Veranda with me when I travel. And I really love my hair dryer. I felt bad about this for a long time, but decided life is too short to lose sleep over not losing sleep—and being able to shower, for that matter. When in Jackson Hole, I like a balance between the two extremes, which looks a lot like hikes by day in the national parks, and dinner by night at the Bistro. And if at all possible, I wouldn’t mind at least attempting to do it in style.
If that sounds like you, then never fear: I’m here to tell you that it is perfectly ok to do “Jackson Hole lite.” And here is your shamelessly stylish packing list:
Day Hike in Grand Teton National Park
Let’s start with the basics: layer, layer, layer. We have a saying in Jackson: if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes. Brisk mornings usually give way to hot, sunny lunchtimes and thunderstorms can pop up in the afternoons and literally rain on your parade. I like to have a selection of lightweight layers that can fit in a daypack and be added or shed as needed.
Shorts
I want one of these two chic options from Ganni, below.
Leggings
These from All Access are my favorite—they are breathable and lightweight enough that I even wear them to pilates in Dallas during the summer.
Hiking shoes
I have this pair by On Running. Another pretty (and waterproof) version here. More on this later, but I am on my fourth pair of Ons and needless to say, am completely obsessed.
Quarter-zip top and Windbreaker
Tory Sport makes fun, stylish pieces that are a departure from the usual outerwear options.
Sun hat or visor
My number one, never leave-home-without-it accessory. High altitude exposure can be intense, and together with SPF, I like the added layer of protection from a big straw hat. My favorite one is no longer available, but here is a comparable (and packable!) topper by Eric Javits.
Tory Sport Windbreaker
Eric Javits Packable Straw Hat
On Running Cloudventure Hiking Shoe
Happy Hour Up the Bridger Gondola
Last night we met up with out-of-town friends for one of my favorite evening activities: happy hour at the top of the Bridger Gondola. It was a balmy 75 degrees at the base of the mountain, but within the 12-minute ride to mid-mountain, we had gained 3000 feet in elevation and lost about 20 degrees in temperature. No need to sacrifice style for comfort, though. Here's what I wore.
White jeans
These from Frame are some of my favorites.
Dudley Stephens fleece
Another obsession. Lightweight, warm, and stylish. You will not have heard the last of Dudley from me.
Sandals
It’s still summer and unless it’s snowing, I refuse to put my pedicure away. I wore these flats from K. Jacques and have my eye on these chic metallic Birkenstocks.
Sunglasses
The afternoon sun can be blinding on the mountain, so don’t forget your sunnies. I love Vuarnet and this pair would be a stylish addition to any look.
Jacket or vest
A non-sequitur from my insistence on sandals, but I was thankful to have a medium-weight jacket handy when the sun started to set. Herno is my go-to when it comes to chic warmth, and transitions seamlessly into your winter wardrobe when the temps drop.
Dudley Stephens Park Slope Fleece
Metallic Arizona Birkenstocks
Vuarnet Horizon Sunglasses
Dinner at Rendezvous Bistro
When it comes to fashion, they used to say that “anything goes in Jackson Hole.” It’s not untoward to shake off the dust from the hiking trail and go straight to dinner without a wardrobe change, but it’s becoming more and more common to see as much style as substance at the table these days. And in such a beautiful setting, why not get dressed up to celebrate? Here’s what I plan to wear to our next oyster outing at the Bistro.
Maxi dress
A few simple, summery options. I am thinking of ordering this one from Tory Burch (currently on sale!) and already have this similar, and nicely-priced piece from H&M.
Slides
Wedges seem like a logical choice here, but for a number of reasons, they’re just not for me. Instead I go with another flat slide or sandal with a solid heel like these from Loeffler Randall.
Earrings
Some of my favs from Rebecca de Ravenel are below.
Clutch
It’s the summer of the straw clutch, and that’s no exception at high altitude. Very cute options abound at a variety of price points. Loving this one on sale from Nannacay and this one from Kayu, too.
Nannacay Kali Bag
Loeffler Randall Women's Katie Raffia Plank Slide
Kayu Raffia Clutch
DINNER AT RENDEZVOUS BISTRO
Let me know what you think! Leave a note below.