To open up I’m a person who was born in the US, grew up there, traveled through 95% of the states, and lived in 5 of them! I want to share my expertise and hands-on experience for what to wear in the United States of America by explaining the nuances of American style throughout different regions, climates, and cultures. I’ll also get you set up with my curated packing lists, so you don’t forget anything important at home or over pack. Like I always say, “Pack Right, Pack Light!

For more specific articles on what to wear in different cities and states please use the links at the bottom of the page. For a general style guide and seasonal packing lists for how to dress like an American, please read on!

What Do American’s Wear?

Although American fashion is known for its diversity and inclusiveness, you’ll notice that most people wear relatively plain everyday clothes the majority of the time. Below are some evergreen trends I’ve observed throughout the country and thoughts on the general vibe. Jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, hoodies, baseball caps and leggings are some of the most common items in the American wardrobe. Of course, there are exceptions and variations depending on the occasion but in general you can plan on packing casual clothing that’s seasonally appropriate.

What To Wear In America – Summer

The US weather in the summer is amazing! You can enjoy sunny days, blue skies, and warm temperatures in most of the country. To me the perfect day is when the humidity isn’t too high, the Summer sun is out and there’s a cool breeze in the air. Whether you want to relax on the beach, hike in the mountains, or explore the cities, there is something for everyone and a different outfit for each activity.

Here are a few suggestions to help you plan out your outfits for when you visit the US during the Summer!

• Underwear and socks should be made from moisture-wicking materials
• Invest in a good pair of sandals or flip flops and avoid wearing shoes when you can.
• Outer layers like shirts, shorts and cover-ups should be made from breathable materials. Cotton & linen are great materials if you’re trying to go all-natural, but synthetic blends made for increased airflow are also a great option.
• Wear lighter colors that reflect heat from the sun.
• Accessories like a brimmed hat, sunglasses and a cooling towel can go a long way on those hotter days.
• UV clothing has come a long way over the years is a great alternative to slathering on sunscreen every two hours for protection from UV rays. Ever since I started investing in this type of clothing, I can’t get enough of it and think everyone should have at least one good long sleeve UV shirt in their closet.

Ultimately the summer is really a great time to experience the diversity and culture of the US, with backyard BBQs, pool parties, beach trips, festivals, concerts, and events happening all over. Don’t miss an opportunity to have a wonderful vacation in the US by avoiding the heat! I’ll put together specific articles with packing lists for things like what to wear to a music festival and what to wear for a weekend at the beach. Until those are up and running, please check out articles like What To Wear In Shenandoah National Park for some ideas on what to pack for a cabin weekend with daytrips out hiking in the mountains.

Summer Packing List for America (June, July & August)

Embarking on a summer adventure in the United States can be an exciting experience. With diverse landscapes ranging from sunny beaches to majestic mountains, it’s important to pack smartly to make the most of your trip. Here’s a summer packing list to help you prepare for your journey:

• Lightweight clothing: T-shirts, shorts, and dresses
• Swimwear: For those beach days or poolside relaxation
• Comfortable footwear: Sneakers, sandals, and hiking boots if you plan on exploring nature trails
• Sun protection: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with high SPF
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated in the summer heat
• Backpack or daypack: For carrying essentials during day trips
• Camera or smartphone: Capture memories without missing a beat
• Portable charger: Keep your devices powered up on the go
• Light jacket or sweater: For cooler evenings or air-conditioned environments
• Insect repellent: To ward off any unwelcome bugs

As your trip comes to an end, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime and perhaps even plans for your next visit.

What To Wear In America – Fall

Fall in the US is my second favorite season after Spring. When you start feeling that crisp air you know it signals the beginning of relief from the August heat. Once the cool Fall weather starts to settle in you can start to add in more layers to create different outfits from a few articles of clothing and dressing comfy is in style. Here are some tips on how to properly dress for the fall and why.

• Layer up. Fall weather can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to wear layers that you can easily add or remove as needed.
• Choose warm, deep colors. Fall is all about the rich and warm colors of nature, so pack up the light and bright colors you were wearing during the Summer. Here’s a good color wheel resource broken down by season by ByFERIAL Image & Color Institute that you can reference.
• Accessorize with scarves, hats, and boots. to keep you warm and comfortable.

Fall Packing List for America (September, October & November)

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, packing for a fall adventure in the US calls for both comfort and style. Here’s a curated packing list to ensure you’re prepared for the season’s whims:

• Lightweight layers: A mix of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and cardigans.
• Outerwear: A versatile, waterproof jacket and a cozy scarf.
• Bottoms: Jeans and chinos in neutral colors.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes and waterproof boots.
• Accessories: A warm beanie, gloves, and sunglasses.
• Essentials: Travel-sized toiletries, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medication.
• Tech: A camera to capture the fall foliage, a power bank, and chargers.

As you zip up your suitcase, filled with the essentials and a few comforts, you’re ready to embrace the beauty of fall in the US. Whether you’re exploring the urban landscapes or the countryside, this list will help you enjoy your journey to the fullest.

What To Wear In America – Winter

Dressing for the winter can be fun and cozy if you know how to do it right. This time of year, you can mix and match colors, patterns, and textures to create your own unique look. When I think of Winter in the US I think about cabin trips in the mountains, snowboarding, building bonfires, having to dress my dog up for walks, hunkering down with friends and visiting family over the holidays. The Winter cold is actually a lot of fun if you pack properly and dress appropriately. By following these tips, you can enjoy the winter season in comfort and style.

• Layer up! Wearing multiple layers of clothing traps heat and gives you flexibility to adjust to different temperatures.
• Wearing the right base layers under your clothing go a long way towards keeping you warm.
• Choose the right fabrics. Wool, fleece, and down are great options for insulation, while cotton and linen are better avoided as they absorb moisture and make you feel colder.
• You’ll stay a lot warmer for longer when you’re outside by blocking the wind with an insulated jacket that has a mid to hard shell exterior.
• Keep exposed areas covered with accessories like scarfs, gloves, hats & earmuffs.

Winter Packing List for America (December, January & February)

Heading out for a winter adventure in the United States can be an exhilarating experience. Whether you’re hitting the snowy slopes or exploring the urban winter wonderlands, being properly prepared is key. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to ensure you stay warm, safe, and ready to enjoy all the winter activities:

• Thermal underwear for layering
• Warm socks, preferably wool or a wool blend
• Waterproof boots with good traction
• Heavy coats or parkas
• Insulated gloves or mittens
• A beanie or warm hat
• Scarves and neck gaiters
• Sweaters and fleece jackets
• Snow pants for outdoor activities
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for bright snowy days
• Lip balm and moisturizer to protect against the cold, dry air
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• A daypack for carrying extra layers and essentials

As you pack, remember that layering is essential for managing body temperature as you move between the indoors and outdoors. With this list in hand, you’re all set to embrace the chilly charm of a U.S. winter.

What To Wear In America – Spring

Spring is my favorite season by far! It’s when nature wakes up from its winter slumber, the days become longer, the temperature gets warmer, animals are out again, and the air is filled with the scent of flowers. Spring is a time of renewal and growth; everyone is happier due to a renewed sense of abundance and it’s a great time to enjoy the fresh air and the green scenery.

Packing for a vacation to the US to enjoy the fine weather and happy vibes during the Spring should be on everyone’s bucket list. Before you head out it’s important to know that it’s not always idyllic weather, it’s important to keep in mind that early Spring can still get pretty cold across several states in the US. So, remember to pack an extra layer just in case the temperature starts to drop, and you’ll be fine. Here are some other observations to help guide you on what to wear in the US during Spring.

• Wear lighter fabrics and colors. Here’s a good color wheel resource broken down by season by ByFERIAL Image & Color Institute that you can reference.
• Bring an extra layer you can toss on or take off easily
• Keep it casual, but dress appropriately for the occasion. Stick to classic styles like a Henley shirt paired with jeans and a nice pair of shoes or a floral sundress paired with flats and a matching purse.

Spring Packing List for America (March, April & May)

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, spring emerges as a time of renewal and exploration. Whether you’re planning a city break or a countryside retreat, packing for the unpredictable spring weather in the US can be a breeze with the right items. Here’s a versatile packing list to ensure you’re prepared for anything the season may bring:

• Lightweight waterproof jacket: Essential for those unexpected spring showers.
• Layered clothing: Mix and match items like t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and sweaters.
• Comfortable walking shoes: For all the springtime adventures.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun can be strong, even in spring.
• Allergy medication: Spring means pollen, so come prepared if you’re sensitive.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring.
• Portable charger: Keep your devices charged on-the-go.
• Compact umbrella: Just in case the waterproof jacket isn’t enough.
• Camera or smartphone: Capture the beauty of spring in full bloom.
• A good book: For those relaxing moments in the park.

As you zip up your suitcase and double-check your list, take a moment to anticipate the memories you’ll create. Spring in the US is a time of vibrant colors, fresh scents, and new beginnings. Safe travels and enjoy the wonders of the season!

What To Wear In America – Explore By Area

To be honest there’s a lot of nuances to the different areas around the US. For more detailed research on specific cities follow the links in the table below:

A Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas	B	C California Colorado Connecticut
D Delaware	E	F Florida
G Georgia	H Hawaii	I Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa
J	K Kansas Kentucky	L Louisiana
M Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana	N Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota	O Ohio Oklahoma Oregon
P Pennsylvania	Q	R Rhode Island
S South Carolina South Dakota	T Tennessee Texas	U Utah
V Vermont Virginia	W Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming	Y
Z	US National Parks Acadia American Samoa Arches Badlands Big Bend Biscayne Black Canyon of the Gunnison Bryce Canyon Canyonlands Capitol Reef Carlsbad Caverns Channel Islands Congaree Crater Lake Cuyahoga Valley Death Valley Denali Dry Tortugas Everglades Gates of the Arctic Gateway Arch Glacier Glacier Bay Grand Canyon Grand Teton Great Basin Great Sand Dunes Great Smoky Mountains Guadalupe Mountains Haleakalā Hawaiʻi Volcanoes	US National Parks Hot Springs Indiana Dunes Isle Royale Joshua Tree Katmai Kenai Fjords Kings Canyon Kobuk Valley Lake Clark Lassen Volcanic Mammoth Cave Mesa Verde Mount Rainier New River Gorge North Cascades Olympic Petrified Forest Pinnacles Redwood Rocky Mountain Saguaro Sequoia Shenandoah Theodore Roosevelt Virgin Islands Voyageurs White Sands Wind Cave Wrangell–St. Elias Yellowstone Yosemite Zion