Cheryl Shops: road trip

I will preface this post by noting that it features a much more casual vibe than you're used to seeing here. I obviously like to bring more low-key pieces into the mix on a regular basis, but I rarely tend to wear them all at once. But when you're on a road trip, comfort is truly key, and when you're choosing to stop in very outdoorsy locations like we did, function and practicality are essential. My general packing philosophy is that (almost) everything you bring can ideally be worn together, so you have multiple outfit options out of fewer pieces (more on this here)—you'll see several items repeated throughout this post. We didn't capture every outfit I wore (you'll see a few more in my travel diaries, coming soon), but here are some of my favorites from our California road trip last week.

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is taking a road trip down the California coastline to my boyfriend's family in Los Angeles. If you have time, driving along route 1 is incredibly gorgeous and relaxing, and it helps the transition from a hectic work week to an extra-long weekend. We were really excited, too, because the Pfeiffer Bridge in Big Sur just reopened after having collapsed earlier this year, so we were able to eat lunch at Nepenthe, one of the most magical restaurants in the world (more for the view, I should mention), and visit McWay Falls, a waterfall that neither of us had seen before. I did not quite dress for a hike, but I was at least dressed for a road trip.

My cardinal rule of packing for a trip is that I bring mostly neutral clothes, plus one color, so I can wear everything in my suitcase interchangeably. Layers are also key, especially when you're transitioning from one climate to another, like from northern to southern California. Last week was rather warm for this time of year, so I brought a light jacket (last seen here, briefly).

The tee underneath is actually silk, which is very soft and breathable, and the longer-in-back cut is perfect for wearing with skinny jeans. It's by The Reset, which is a local label that I was just introduced to a few months ago, and is quickly becoming a new go-to for well-made basics.

I am also a big fan of wearing skinny jeans on road trips—obviously you want to be comfortable when you're in the car for hours, but it's also important to wear something that you can get in and out of the car in easily. This pair is an oldie but a goodie, and I'm particularly fond of the ankle zips (more jeans should have these!).

These are my Chloé boots (last seen here), and a low heel is also key for a road trip, because comfort first. Of course, these were not the best choice for a hike, but thankfully the trail to the waterfall was relatively flat and smooth. And totally worth it for the view.