What to Pack: Morro Bay Weekend

Anne wrote in for help with an upcoming weekend get-away on the Central Coast. My hometown and a super beautiful part of California:

I have been combing your blog for trip ideas, as we will be staying in Morro Bay over Memorial Day weekend and I always love your San Luis Obispo posts. Any chance you could do a What To Pack between now and then? We’ll most likely be a day in Morro Bay, a day in SLO and a day out in the Hearst Castle area (with potential for a picnic if I am organized enough). I am relatively fair with green eyes and tend to gravitate to jewel tones. I am about 5’10” and recently lost some weight so this is a bit of an excuse to stock up on cute new spring/summer stuff (that lovely CA coast summer, I am actually a big fan of fog). I always love your What to Wear posts!

The dress code of the average visitor to Morro Bay is about 90% hoodie and jeans. Putting it nicely, it’s very comfortable. But you’re on vacation! You want to have a bit of fun with your outfits. The weather will be overcast and foggy in the mornings and along the coast and in the high 70’s inland. Casual layers are key. When I go, I toss a couple things into a weekend bag and call it a day:

Top – This floral blouse from Old Navy looks so pretty and light. I think floral patterns are one of the best (only good?) things about summer fashion.
Boyfriend Jeans – The secret to wearing boyfriend jeans well is to pick the exact right pair of shoes. A nice wedge sandal dresses them up without being too fancy.
Sunglasses – A fun vintage-style pair from Forever 21.
Cardigan – It’s warm up on top of Hearst Castle, but you’ll probably need a layer or two for the beach picnic in San Simeon or for spying on the elephant seals. Bring a blue cardigan to layer on top.
Bag – A tan and black crossbody purse goes with everything!
Flat Sandals  – Love, love these rose gold ankle sandals on sale from J Crew outlet for $78.
Maxi Dress – Hearst Castle is so elegant and grand that it will be fun to dress up a tiny bit. A pleated chiffon maxi dress is great for letting your imagination run wild while still looking fairly casual with flat sandals.
Wedge Sandals – Gah! I love, love these gray and leather wedge sandals too and they’re on sale from Nordstrom for $70.
Plus  – Bring a mid-weight jacket for colder nights, a bikini and a workout outfit with sneakers for hiking to the top of one of the famous local hills.

Have the best time in SLO, Anne! I recommend visiting the Shell Shack in Morro Bay, getting fish and chips at the Bayside Cafe and making a stop at Sycamore Hot Springs to soak in the oak tubs.