Coast Into Fall: The jO Guide to Fall Road Trip Packing

It’s time to pack a duffel and shift gears.

Fill the car with crisp ocean air and a playlist for every generation.

The road ahead may be well-travelled, but it’s percolating with adventure.

Hang your arm out the window and take a glance in the mirror.

It’s a new season with old friends and family.

Let’s layer on all of autumn’s magic moments.

Fall presents a fresh canvas, with the vibrant hues of color-changing leaves and charm of the cooler temperatures. The long days of summer may be over but the days of adventure are not. Fall is the perfect time for road trips — especially ones along the coast.

Whether you’re traversing coastal highways or exploring rustic landscapes, the journey is as enchanting as the destination. The crisp air, rustling leaves and radiant sunsets all contribute to the unique charm of long rides.

To make sure you’re looking sharp yet comfortable for all the travel, we’ve put together a quick guide on fall fashion ideas for your next road trip.

Fall Trends to Keep in Mind

Before packing your bags, let’s take a moment to explore some of the current autumn trends - classic and comfortable styles with a modern twist.

The key themes for this season revolve around comfort, warmth, and versatility. From cozy pullovers to stylish jackets, here are some of the must-have pieces and styles to keep in mind for men’s fall clothing, especially for long road trips:

  • Earthy Tones. Fall is all about embracing nature’s palette. Earthy tones like olive green, rich brown, deep burgundy, and warm mustard are dominating the current fashion scene. Incorporate these colors into your wardrobe for a timeless look.
  • Layering. Layering is a key component of fall fashion. Not only does it keep you warm and comfortable but it also adds depth and texture to your outfits. Consider layering a lightweight hoodie or pullover over a classic T-shirt for a polished, yet casual look.
  • Athleisure. Comfort meets style with the continued popularity of athleisure. Even if the temperature is cooler, long hours make loose, soft, and comfy clothes a priority. Joggers, sweatpants, and relaxed-fit pants are essential pieces for fall, offering both comfort and versatility for your road trip adventures.
  • Versatile Footwear. For a coastal road trip, it’s super important to have versatile footwear. Driver-style loafers are a classic choice, offering comfort and a touch of sophistication. They’re perfect for long hours driving or walking, and won’t look too out of place in a nice restaurant, either.
  • Jacket. No fall road trip is complete without a stylish jacket to keep you warm and dry. It’s the quintessential fashion choice for layering. This year, we’re rocking classic suit jackets and bomber jackets, but any jacket is still great when it comes to casual fall fashion.

Now that we’ve explored some fall fashion trends, let’s dive into what to pack for your coastal road trip, ensuring you’re prepared for both style and comfort.

Fall Clothing Essentials for a Coastal Road Trip

The art of packing for a fall road trip is in balancing style, comfort, and necessity. Dressing for changing temps and various outdoor and indoor activities demands a wardrobe that’s both versatile and space-saving. Knowing what essentials to keep and what items to leave behind can seriously improve your road trip experience, ensuring you’re prepared for every scenario while maintaining a comfortable and sophisticated look.

Let’s take a closer look at what clothes you need to pack and why:

Lightweight Hoodie

Start with a lightweight hoodie, like our Cash Cashmere Blend Hoodie. This piece is perfect for layering and offers comfort during the cooler mornings and evenings of your trip. You can pair it with jeans or joggers for a casual yet put-together look. Opt for neutral colors like gray, navy, or black to easily mix and match with other items in your bag.

Pullover

A pullover is another must-have for a fall road trip and our Sully ¼ Zip makes for an excellent layering option. It’s perfect for throwing over a t-shirt when the temperatures start to drop but isn’t as bulky as a hoodie. Choose one in a contrasting color to your hoodie to add some dimension to your outfits. A pullover can easily be dressed up with dress pants and loafers for a more refined and sophisticated appearance.

Jackets

As mentioned earlier, a well-chosen jacket is essential for fall road trips. Check the weather of your destination and try to bring a jacket that suits it. Consider a versatile option like a classic field jacket, a suede or denim jacket, or a waterproof rain jacket.

Joggers

Opt for a comfortable pair of joggers or relaxed-fit pants in a neutral color, like gray or navy. Joggers are ideal for long hours on the road and for colder nights, offering comfort, style, and warmth in equal measure. Pair them with a simple white T-shirt, sneakers, and a hoodie for a relaxed look that’s perfect for pit stops and sightseeing.

Drivers or Loafers

When it comes to footwear, drivers or loafers are your go-to options for a coastal road trip. They’re comfortable for driving and versatile enough to pair with a variety of outfits, from jeans to dress pants.

Running Shoes

If your road trip involves outdoor activities like hiking or exploring, be sure to bring along a pair of performance sneakers.

Shackets and Lodge Shirts

A fusion of a shirt and jacket, our shackets and lodge shirts are a must-have for any fall coastal road trip. It is a versatile piece that can be worn as a light jacket or as a stand-alone top. It’s perfect for layering over a T-shirt or as an additional layer under a heavier coat when the temperature drops. Choose a classic flannel pattern in muted or earthy tones to embrace the rustic autumn aesthetic while staying warm and comfortable.

T-shirts and Long Sleeves

Of course, you can’t forget to pack your t-shirts. Bring a mix of short sleeve T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colors like white, black, and gray to easily pair with any bottoms. Packing a brighter-colored shirt is also a good idea to add a pop of color to your outfit, especially if all of your layering options are in muted or dark colors.

Wrapping Up in Style: Fall Fashion for the Road

With the changing temperature and hues of nature as your backdrop, the key to fall road trip fashion is packing a variety of options that can easily be layered, mixed and matched for different looks.

So, as you pack your bags, chart your course, and get ready to hit the open road – you can be sure your trip will not only be a scenic journey, but a stylish one as well.

Check out all of our new Fall arrivals for the perfect pieces to pack for your trip.