Ultimate Female Travel Packing List for Austin in Spring

This Austin packing list for spring has been written by Jillian Mirandi. See all packing list posts here.

Austin’s climate in the spring is perfect for just about any outdoor adventure. In February, the temp is around 65 – 75 Fahrenheit but can be much cooler in the mornings and evenings so layers are key! The city is a melting pot of people, flavors and flare from across Texas, L.A. New England, the Midwest, Mexico, etc. – truly making it a city of happy, laid-back individuals. From biking, hiking, food trucks, walking the city, UT, shopping, bar hopping in the sun, wineries, tacos, $1 mimosas, BBQ, crazy night life and great accents – springtime in Austin is fantastic and PERFECT for a girlfriends getaway!

Clothing:

Darker wash skinny jeans (1 – 2) – skinnies can be worn w/ flats or in boots… a darker wash looks a bit more dressy for night and won’t show spills as easily! I wore the same jeans for four days (they keep their shape well)… if this grosses you out, bring 2 pairs

Basic t-shirts (3) – at least one black. T’s are great for layering in the TX spring, and can be dressed up at night

Cardigans (2) – again, for layering. I suggest black, wrinkle-free, ¾ sleeve (will match everything), and a more fun print/color

Casual button down shirt (1) – good to wear from day to a lower-key night. Also super cute with cowboy boots!

Nicer Blouse or “going out shirt” (1-2) – if you plan hit the nightlife scene. Overall, it is fine to be casual, but people do dress if going to dance clubs. Plus – tons of good-looking young professionals whose attention you may want to attract!

Bras (1-2) – I suggest black and neutral, but depending on your wardrobe, just one may work. Pick support and comfort over sexy so they’ll work for any activity

Athletic pants – for biking/hiking – tons of people wear tight, black athletic pants around town during the day (including to outdoor bars, restaurants, etc)

Light Jacket

Panties, Socks, Pajamas

Shoes:

Cowboy boots – they serve multiple purposes and acceptable everywhere from checking out the city during the day to hitting the bar scene. Wear these on the plane as to not take up tons of room in your suitcase

Cute flats or sandals – again, acceptable everywhere and better than boots on warmer days

Sneakers – for hiking/biking/walking around lake. I didn’t bring sneakers and I regretted it!

Accessories:

Scarf – contrary to popular belief (of at least mine), Austinites love scarves! I’d bring one light, colorful one to dress an outfit up and one neutral to layer (and easily store in purse)

Statement necklace – to easily dress up a day outfit for dinner or a night out

Sunglasses – any type work, but I prefer the aviator-type to go with the cowboy boots (can you tell this is a theme here? By no means do you have to bring them, but I always think it’s fun to be a bit festive)

Toiletries:

Every day toiletries – I found the water a bit harsh (FYI for sensitive skin and hair)

Baby powder (to put in flats.. also good to prevent underarm sweat stains)

Makeup – great to keep it simple and natural

Curling iron or wand – I recommend 1 ¼ inch to make big, loose waves. The women in Austin (who seem to all be no older than 35…) rock this look – my opinion is that it looks flattering on everyone and works well when it gets humid!

Hairspray – to keep those waves in place (travel kind so you can still take carry on)

Sunscreen – even in February, my fair skinned friends got very red after a short time in the sun

Tums – TONS of amazing food and we ate A LOT. I am very sensitive and was totally fine, but it would be good to have just in case (think tacos for breakfast, lunches from food trucks and traditional homestyle bbq for dinner…)

Tech Gear:

Phone – the camera on the iPhone 4 or “up” is perfectly fine and will capture the sights beautifully

eReader/iPad – great for the plane (there’s not a ton of direct flights to Austin I learned), before bed, and when hanging out in the many outdoor spots

Chargers

About the author: Jillian is a native New Englander living on the NH seacoast. As an international studies and business major and studying in London, Jillian fell in love with everything about different cultures, food and adventure – both in the U.S. and abroad. She travels, eats and experiences much as possible whether it be road trips to the mountains, visiting friends and family, flying to faraway lands or tacking a few extra days onto business trips.. shh!!