With crisp weather and changing scenery, fall might just be the best time of the year to travel. But it can also be a difficult season to pack for: Mornings are cool, afternoons warm, and nights often chilly. You’ll need to dress in layers, and that means it’s time to stock up on these great accessories for fall. You won’t want to travel without them.
A Snug Hat
Fall days can get chilly, and nights are even colder. Be prepared for any shift in temperature with a soft hat that’s easy to keep in your bag or coat pocket. Beanies like the Spikerking Men’s Skull Cap or the Basico Beanie Cap for women are perfect for keeping your ears cozy on the go. If you’re traveling somewhere that might be too warm for a thick-knit hat, look for a thinner cap like this light-knit beanie.
A Big Scarf
Without a doubt, the scarf is the ultimate travel accessory. You can wear it around your neck, use it to keep you warm on the plane, or fold it up as a pillow. And there’s no better time rock your scarf than fall. Unlike other items you pack, your scarf should not be travel-sized. Go with a big one like the Wait a Pigment Scarf from Modcloth to get the most coverage. If you’re looking to get even more use out of your scarf, try the SHOLDIT, an infinity scarf with a secret pocket big enough for your passport and other important documents.
Tall Boots
A good pair of boots is picture-perfect for fall, and also keep your feet warm and dry on a damp day. Whether you’re walking through a pumpkin patch or crunching leaves on cobblestone, you’ll need a tall pair. If you do a lot of walking during your travels go for these comfortable Sweater Combat Boots. For a more fashionable alternative, should you be taking a more relaxing trip, these Leatherette Slouchy Knee Highs will look great and get you where you need to go.
A Cozy Shawl
If you’re traveling in the fall, you might as well embrace the latest fall trends—especially when they’re perfect for travelers. Oversized shawls are in and super comfortable. Perfect for a chilly plane ride or walking around on a windy day, a shawl will keep you warm and on-trend.
Compression Socks and Leggings
Sore legs and feet are one downside to travel, but thankfully there’s compression-wear to help combat the pain. RejuvaHealth ensure you’ll look good while you take care of yourself. With this line of fashionable socks and leggings that assist circulation, it’s easy to layer compression wear into your outfit without compromising on style. Simply wear the leggings under a dress or throw on knee-high socks perfect for a day at the museum.
A Versatile Cardigan
Unlike thick sweaters or big hoodies, cardigans are a smart and packable layer for fall trips—They’re light and don’t take up valuable space. You can slip them on over a T-shirt or under a larger sweater if gets really cold, but the best part about cardigans is the number of styles and colors they come in. For women, the color choices and pockets of the ZJ Boyfriend Cardigan are a great place to start; guys can find their style with the right Match Men’s Cardigan Sweater.
A Leather Backpack
The key to fall fashion is dressing in layers, but what do you do when you’ve shed those layers? If you don’t want to spend the day holding onto your scarf, hat, and extra cardigan, invest in a small leather backpack that will keep all your layers at the ready and match your autumn wardrobe. Leather (and even synthetic leather) resists water better than cloth backpacks, and it always looks chic.
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Best Lightweight Fall Jackets
- Travel Accessories You Don’t Want to Go Without
- How to Effectively Layer for Any Kind of Fall Trip
Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer who is always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Top Fares From
Today's Top Travel Deals
Brought to you by ShermansTravel
Greece: 9-Night Vacation, Incl. Meteora &...
Exoticca
vacation
$2099+
New Year Sale: Luxe, 9-Nt Alaska...
Oceania Cruises
cruise
$3599+
Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati
85OFF.com
Car Rental
$19+