Africa has been on many people's bucket lists for years. Planning a trip to Africa requires careful consideration of what to pack, balancing practicality with style. You might not be planning to head to Africa anytime soon, but there is something for everyone.
This guide shares a packing list that can be used to help pack for many types of trips and some chic and casual spring and summer outfit ideas. When planning a trip, many people have a clear vision of what they want to look like. The inspiration may be Meryl Streep’s character in Out Of Africa or Julia Schlaepfer’s character in the show, 1923.
However, weight restrictions can pose a significant challenge. To minimize, you could bring only one pair of shorts and only one jacket. To make packing easier, stick to a color story. If you look up other packing lists, you’ll see lots of specific gear to pack vs. more fashion-focused clothing.
Here are some stylish and versatile outfit ideas inspired by the African landscape, perfect for spring and summer.
Spring/Summer Outfit Ideas
This first outfit is one you’d wear for spring/summer even at home, no Africa trip necessary! It’s 100% cotton so it keeps you cool, but you get that arm coverage with the long sleeves. I’m wearing a pretty white eyelet top by Velvet. I’ve styled this top with denim shorts and jeans but for this look, I’m wearing a pair of super chic green shorts by DL1961. These shorts have a high waist (12.25”), pleating details on the front, a wider A-line leg style (a must for flattering shorts!), and cool cargo-style details. The cargo trend is very big right now so all of the pieces in this post will be great for your spring/summer wardrobe.
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On my feet, I’m wearing some Golden Goose sneakers, but you can go with a different, more affordable option. Just make sure it’s a chic and stylish pair of sneakers that are comfortable!
Green Paige Pants with Utility Vest
Next up, I’m wearing a pair of green Paige pants that you’re going to see A LOT more of in this post. They’re a jogger style with cargo pockets in this gorgeous military green color. They are a 26” inseam, which is perfect for me to wear with boots, sandals, or sneakers. These pants are one of those pieces you can have in your closet to dress up or down and they look SO chic. It has subtle puffed short sleeves, a flattering V-neckline, and button front details. Over the vest, I’m wearing a Veronica Beard cargo jacket that you’ll be seeing throughout the rest of this post.
This jacket and the Paige pants were my most-worn pieces from this trip. And the jacket has remained a heavy hitter since we returned home. It’s such a gorgeous, special piece with cargo details and a zip-off bottom so you can wear it long or cropped. It’s like you’re getting two jackets for the price of one!
Of note, you go on safari early in the morning and during the evening. To complete the look, I’m wearing a few accessories you’ll be seeing more of in this post…because again, I was only allowed that one duffel bag! I’m wearing my go-to Rag & Bone hat I’ve owned for years. Trust me, it’s worth the investment. Around my neck is a gorgeous neutral, animal-prin scarf from Banana Republic that’s so gorgeous and versatile. I styled it a bunch of ways on the trip. I added a western-inspired belt by ba&sh but you could go with whatever brown belt you already own.
On my feet, I’m wearing some Sam Edelman combat boots…comfort was key during this trip and these did the trick! Plus, they’re such a good, neutral pair of boots, I know I’ll wear them again.
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Green Utility-Style Romper
Next up, I’m wearing a chic green utility-style romper by Simkahi. I love the cinched waist, oversized lapels, and capped sleeves. It’s that pretty olive green color I tried to tie into all of my outfits with the pants, hat, and a tee you’ll see in some of the looks below. I kept the rest of the look simple and wore a pair of Madewell slide-on sandals that are really comfortable and a great shoe to have in your closet this summer.
I only brought three pairs of shoes on this trip…these sandals, the boots from the last look, and the sneakers from the first look. The belt back I’m carrying is from Banana Republic and was perfect for carrying the essentials and being hands-free.
Green Paige Pants with Tan Tee and Utility Jacket
In this look, I’m wearing the same green Paige pants with a tan ATM tee. I love ATM tees because they’re SO high-quality that you’ll definitely wear them for more than one season. Over the tee, I have on a green utility jacket by Good American. It’s super lightweight, has an oversized fit. I could have left the jacket at home and only brought one jacket, though.
Rails Button-Down as a Swimsuit Coverup
Is it any surprise that I packed my Rails white button-down shirt? I take it on every single trip I go on no matter what the destination because it’s THAT versatile. If you don’t already have a high-quality casual button-down for summer, this is what you’ve been looking for! I wear it with everything from shorts and jeans to skirts and swimsuits.
I mentioned I wear the Rails button-down with swimsuits and this is what I mean…it makes the perfect coverup! The swimsuit I’m wearing is a sexy, strappy bikini by Vix. Vix is one of my go-to brands for chic and sexy swimsuits and I love the waxed rope and cutout details on this bikini.
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Green Paige Pants with Green Tee and Tan Jacket
Yep, these are the same green Paige pants! This time, I’m wearing them with a green ATM tee that’s the same style as the tan one, just in a different color. I love the monochrome look. But for a little added warmth and style, I threw on the tan Veronica beard jacket. I completed the look with the Rag & Bone hat, Banana Republic scarf, ba&sh belt, Sam Edelman boots, and some sunnies.
See how important the layers are? In this outfit, I’m wearing the same green tee and Veronica Beard cargo jacket… but this time, I’m wearing matching Veronica Beard cargo shorts! It’s hard to see the shorts in this picture but they’re good. I love the look of the shorts and jacket combined and it’s really easy to style casually with a tee.
White V-Neck Tee with Green Paige Pants
Did I mention I love those ATM tees? 😉 This white v-neck is also by ATM and is my most-worn tee. I know it’s a little pricey for a T-shirt but it lasts more than one season, doesn’t yellow around the armpits, and washes and wears really well. I love the big billowy sleeves, smocked cuffs, and that it’s 100% cotton, so I stay cool. I could have styled this tee with any of the other bottoms I packed but I stuck with ol’ faithful…the green Paige pants.
Looking for more chic tops & tees that cover your arms?
James Perse Joggers with Rails Button-Down
In case you were getting tired of the Paige jogger pants…here’s a different pair of joggers! These are by James Perse and I’ve owned them for about two years. They’re SO comfortable, have an elastic waistband, are 100% cotton, and are the perfect length for me (I’m 5’4”). I styled them with my Rails button-shirt, tan cargo jacket, and combat boots.
In hindsight, I wish I had scrapped these joggers and opted for a pair of jeans instead. But, the beautiful thing about this post…you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did!
James Perse Joggers with White Eyelet Top
Next, I styled the same James Perse joggers with the white eyelet top from Look #1. I wore this while we were exploring Cape Town and I was not prepared for how cold it was there.
Indah Dress with Veronica Beard Jacket
While we were in Cape Town, I wanted to feel a little more elevated instead of wearing my safari clothes so I went with this beautiful brown Indah dress. It has a v-neckline and cutouts at the waist that are very flattering, a long dramatic maxi length, and billowy sleeves. For a photoshoot at our lodge, I styled it alone with some gold jewelry.
But in Cape Town, I wore my Veronica Beard jacket and zipped off the bottom to get that cropped length. Want to know my 3 secrets to look amazing in cutouts over 40?
Simkhai Cutout Dress
I mentioned in my tips above that I wish I had packed one long dress and one short dress. I wore this beautiful pink Simkhai cutout dress to shoot photos in but didn’t get a chance to wear it for anything else, which is why I’d recommend some sort of short cotton dress instead. BUT…I do love the dress and think it’s a great special occasion piece if you have an event or wedding coming up. You can throw on a shawl, jacket, or blazer for added coverage too.
Here are some examples of wedding guest outfits, to give you more inspiration for your next big event.
WEDDING GUEST OUTFIT IDEAS FOR ALL TYPES OF WEDDINGS
African Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Attending an African wedding is an opportunity to showcase vibrant and elegant styles. Here are some outfit ideas to inspire your look:
- Ankara Glam Corset Ensemble: The corset bodice on this look makes it an elegant feminine style that will sure make you stand out in confidence.
- African Print Makena Dress
- Blue Corset Laced Jumpsuit: This is a stylish and modern choice for a wedding guest outfit. The corset detail adds a touch of femininity, while the turtle neck and crystal trimmings add a touch of glamour and sophistication. Pair the jumpsuit with some silver heels and a clutch in a metallic (Silver) color for a polished and fashionable look. This outfit would be perfect for a semi-formal or cocktail-style wedding.
- Oyoma Embroidery Gown
- Jamila Fringe Wedding Guest Dress: This dress exudes sophistication and elegance. The silver color adds glamour, while the flower patterns and trail add a romantic and feminine touch. The mesh ruffled sleeves with a flare at the bottom add a unique and modern twist. Finish the look with silver strappy heels and a silver purse.
- Dark Green Silk Dress: The simplicity of this dress is stunning! Dark green is a rich and sophisticated color, and incorporating silk gives it a luxurious and refined touch.
- Purple Corset Dress: This dress is undeniably sexy. The purple corset and high slit add a daring and alluring touch, while the sleeves on one hand add a unique and artistic twist. Perfect for a glamorous wedding, finished with beautiful stilettos.
- Sequin V-Neck Dress: Sequins are a classic way to add sparkle and glamour to any outfit. Incorporating them into a simple v-neck dress creates a sophisticated and refined look.
- Kike Beaded Ankara Gown
- Lillian Brown Fitted Gown
- Red Ruffle Maxi Dress: Keep it feminine with pearls and pink lips or add some edge with black accessories and studs.
Remember, the key to a great outfit is confidence and comfort. Choose styles that reflect your personality and allow you to enjoy the celebration.
Travel and Activities
Every trip to Africa can be different depending on what you want to do, when you go, where you want to go, and what you want to see.
| Location | Activities |
|---|---|
| Kasane and Chobe National Park in Botswana | Stayed at The Sanctuary (2-bedroom lodges), close to the park. |
| andBeyond | Favorite place to stay, tents connected by a passageway. |
| Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe | Canopy tour, zip lining, tour of the falls, elephant excursion. |
| Cape Town | Swam with sharks, went whale watching, had dinners, Table Mountain visit. |
If you are interested in shooting with a huge zoom lens, I would HIGHLY recommend renting the lens. I didn’t even think of that before I went and it would have saved a lot of money.
