Packing for the Highlands with Kayla
There’s something about fall in the North Carolina mountains that makes getting dressed especially fun. Crisp mornings, changing leaves, afternoons spent exploring and cozy evenings by the fire call for a suitcase filled with beautiful layers, rich textures, great denim, and versatile fall pieces.
For her latest edit, Kayla is heading to Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina, and sharing exactly what she’s packing for a fall weekend in the mountains. The goal: one suitcase filled with pieces that can take her from morning coffee on Main Street to chasing waterfalls, dinner, and cocktails by the fire.
What to Pack for a Fall Weekend in Highlands, NC
Mountain weather makes layering essential, but Kayla’s approach is less about packing more and more about choosing the right pieces that work together.
Her fall travel wardrobe starts with elevated everyday staples: great-fitting denim, easy tees and tanks, cashmere knits, and lightweight jackets. From there, she adds personality with plaid, suede, boots, handbags, jewelry, and accessories that make even a simple jeans-and-tee combination feel considered.
The result is a capsule wardrobe that can be mixed, matched, layered, and dressed up throughout the weekend.
Fall Layers Made for the Mountains
A great jacket earns its place in any fall suitcase. Kayla’s Highlands Edit includes pieces from Barbour, including the Audrey Showerproof Jacket and Overton Casual Jacket, alongside cozy knits like the Jenni Kayne Flynn Cashmere Cardigan and Xírena Vail Sweater.
Throw a jacket over denim for exploring during the day, add a sweater as temperatures drop, or reach for a plaid wrap when you want an easy extra layer. These are the pieces that make transitional fall dressing feel effortless.
Rich Texture + Autumn Color
The palette is just as important as the layers. Kayla gravitates toward the colors that naturally feel at home in the mountains: chocolate brown, camel, burgundy, navy, cream, forest-inspired tones, and classic denim.
Suede handbags, leather accessories, cashmere, tartan plaid, and textured outerwear bring depth to otherwise simple outfits. Her edit includes fall accessories from designers including Oroton, B-Low The Belt, KREWE, Breda, and Bob Ore.
From Main Street to Dinner
The secret to packing light? Make every piece earn its spot.
A great pair of jeans works for morning coffee with a sweater and again for dinner with a boot and statement jewelry. A plaid skirt can feel relaxed with a tee and jacket during the day, then polished with tall boots for evening. A suede handbag or beautiful watch finishes both.
It’s the kind of day-to-night fall wardrobe our stylists love: versatile, polished, and never overpacked.
Shop Kayla’s Highlands Edit
Whether you have a weekend in Highlands or Cashiers on the calendar, a mountain getaway planned elsewhere, or simply want a little inspiration for your fall wardrobe, Kayla’s edit offers a starting point for dressing for the season.
Explore the jackets, denim, cashmere sweaters, boots, handbags, and fall accessories she’s packing, then make them your own.
And if you’d rather have someone build the looks for you, visit Kayla and the Uniquities styling team in Village District for personalized help creating a fall wardrobe that works for your plans.