I spent the last week visiting my best friend, Emilie who recently moved to British Colombia. Before I left, she briefed me on what to wear in Vancouver. Since there is such a huge population of immigrants, there is quite a melting pot as far as style is concerned. The key is to be true to your style and stay dry.
Emilie encouraged me to bring waterproof boots and a waterproof coat. Upon realizing that none of my boots were waterproof, I headed to REI and grabbed some waterproof Teva boots on clearance. While, I might have survived without these, I was very glad to have them along. They made me want to step in puddles on purpose. It was utterly delightful.
Even though I drove there and had plenty of room for more stuff than I could ever want, I followed my previously recommended procedure for avoiding “just in case” syndrome and packed a single duffel. I looked up the weather for that week: low to mid-fifties during the day, rain almost every day, 90% humidity, low wind. I listed my potential activities: indoor rock climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, neighborhood running, lounging, going to the movies, eating out, and walking around town. Then I filled out my “activity planner.” You will find the resulting packing list at the bottom of this post.
The above photograph was taken in Stanley Park. Although it rained hard during most of our walk, I stayed warm and dry in my trenchcoat and Goorin Brothers felt cloche hat. The tunic and scarf pictured were both acquired at a favorite Portland boutique (Ipnosi). They both have a gauzy, crinkled look about them, which means it makes little difference if they gain a few wrinkles in transit.
Emilie had a slightly different approach to city park walking attire. She went with tights, a skirt, and a t-shirt with an Arcteryx Gore-Tex coat over the top—both high tech and pricey. She also wore waterproof boots in a higher cut style and different texture. I thought the wood earrings and diagonal braid were a nice touch.
As I mentioned in my last post on accessories for travel, I brought my Lululemon Scarf. I got a chance to wear it as a hood, infinity scarf, and even as a shirt! It was definitely a standout item in Vancouver—as I imagine it would be anywhere.
If you ever plan to hike near Vancouver, bring some good hiking shoes; it’s wet, muddy, slippery and steep. I don’t think they have heard of switchbacks. Many of the hikes have gondolas at the top so you don’t have to climb down—but we did. For this, Em and I both wore zippered winter running tops and running tights with rain parkas, waterproof hiking boots, and gaiters. We were a little toasty, but prepared for the rain.
As I mentioned before, I drove to Vancouver. Driving somewhere always makes me feel a little disheveled. I like to fight it by remembering to put on my makeup and wearing clothes that are comfy but still cute. Here I paired my new Teva boots with tights, a great little collared denim dress I recently picked up at a local consignment shop (if you are ever in Spokane, definitely stop by Fringe & Fray), my husband’s sweater, and the aforementioned scarf. The only thing missing is a good pair of sunglasses—I forgot them.
What to Wear in Vancouver:
Layer 1 – Under layer
8 socks (1 pair hiking socks, 2 pairs running socks, 5 pairs casual wool socks)
8 boyshort underwear
1 sports bra
1 regular bra
3 camisoles (for wearing to bed and under clothes)
Layer 2 – Clothes
1 set winter running clothes (running tights–for running, hiking, climbing, and snowshoeing) and running top)
1 pair of jeans
1 neutral t-shirt
1 lounge pant
1 oversize sweater (for lounging or wearing over casual dress or tunic)
1 tunic
2 dresses (one casual, one for nice restaurant)
1 tank top (for the climbing gym)
Layer 3 – Outerwear
1 down mid-layer jacket
1 waterproof parka
1 trenchcoat
1 water-resistant hiking pant (to wear over running tights for snowshoeing)
Layer 4 – Extremities
1 pair gloves for snow
2 pairs shoes (flats, waterproof boots)
Layer 5 – Accessories
2 scarves (my Lulu lemon scarf for versatility, and a very lightweight one dressing up an outfit)
2 hats (one felt cloche, one ski hat)
2 pairs of earrings
Layer 6 – Gear
running shoes
snowshoes, hiking boots, and gaiters
climbing shoes, harness, chalk bag, ATC (tote to carry them in)
Other
1 pre-packed travel toiletry kit
1 journal and pen
1 book for pleasure reading
1 plastic bag for dirty clothes