Packing for Houston in August
 

I will be joining my husband on a business trip to Houston the second week in August. We live in Florida, so heat & humidity aren't a problem!

My question is what should I pack? I've been told Houston "dresses up".We live in the middle of tourist land here, and literally, anything goes! Our style is casual overall. Will we look out of place in shorts, capris, or jeans? Hubby's meetings will be at the Space Center, so we'll spend the week in the Clear Lake/Galveston area. We may also head to San Antonio for the week-end.

Also, we travel light (carry-on & a backpack for most trips) the better to take a bump with!

Who in the world told you taht Houston dresses up, esp. in August? Don't buy and land or take stock advice from that person!

I lived there for 30 yrs and still go back every year for work and to see family, staying downtown and going all over, including Clear Lake (have a niece there) and Galveston, and everyone is casual, esp. in August!

Forget the jeans- too hot. Bring shorts and capris and nice open shoes. You'll be fine! Exception is of course if you are going to have a drink at the Four Seasons or going to Post Oak Grill in the Post Oak/Galleria area or a similar upscale place. Then take simple and elegant and you'll be fine.

Hi rascat. I live in Houston and pretty much, you only really sort of "dress up" here when you are going to a nice restaurant.

I would bring a pair of black pants that you can mix and match with a few tops - maybe a cardigan that you can wrap around your neck to "dress it up". Basically, it's not that dressy. I myself have been known to wear a black skirt and tank top with flip flops for running around during the day on a weekend and then just switching to black heels with nice jewelry and consider myself dressed for dinner (I used to work for Banana Republic when I was still in school so had lots of practice with this).

Just be sure to be comfortable. I don't know your wardrobe or I'd itemize packing for you (hehe).

I used to live in Florida and now live in Texas. Trust me, anything goes here too! Just be comfortable cause it will be VERY hot. San Antonio is a great town and I'm sure you'll love taking a side trip there. But, I guarantee you it will be hotter than what you've experienced in Florida.

Thanks for the responses! I feel better about packing now. I agree with the idea of packing a black skirt or pair of pants, just in case we treat ourselves to a nice restaurant.

Emd-you're right, I'd never take stock advice from the people who told me Houston dressed up. Guess they were putting on airs...

Maria, the wardrobe is pretty basic. I used to work in travel and learned to travel super light. I usually pack 1 pair of pants or jeans, 1 pair of capris, and 1 pair of shorts or a skirt, and then make sure to have 2 tops to go with each one. If possible, I try to keep the 3 bottom pieces the same color so everything can be mixed/matched. It also lets me get away with 2 pairs of shoes, 1 casual-1 dressy. Managed to do 2 weeks in Europe once with a carry-on bag & a small bottle of Woolite! And snagged a bump voucher with upgrade to first class on the way home! Would welcome any additional suggestions you might have!

Austin Traveler-you're scaring me! 25 years in Florida & I still hate the heat & humidity! Do you get afternoon thunderstorms there like we do here in Florida?

Thanks again for the help!

Rascat, Do you get afternoon thunderstorms there like we do here in Florida? Is there sand in the desert? Houston is on the Gulf so afternoon storms are very likely. Sorry, not trying to be sarcastic, but it is kind of funny since I lived there for 3 years and my husband's family still does. I agree with what everyone has said, dress comfortable- shorts or capris and one nice outfit for dinner. Depending on how much you will be outside carry bottled water you will need it because August in Houston can be brutal.