What I Packed for Our Mini-Moon in Sonoma (and What We Shared)

Our mini-moon in Sonoma was exactly what we needed — a few blissful days tucked between rolling vineyards, cozy bed-and-breakfast mornings, and leisurely afternoons where the only plan was “more wine, less stress.” Unlike big trips where packing feels like a sport, this one was all about ease. I wanted a suitcase that felt thoughtful but light, filled with versatile pieces that made getting dressed a no-brainer. And, true to form, a few of those pieces ended up being things we shared — because what’s more romantic than borrowing from each other’s side of the suitcase?

My Sonoma Packing List

When I sat down to plan my suitcase, I knew I wanted to bring pieces that made me feel like myself — stylish but comfortable, polished without being fussy. Sonoma has this effortless vibe, and I wanted my wardrobe to reflect that. So I focused on versatile staples with a sprinkle of standout moments to keep things fun.

Everyday Staples

For the everyday looks, I relied on the foundation of my wardrobe — those tried-and-true staples that work in almost any setting. A breezy linen shirt became my MVP, doubling as a beach cover-up, tying over a dress, or adding an effortless layer with jeans. My high-waisted denim came along for the ride, paired with soft neutral tanks and tees that mixed, matched, and made dressing feel effortless. Footwear was all about function-meets-style: walkable sandals and crisp white sneakers, plus a lightweight sweater I threw over my shoulders when the sun dipped behind the hills.

Statement Pieces

While basics ruled the suitcase, I couldn’t resist packing a few statement-makers. A flowy floral dress set the tone for our wine country dinners — romantic, playful, and just the right amount of extra. My wide-brimmed hat pulled double duty, saving me from the sun and adding an easy polish to even the simplest outfits. And the bold earrings? Let’s just say they turned heads at every tasting room, making even jeans and a tee feel pulled together.

Beauty + Accessories

When it came to beauty, I stayed true to my “less but better” approach. I packed a streamlined skincare lineup — just a gentle cleanser, a hardworking SPF, and my current serum obsession (shoutout to Summer Fridays for nailing that glow) — plus makeup essentials like tinted moisturizer, brow gel, and blush for a fresh-faced glow. My trusty crossbody bag came along, perfectly sized to hold the essentials without weighing me down. It was all about practical pieces that still made me feel like myself.

What We Shared

One of the sweetest parts of traveling as a couple is discovering how much you can share — and no, I’m not just talking about dessert. On this trip, we ended up blending our essentials in a way that felt surprisingly seamless, from skincare to tech to cozy layers we passed back and forth.

His & Hers Favorites

One of the sweetest surprises on this trip was how much we ended up sharing. Our travel-size skincare stash quickly turned into a joint operation (he’s now fully on board with daily SPF — proud moment), and we streamlined the tech with a single charger and adapter. The real MVP? An oversized hoodie we both rotated through — because who doesn’t love the comfort of something a little roomy, especially when it’s slightly stolen?

Snacks + Travel Extras

Beyond the wardrobe, we packed small comforts that made the trip even more special. Local snacks like marinated olives, crunchy nuts, and just-too-good dark chocolate came back to the room with us for late-night balcony snacks. A Polaroid camera became our favorite sidekick, capturing little moments we probably would’ve missed on our phones. And a portable Bluetooth speaker set the mood for slow mornings with coffee and music drifting out over the vineyard views.

What I’d Pack Differently Next Time

Even with a streamlined packing list, every trip teaches you something — and Sonoma was no exception. While most of what I brought earned its place, there were a few things I realized I could have left behind, and a few I wished I’d tossed in at the last minute.

Lessons Learned

Even the best packing plans have room for improvement. In hindsight, that second pair of heels stayed in the suitcase — the sandals were versatile enough to handle every dinner and daytime look. A lightweight tote would have been a game-changer for spontaneous farmers’ market stops or hauling back bottles from the wineries. And next time, I’m bringing along a silk scarf — the kind of piece that does triple duty as a hair accessory, bag charm, or even an impromptu wrap when the breeze picks up.

Conclusion

Packing for our mini-moon reminded me how freeing it is to keep things simple and intentional. It’s not about having endless outfit options, but about feeling confident in what you bring and making space to savor the experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want to travel a little lighter, my advice is to focus on the pieces you love, leave room for a few shared essentials, and remember:

Style is personal, but good taste speaks loud.