how to pack for multiple climates and transitional weather

Travel

How to Pack for Multiple Climates and Transitional Weather

Drescription

Traveling to places with variable weather can make packing an even bigger challenge. Whether you're traveling in between seasons or visiting multiple climates in one vacation, packing for these trips requires a bit more planning.

It's impossible to bring something for every season—at least not without bringing massive amounts of luggage—but there are tricks to efficiently craft an adaptive wardrobe that will prepare you for a range of weather conditions. Start by checking the weather forecast and packing a travel-sized umbrella. Then, try these expert tips for packing a versatile travel wardrobe that will help you enjoy your trip—no matter the weather.

Priyanka Swamy is the founder of Perfect Locks LLC.

Maye Srouji is the CEO of Milles Collines, a clothing company based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Pack Lots of Layers

“Packing for transitional weather is all about versatility,” says Priyanka Swamy, the founder of Perfect Locks LLC. Packing layer-able clothing offers versatility for long day trips if the temperature changes. Swamy says these are pieces that can be added or removed easily. "Lightweight sweaters, cardigans, and scarves can be worn with warm and cool outfits," she adds. Plus, layer-able clothing also means maximizing the number of outfits you can wear during the trip without sacrificing comfort. This is especially true if you have limited weight or space in your luggage.

“Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a day out in nature or a trip…I keep layering in mind, along with comfort,” says Maye Srouji, CEO of Milles Collines, a clothing company based in Cape Town, South Africa. Layering also helps if weather changes cause a change of plans. (For example, your outdoor hiking day may turn into a day of indoor museum exploring if there's a downpour.)

Srouji recommends packing the following:

a light summer dress

light skirt

a few basic tops

a cozy button-down sweater

a few pairs of your favorite jeans or pants

a loose linen or cotton shirt that layers well

If you're traveling in cooler climates or cooler weather, you'll want to add a wind-breaking jacket, ideally as thin as possible while still providing warmth.

Include Rain Gear

Srouji adds that living on the coast has taught her to never leave the house without a jacket. Many seaside cities experience similarly unpredictable weather. There’s always a chance of rain—even if the forecast predicts clear skies and sunshine. So, if you're traveling to a beach destination, be sure to bring a waterproof jacket or a foldable trench, just in case.

“Remember to pack a small umbrella or raincoat in case of an unexpected downpour,” says Swamy. Travel-sized umbrellas can be tucked into a carry-on, but some are no match for the combo of wind and water. Whether in Prague or Peru, the ultimate hack is to carry a disposable rain poncho that can easily fit in your purse or fanny pack.

Pack Versatile Footwear

Instead of bringing one pair of shoes for each possible weather condition, bring adaptable shoes that work for different ground conditions and across multiple outfits. “Pack versatile footwear such as ankle boots or sneakers that can handle rain and shine,” says Swamy. If done right, you only need to pack three types of shoes that can handle different weather and can work for different excursions. Srouji recommends packing a pair of sneakers that can be paired with dresses and pants, a pair of simple sandals, and evening shoes in case of a special, formal occasion.

Don’t forget about comfort when you're picking out shoes, especially if you’re planning on walking or hiking. Research how hilly or grassy your destination is, and whether the sidewalks are made of cobblestone or cement. Knowing these little details can help you choose between wedges and stilettos, platforms and pumps. It’s safe to say that rubber soles are always a good idea. Aim for walkable, comfortable, and stylish shoes, no matter the destination.

Always Have a Scarf

If there’s one unique accessory Srouji recommends travelers pack, it’s a scarf. Scarves are too versatile to leave behind. They can protect your hair from sudden rain, your neck from a draft, and your arms and shoulders from an unexpected chill. If travelling with children, scarves can also become multi-functional tools to help with feeding, changing, and sleeping. (And they're essential to wear on planes, where the temperatures can shift.

Use scarves to enhance different outfits, adding a chic touch on top of function. Because they are lightweight and easy to pack, you can bring a few different styles in different materials. A silky square can be tied to your purse, used to cover your hair, or wrapped around your neck in a pinch. A waterproof fleece, cashmere, or wool scarf, on the other hand, is a bit bulkier, but can still be easily folded into the front pocket of any carry-on or large purse.

Pay Attention to Fabric

Fabrics can make or break any outfit, but this is especially true when on an excursion with flip-floppy weather. “Choose breathable and insulating fabrics, like cotton and merino wool,” says Swamy. Linen and bamboo are also excellent materials for extreme heat. Mix and match combinations to maximize preparedness for unpredictable weather.

If there's even the slightest chance of rain, be careful with wearing leather, suede, velvet, and silk. Heavy denim can also be a drag in rain and peak heat. Synthetic fabrics tend to make you sweat more, so beware of polyester, a popular water-resistant fabric.

Remember to choose colors wisely, too. Dark colored fabrics attract and trap heat, which may be a boon in cooler climates, but not so great in summer or tropical heat. Also be sure to avoid any fabrics or colors that will become see-through when wet—whether from rain showers, snow, or perspiration.

Wear Bulky Layers on the Plane

If you want to bring a warmer coat, a bulky sweater, or need a pair of hiking boots for your trip, consider wearing them on the plane instead of packing them. That'll help you reserve space in your luggage for your other items. (Just keep in mind that the boots will require a bit of work to get on and off when you pass through airport security.)

My Brother’s River House Guest Bath Reveal (+ Are Pony Walls Back?)

Another reveal of the rooms that are done in my brother’s house – this one being a really quiet, neutral bathroom that makes me want creamy beige everywhere and dare I say a pony wall (shout out to Max). This bathroom has a small footprint, off the mudroom near the family room, and will be used for guests and dirty kids from the river (probably not that frequently). It turned out really pretty, quiet, clean, and simple with high-quality materials and a timeless contemporary style (with a touch of PNW whimsy). As a reminder, here we are: The shaded pink area is where we are located in the house (right next to the also finished mudroom:)), and the layout of the bathroom is relatively classic and simple – small vanity, toilet, and shower. The layout was done by Anne Usher (then I came in, with Max Humphrey, to choose the finishes). Bathrooms are so hard to shoot (because they are small) but here you can see the whole space – the mix of tiles, the layout with this rather adorable pony wall, and simplicity in shapes and colors with a really nice contrast. As a lover of tile (and I LOVE these creamy tiles) we wanted to see them more instead of more glass, so we added this pony wall with the glass panel above it to help create a sense of a shower “room” and have more visual interest. I pitched this house to Kohler and Ann Sacks early on (3+ years ago), knowing that inventories run deep, quality is high, and we’d be able to make every bathroom feel custom and yet cohesive. So this bathroom is in partnership with Kohler so almost everything is from their many lines of plumbing, vanities, mirrors, and now lighting! And thank god their plumbing designs are so timeless because things change a lot in 3 internet years, but our choices still look really fresh and perfect for the house. The Plumbing We went with the Purist Faucet line and the Components handles. I love how clean and simple they are (but they look cool). We put the main handles to be reachable from outside the pony wall, further away from the shower so you don’t have to get drenched before you get in. For the tile, we chose the MADE Provencal for the walls in two different shapes, staggered them, and paired them with a really warm black hex on the floor. For a contemporary house (read: new build) we wanted to stay within the simple parameters of the home, but keep it warm, timeless, and use high-quality materials that wouldn’t date. But we didn’t want boring. So finding that balance between interest but not trendy felt really good in here. If you are a grout nerd (which I am – my GOODNESS it changes the look of a tile and room) we chose Dove Gray for the floor, lighter than the tile but not too bright, and Oyster Gray for the walls. The wall grout added depth and brought out the pattern, without making it too busy and we triple obsessed about the tones of the grout to make sure they had the right level of warmth without being too “brown”. The Vanity For the vanity side, we chose the 36″ Winnow Vanity which is a super transitional style (i.e. can be classic or contemporary). It comes with the stone countertop which makes life so easy (one order and done) and for a guest bath I like to break up the bulkiness and have a shelf at the bottom). This color is mostly black but has a slight blue hue as you can see in the photos. The mirror is a simple pill-shaped called “The Essential Mirror”, which they sell in so many different styles and finishes and works so well with all the shapes in here – it contrasts the squareness of the vanity and calls back to the shape and finish of the faucet. The sconces are part of Kohler’s newer line called “Jabot” and have a really creamy, oyster-like color which we really liked with the tile and wallpaper. We flanked the mirror with two double sconces (they have single sconces, too) and a semi-flush light fixture that matches. The faucet is part of the Components line which I LOVE – there are a lot of different faucet and handle styles to choose from, again making it easy to customize in a way that you know will look good together. These knobs are easy to twist on and off, hot and cold (obviously), and look so unfussy and simple. The Natural Light And A Window Around 3 pm the light in here gets so dreamy that we had to capture it. There is a window in the shower that floods the room with reflection and brings out all the gloss and texture in the tile. It’s soooo beautiful. The Tile Pattern Max Humphrey and I played around with the tile pattern, wanting it to feel staggered and yet random and the tile installer totally got it. I was nervous about some of the lines being too close or not looking random enough but they did a great job. The Wallpaper Once again I chose a wallpaper that in person is so perfect, warm and fun to look at but it’s so hard to see in photos. It is QUIET. It’s a Nordic treescape in all of our neutral colors. It brought so much to the room, without adding any busyness or style contrast. We did end up adding wallpaper to now 5 of the spaces in this home and almost all of them have this nature element that brings together the contemporary vibe of the house with the sense of a young fun family. There she is:) It’s a bathroom that people see the most right now and it’s undeniably lovely to be in. The light, airy quality mixed with the high contrast faucets and tile creates a neutral yet interesting bathroom that is totally timeless. The resources are below. A huge thanks to Anne Usher, Sierra Custom Construction, and Max Humphrey for all the work on this project.

All The Questions Answered About How I Get My “Natural” Looking Spray Tan…

This was a post I wrote waaaay back in early 2020! It was meant to be “winter content” as it’s harder to get a tan from the actual sun when it’s cold outside. But as I’ve been talking with my team we just aren’t into the whole “sit in the sun and bake” idea anymore. Protecting our skin and health is pretty important to us but that doesn’t mean we want to totally forgo that tanned glow, right? So we thought that reposting this VERY important and practical content might just be what some of y’all want. Enjoy:) My team has heard me reference spray tanning for years and when we were brainstorming our lifestyle content for February, they all begged me to do a post about it because they are all curious and want try, but they are scared. So today I’m answering all their questions about how I get my “natural” spray tan in the middle of winter, for under 4 minutes and around $16. I’m not saying you should do this, nor encouraging the idea that tan skin is better than pale – no weird skin shaming here. But, like covering grays or straightening hair, it is something that some people do and even more people are curious about. And while it’s innately driven in a superficial (literally skin deep) way, I think most of us can relate to the confidence boost we get when we are looking healthy and pulled together – whatever that looks like to you. I’m an expert in it (the spray tan, not the “pulled together” look), so get ready because I’m about to drop some spray tan knowledge. Let me walk you through it all … WHAT IS A SPRAY TAN? A spray-tan is a liquid formula with DHA that when sprayed evenly makes you look like you’ve been in the sun and you feel all glowy. There are many levels and tones and indeed you might want to experiment before say, your red carpet walk or your wedding. The same formula can also be in a lot of tanning lotions (we’ll get to that later). There Are Two Types Of Spray Tans: “Airbrush” And “Booth”. Airbrush means a real live person actually sprays you *naked* either in a pop-up booth in your home ($50 – $100 depending on where you live and level of experience) or at a salon ($60 – $80). It’s highly embarrassing but you will get a much longer-lasting tan that might look more natural and it’s, ahem, thorough. If you are in LA, I recommend Brittany from Be Bronze Studio. A “booth” is literally a vertical booth that you stand in and nozzles go up and down and spray you evenly on your front and back. It is faster and more affordable – I have a $60/month membership at a non-fancy place and I go once a week (thus the $16 – it’s likely around $30 if you just buy one). It takes me between 4 – 7 minutes from start to finish (I know because I’ve timed myself SO MANY TIMES while I’ve made Brian wait in the car). There are two major brands of booths – Versa and Mystic. As I’m writing this I literally had no idea how much of an expert I am. I much prefer Versa because it’s more natural and much faster. There are typically 3 different levels of Versa that differ in intensity (and differ from booth to booth). I typically do level #2 bronze (the difference between bronze and clear is that they both give you a tan but “bronze” gives you an immediate glow that will yes, get on your clothes and sheets, and “clear” doesn’t show up for 8 hours, but since I like instant gratification I get bronze). What do I do before a spray tan? Any prep? You want to be clean, but not crazy exfoliated because it won’t stick as well. Around the ankles and wrists it will stick more because those areas are less smooth for whatever reason. Ideally, you shave the day before but I’ve shaven the day of one million times. Don’t spray tan and then mani/pedi or get a blowout, or do anything that has to do with water or it will take the color off your hands/feet/calves and neck… Do NOT get your first spray tan before an important event like a wedding. They can be uneven, too orange, or too dark so test it out, go on Yelp, ask for recommendations. For any special occasion, I get a custom airbrush done to guarantee that it’s a natural tone and it’s even (again, you have to make an appointment, it takes at least 20 minutes and costs about 4 times the cost of a booth in LA, otherwise I would do it all the time). They can even vary from booth to booth within the same brand so test out that particular booth first. You need to wear a loose-fitting dress afterward so it doesn’t stick to your body and rub off your tan (it also feels incredibly gross to put on tight skinny jeans after this – you are sticky and damp for hours). No combat boots either. Think flip-flops or loose sneakers. Side By Side 1 There I am the day before the shoot, consider this a “before”. Those are the four poses that you are supposed to do in the booth, and no I’m not psyched that I had to publish those on the internet. I also waited until my last spray tan was totally gone as you can see to do this post, which was QUITE the sacrifice. What Happens Once In The Spray Tan Room? Put your barrier cream on your hands and feet (see IGTV on Instagram). Apply liberally, but if you want to do it perfectly google some videos. I’m not the best at it. Put on your hairnet and make sure it’s not too far onto your forehead (true story – I had like a full 1/2 inch tan near my hairline on my whole face once for an entire day). In the winter, I usually put a hairnet on my face too, so that only a bit of it gets on my face. This can make it pretty uneven between my face and my chest, but I don’t love a super tan face in winter (or ever on me). I really just want a tan body, not an orange face. Take off jewelry, at least your necklaces and bracelets (I leave my rings because I always have those on so those tan lines don’t matter). Step on a towel or buy the little foam things to stand on or else the bottom of your feet will be orange for weeks. Get into the booth – NAKED or with whatever clothes you want (but you’ll have SEVERE “tan” lines). Press the button and wait for the robot lady to tell you to move into the above four poses as the sprayer goes up and down 4 times. It then dries you on both sides. Spray Tan Lores 11 What Are The DOs And DONT’s After Getting A Spray Tan? You can’t take a shower for 8 hours – that’s the minimum amount of time for it to “activate”. If you see it looking REALLY DARK then wash your face and chest. I think it sticks faster there and it can look dark and really unnatural. I usually don’t shower the next day because I like it to keep activating and get even darker, but you kinda stink and it’s pretty gross. Most people shower the next morning but don’t scrub and don’t use a rag. Just let the water run and you’ll see the brown water of the bronzer go down the drain. You should be careful about having sex for 8 hours, too. I’ve NEVER been in this situation before but I’ve heard from an airbrush person that if “certain liquids” get on it it will indeed take it off if under the 8 hours within that region. That “tan line” is harder to explain in a bathing suit the next day at the pool… You should expect that it will get on your sheets, jammies, pillowcases, and towels. Mine always comes out, but I can’t vouch for your spray tan (it’s the same with most tanning lotions). I will say that if you like your sheets crisp white then you should likely need to bleach them, but again it’s not a huge problem for me. You can go swimming, get a massage, sit in a hot tub, steam room, or sauna but all those things will reduce how long it lasts. I tell you this because usually people spray tan before vacation, so just know the consequences of your fun :) I feel like one day in a chlorine pool takes mine totally off (If I’m on vacation I use St. Tropez at night on my legs and I’m happy – use the mitt). THE NEXT DAY (or 8 hours later): Spray Tan Lores 15 Yep. There she is. You might say that my legs are tanner than my face and you are right. I could use bronzer on my face if I wanted to even it out, but I wanted to show you what it looked like. That color will last for 2 -3 days with minimal showering. I consider it makeup for your body. It’s not that big of a deal but it does make me feel more comfortable at least wearing shorts. Head to the video to watch the video of the process which is both entertaining and yes, embarrassing but super informative. If the booth spray sounds like too much to you (or you just want a good at-home product) here are our favorites: I’ve used the St. Tropez for years and love it (I opt for the booth because it can get back, butt, and is just more even but if I ever just want legs done I use this). Kate Somerville wipes are great if you have some color already but just want a glow, and Julie and Sara both love the Neutrogena and Banan Boat options. We would love your suggestions in the comments – especially if there are any new organic brands (or booths) we should try.

The Real Jeans We Love On Our Real Bodies (+ How A Barrel Jean Looks On 3 Different Women)

We are jeans people. It’s not that we don’t love dresses, skirts, etc. but most of the time we are sporting a beloved pair of denim. Last week, we were chatting about the barrel jean trend and thought maybe we should all do a try-on to see how each of us liked them. But then Em had a better (and VERY generous) idea. I mean, jean styles are super personal and rarely does a single pair of jeans work on everyone, despite what a certain movie might have us believe:). Emily offered to pay for a pair of jeans that we LOVED (max $140 then anything above that would be on us). Obviously, that amount of money is plenty for what’s on the current market and needless to say, we were very excited and so grateful. Some jeans are ones we already owned and are still available while others are brand new. We were PUMPED to try some new styles. Come see what we are wearing:) Emily Y’all this denim world is cracking me up – apparently skinny jeans ARE back but only with certain types of boots of a certain height? And while we likely hit peak barrel jean last year, they are going nowhere (because they are far more flattering than just the pure baggy jeans). It’s all making me LOL. Obviously, I typically love a skinny jean but also have gotten used to not having the constriction (once I went “drop crotch” it’s been hard to go back). I bought these Madewell jeans at the end of last year and I was very very very surprised at how good they are. I don’t love all Madewell jeans (often I feel like they don’t keep me in around the places that I want more control). I think it took a long time for big brands to get the cut of the barrel jean right, in a more affordable way. These are mid-rise which I prefer on my short torso/big love pillowed frame. I prefer these with a bit of a heel for some height, but I wear them with sneakers a lot, too. Caitlin I’m kicking off 2025 with some unexpected, last-minute travel – and, when left with minutes to pack my suitcase, I eschewed all other bottoms in favor of two pairs of Everlane’s Way-High Curve Jeans. This isn’t my first time singing their praises on the blog (I really love them, gang), but I’m still so pleased with the way that they fit and fall on my bottom-heavy body. It’s often a challenge finding pants that don’t cling to my big thighs and ultra-wide hips, and it can be pretty discouraging – like, why can’t I just wear clothes like everyone else? – but these jeans make me feel like a million bucks. They fall just around my belly button, which is the perfect spot for me (unlike Em, I love a high-rise!) and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day even when I’m just working from home. If you’re also rocking a pear shape, I really think you’ll love these – they just bring some really nice balance to my bottom half! I got a 31, which is my normal Madewell/Anthro size (and I go for the 27″ inseam because I love a little sock pop!). I have 3 pairs – in Calico Ecru, Pure Blue, and Ocean (above) – and I’m just so, so, so happy that I took the plunge on them. Jess Before I went to Everlane in person, my favorite jeans were the lighter blue ones on the left! Big kudos to Les Bunge for picking them out and giving them to me as a Christmas present. I love the high waist, the wide but not too wide leg, and the fun detail at the bottom. My only issue is that the “cuff detail” doesn’t necessarily go with every situation I’m dressing for (mainly evening things). Anyway, when I went to the store I tried on the Deep Blue version and loved them too! I did refrain from buying since the next two are what I came home with. I simply didn’t need THREE pairs of new jeans, especially when I have one of those three in a slightly different style. But if you do need a simple, wide-ish leg these are 20/10 for me. I did size down in the photo since they do “relax” fairly quickly and I was on the cusp of the two sizes anyway (plus, I prefer a tighter fit). FYI I’m a day or two in of wearing the lighter blue ones in the bigger size if knowing that is helpful. Still so happy with them! P.S. I feel like I should say that I am a HUGE Everlane jean stan (as you will soon continue to read). Every pair I’ve ever owned (which is 4 styles now) I’ve loved. The fits are a dream and the prices are on par or lower than Madewell. I also have to say that if you live in LA, there’s a location in Venice (the only location actually) with just the best people who work there. Any time I’ve shopped (probably 4ish times now) they have gone above and beyond and are just generally so fun. I promise this is in no way sponsored, just genuinely think they are great. Now, those jeans on Kaitlin are ones I have been eyeing because first off they are SO cute on her and she literally calls them “the best jeans ever”. And as you just read, they are LA Caitlin’s favorite too! The nudge and generosity from Emily gave me the perfect excuse to give them a try… TA-DA!! And I also love them. I know barrel jeans aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but I think they are so freaking fun and add a very cool shape to what can (and usually will) be a simple outfit knowing me. One of my three “style words” (words that help you shop for a cohesive style/wardrobe) is “architectural” and for me, these fit the bill. What I also love is that the denim is on the thinner side (and soft but not too soft) which lets the pant legs still sorta outline your real leg. That way you feel less “stiff clown pants” and more “look, I still have legs in these fun pants”. These were true to size for me and I chose the 27″ inseam which is what they label as “regular” in-store. So if you are taller maybe go for the 29″ inseam. Oh, I’m basically 5’4″ for reference. A surprise! I went into the store on a mission. I wanted to try Kailtin’s barrel jeans first and foremost but then try a handful of other styles just to see. Well…I found another style. I think the first words out of my mouth (as in out loud to myself in the dressing room) were “OH, these are so cool”. There was just simply no way I could leave without them. They fit similar to The Way-High® Sailor Jean but with slightly wider legs. Now let’s talk about THOSE POCKETS. I just can’t say how much I love their size, shape, and how they wrap around the side. I’ve never owned anything like these and I’m almost too happy to own them. I might act like a little kid in their favorite outfit and sleep in them. I sized down in these if that’s helpful! Mallory So I’ve been rocking these $35 H&M wide-leg jeans for almost a year now (I have them in 2 colorways I love them so much!) but I really wanted a jean that was less baggy and more fitted without being fully skinny (but also thank god skinny jeans are on their way back — Alix Earle THANK YOU). So I went to Paige because I’ve literally always wanted a pair of Paige jeans…my friend used to work at their corporate office and said they literally design their jeans to make your booty pop. WELL POP IT DOES in these Laurel Canyon boot-cut jeans!! I’m so so obsessed with them because they’re SO comfy and stretchy but somehow still hug tight and lift the backend. Very into them (debating hemming them just a bit but we’ll see. I’m also not opposed to just wearing a taller shoe with them or rocking a version of Kendrick Lamar’s jeans). Paige, I thank you for these jeans that are somehow both incredibly comfortable but are also flattering and sexy. YOU DID IT. Gretchen Normally you can find me wearing a pair of vintage men’s Levi’s purchased from a thrift store–worn in with a bit of a straight leg, slightly cropped, and with plenty of leg room. But these can be hard to come by and because they’re men’s, sometimes there’s a little too much room in certain areas, if you catch my drift. I’ve been looking for a pair of women’s jeans that give me the same effortless, vintage vibe but a pair that fits my body better. Oh honey, did I find them. I picked up these perfect Pistola Mid-Rise Bowed Straight-Leg jeans (a mouthful) and have been living in them ever since! They’re a beautiful, classic wash, hit right at my ankles, and sit exactly where I want them to on my hips. But they have a realllllly great shape–a mostly straight leg style that bows ever so slightly at the knee. They’re almost barrel jeans, but not as exaggerated, which works best for me. I can’t really pull off the barrel jean the way so many cool girls can, but this pair makes me feel like I’m one of them anyway! A little on the pricier side, but to me, definitely worth it! Marlee Yay for jeans under $100! I just grabbed another pair of these mid-rise straight leg jeans from Free People – I love these because while the silhouette is super simple, they have a raw hem and a double knee detail that makes them feel special without doing too much! The wash is a perfect indigo and they come in a bunch of other washes – these are the “Be Bold” wash, but eyeing them in a cream color too. They have a tiny bit of crop – I’m 5’8” and pants are notoriously short on me so I typically avoid cropped inseams but these hit at a perfect spot (they come in a short version too if you’re looking for some extra crop!). I’m in between sizes so I sized up this time for a looser fit, but I also have them in a size down in the black and those are a little more fitted in the butt (in a good way). Love them with sneakers and boots for now but excited to wear these around this summer with a cute tee and sandals! Those are the picks! Do you have any you might want to try? Got a favorite you want to share with the class?? Hope this was a fun little insight into our personal styles and gave you a few new ideas you might want to test out. And THANKS AGAIN to Emily.

7 Types of Nuts You Can Actually Grow Yourself (Yes, Really)

For some reason, many people don’t consider growing nuts—often because most nuts grow on trees, which require more time and space than fruits or veggies—but they’re still a great way to add life to your yard; depending on where you live, you might have a wide variety of options you haven't considered. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best nuts you can grow yourself. If you’re looking to plant more trees on your property and you want the added benefit of growing literal snacks at home, read on. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! 01 of 07 Walnuts Walnut trees are large, deciduous trees that are absolutely beautiful—but they also require a lot of space, well-draining, fertile soil, and full sun. These are best harvested in the fall, when the nuts are ripe and their husks ripen enough to fall from the tree when shaken. The husks should be instantly removed, and be sure to wear protection as walnut oil is a natural irritant. USDA Zone: 4-9 Mature size: 50 to 80 ft. Taste: Earthy and slightly bitter in taste, with a creamy texture 02 of 07 Hazelnuts Hazelnut trees prefer cooler climates, and are native to eastern and central parts of the US and Canada. This is because they require a certain amount of time in colder temperatures in the winter to properly produce nuts. Harvest hazelnuts in the fall when the nuts fall easily from the trees. Look for yellow husks and either pick them directly from the branches or wait for them to drop on their own. USDA Zone: 4-8 Mature size: 10 to 15 ft. Taste: Sweet and buttery taste that caramelizes when toasted 03 of 07 Chestnuts Chestnut trees require ample space and the right balance of direct sunlight and acidic soil, but if you’re hoping to add a beautiful tree to your property, these are stunning when they reach maturity. It’s worth noting, though, that American chestnut trees can’t self-pollinate; this means that, for best nut production, you’ll need two different varieties. Wait until the chestnuts have fallen naturally, and wear gloves to collect any whose prickly husks have opened. USDA Zone: 4-8 Mature size: 40 to 60 ft. Taste: A unique, bitter taste when raw, but soft and buttery once roasted—often compared to a sweet potato 04 of 07 Pecans Pecan trees are actually native to the southern U.S., so if you’re in the right zone and your property is spacious enough to handle their size and equipped with enough sunlight and well-drained soil, you’re in luck. Collect the nuts from the ground once the green hulls have split and released them. USDA Zone: 6-9 Mature size: 70 to 100 ft. with some growing even taller Taste: Rich and buttery in taste with a slight sweetness 05 of 07 Almonds Almond trees do best in areas that have a Mediterranean climate—long, hot, and dry summers and mild, wet winters. But they also require frequent watering during dry periods and well-drained soil. The ripened hulls can be hand-picked or shaken from the tree, and the nuts should be removed and dried. USDA Zone: 5-9 Mature size: 10 to 25 ft. Taste: Sweet and slightly bitter, with a signature aroma that’s both fruity and floral 06 of 07 Macadamia Nuts Macadamia nuts prefer warmer climates, and they require sufficient watering—either through rainfall or irrigation. Hawaii is most known for growing macadamia nuts in the U.S., while parts of California and Florida can also offer the right conditions. Collect the nuts once they fall naturally to the ground. Then, remove the outer green husk and dry to prevent spoilage. USDA Zone: 9-11 Mature size: 30 to 50 ft. Taste: Rich in flavor, with a buttery texture and subtle sweetness 07 of 07 Peanuts Unlike the other options on this list, peanuts don’t grow on trees. Instead, they develop underground. This is because peanuts aren’t technically nuts; they’re legumes, closer in relation to peas and beans. Still, they’re making this list because their flavor profile keeps them more aligned with a nut, and depending on where you live, they might be a great addition to your garden. In late summer or early fall, when the leaves of your peanut plant start to yellow, dig up the plants, shake off any excess soil, and separate the pods. USDA Zone: 8-11 Mature size: one to two feet tall Taste: Peanuts are savory and earthy, with a bean-like flavor when eaten raw