Slightly outdoorsy. Slightly girly.
Somewhere in the middle is the version that works for me.
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Quick Picks
These are the ones I actually use — not just what sounds good on paper.
Glow Before You Go
- Smooth silk fabric helps reduce hair frizz and pulling
- Gentle on skin and helps minimize sleep creases overnight
- Cool, breathable feel that stays comfortable through the night
- Brightens and depuffs tired eyes after sun, travel, or long days
- Hydrates and smooths fine lines for a refreshed, well-rested look
- Easy go-to for post-hike, weekly reset, or pre-event prep
- Deep hydration that helps restore skin after long days or outdoor exposure
- Improves elasticity for a firmer, more lifted look
- Ideal for full-face reset routines or overnight recovery
Princess Protection
- Medium coverage with a smooth, natural looking finish
- Helps even skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey
- SPF 15 adds light daily sun protection for everyday wear
- UPF 50+ protection for face, scalp, and neck coverage
- Packable design that travels easily without losing shape
- Lightweight straw style that feels breathable in warm weather
- Mineral SPF 50 protection with a lightweight, sheer finish
- Hydrating formula that layers well under makeup or skincare
- Helps protect against sun damage without feeling greasy
Comfort for a Queen
- Portable fan that helps keep you cool in heat and crowds
- Rechargeable design with long battery life for travel days
- Works as a mini fan, flashlight, and backup power bank
- Lightweight and packable without taking up much space
- Adds a comfortable layer for breaks or post-hike relaxing
- Easy upgrade that makes outdoor time feel more intentional
- Keeps drinks cold for hours during hikes, errands, or travel days
- Large handle and straw lid make hydration easier throughout the day
- Fits most car cup holders despite the oversized water capacity
The Mildly Girly Guide
I’m not sleeping in a tent without lip balm, sunscreen, and a portable fan. I mean I could, but why would I want to (ala Taylor Swift)?
But I also love being outside.
Road trips. Desert hikes. Outdoor concerts. Vacation mornings with coffee on a balcony. Random scenic pull-offs because I saw a brown sign and immediately changed plans.
At some point I realized I don’t have to pick between being outdoorsy and liking eye patches, cute hats, soft pajamas, and slightly unnecessary accessories.
This is my mildly girly version of outdoor life and travel — comfortable, practical, sun-protected, and still a little fun.
The Glow Before You Go
Vacation starts the night before for me.
Not in a productive way.
In a “trying to look slightly less exhausted before airport lighting destroys me” kind of way.
These are the little things that make travel and outdoor weekends feel softer and easier.
Silk Pillowcases
- Smooth silk fabric helps reduce hair frizz and pulling
- Gentle on skin and helps minimize sleep creases overnight
- Cool, breathable feel that stays comfortable through the night
I started using silk pillowcases mostly because travel was drying my skin out so badly.
Now they’ve become part of my pre-trip routine because everything feels slightly more luxurious when I wake up without pillow creases on my face.
Vacation Pajamas
- Soft satin fabric with a lightweight, breathable feel
- Relaxed button-down fit that feels comfortable for sleeping or lounging
- Matching short set adds an elevated, pulled together look at home
Matching pajamas somehow make hotel mornings feel more expensive.
I love soft sets that are comfortable enough to sleep in but still cute enough for slow coffee mornings.
The Night Before Reset
- Explore hydration, collagen, and targeted treatments in one place
- Build your routine with masks, patches, and full-face reset essentials
- Easy way to compare options and restock your go-to products
The night before a trip I usually do:
- eye patches
- a face mask
- extra hydration
- lip treatment (sugar)
Partly because it helps.
Partly because it feels like vacation officially started.
Princess Protection
I used to treat sunscreen & sun protection like a chore.
Now I mostly care about finding products I’ll actually keep reapplying.
SPF That Doesn’t Feel Heavy
- Mineral SPF 50 protection with a lightweight, sheer finish
- Hydrating formula that layers well under makeup or skincare
- Helps protect against sun damage without feeling greasy
I’ve gotten much pickier about sunscreen texture.
If it feels thick or greasy, I stop wanting to wear it.
The lighter serum-style sunscreens are the ones I consistently reach for now.
I shared the exact sunscreens I keep reapplying on hikes, travel days, and outdoor weekends in my full guide here →.
Hats That Actually Work
- Wide brim design adds extra face and sun protection coverage
- Open back fits ponytails and thicker hair more comfortably
- Lightweight, breathable fabric that works well in heat and humidity
At some point I realized hats are less about fashion and more about survival.
But I still want them to look good.
I love practical hats that still feel feminine or slightly fun.
Sunglasses
- Lightweight, no-slip fit that stays comfortable on longer hikes
- Polarized lenses help reduce glare on bright trails
- Durable design that’s easy to toss in your bag
I fully support having:
- one pair you protect with your life
- one pair you throw into your bag without thinking
Both are important.
Comfort for a Queen
Being uncomfortable outside makes people stop wanting to go outside.
I learned that the hard way.
Now I bring the things that make outdoor life feel easier instead of pretending I’m low maintenance.
Portable Fan
- Portable fan that helps keep you cool in heat and crowds
- Rechargeable design with long battery life for travel days
- Works as a mini fan, flashlight, and backup power bank
A portable fan changed summer travel for me more than I expected.
Especially in airports, desert heat, and outdoor events.
Tiny luxury. Huge difference.
Chilled champagne does the trick too.
Stanley Cup + Extras
- One-handed push lid makes sipping easy on the move
- Leak-resistant design for tossing in your bag without worry
- Insulated stainless steel keeps drinks at temp on hikes or busy days
I resisted the Stanley obsession for a long time.
Then I understood.
Cold water somehow makes outdoor life dramatically more enjoyable.
Rumpl Blanket
- Lightweight and packable without taking up much space
- Adds a comfortable layer for breaks or post-hike relaxing
- Easy upgrade that makes outdoor time feel more intentional
Road trips. Concerts. Scenic overlooks. Cold mornings.
I use my Rumpl blanket constantly.
Outfit Formulas That Always Work
I used to think hiking outfits had to look a certain way.
Now I mostly care about:
- comfort
- movement
- not overheating
- still feeling like myself
I also put together a full breakdown of the actual outfits I repeat most often — including the pieces that hold up best in heat, long walks, and casual hikes without feeling overly technical here ->.
Leggings + Oversized Shirt
- High-waist fit provides supportive, stay-in-place coverage
- Stretch fabric allows full range of movement without restriction
- Soft, durable material holds shape through repeated wear
This is probably my most repeated formula.
Leggings, tank, oversized button-down, sunglasses, water bottle. Done.
Cargo Pants + Crop Top
- Soft cotton blend with a comfortable relaxed fit
- Open leg design feels easy and less restrictive for lounging
- Stretch fabric works well for travel, walks, or casual days
Comfortable but still slightly styled.
I’m 5’10”, so I actually buy men’s pants pretty often for the longer inseam and relaxed fit.
Relaxed without feeling sloppy.
Overalls + Tank
- Relaxed fit that feels comfortable without looking sloppy
- Adjustable straps and roomy pockets add practical everyday function
- Easy layering piece for travel, casual weekends, or outdoor days
Easy. Comfortable. Slightly fun.
Perfect for road trips or casual outdoor days.
Matching Sweats
- Relaxed oversized fit that feels soft and comfortable from day one
- Midweight fabric works well for cool mornings and travel days
- Vintage inspired striped design adds an easy casual look
Matching sweats somehow make travel days feel intentional instead of exhausted.
Shoes
- Classic low-top style that works with leggings, denim, or casual outfits
- Padded collar and cushioned feel make them comfortable for all-day wear
- Easy neutral sneaker that balances sporty and everyday style
Sometimes it’s Birkenstocks, Slippers, Crocs, Golden Goose, or Caval (French).
Sometimes sneakers that are objectively not hiking shoes but somehow survive the hike anyway.
Real life.
Tiny Things That Make It More Fun
Because I think enjoying outdoor life is mostly about making it feel like your version of it.
Fun Socks
- Soft, comfortable socks with fun outdoors inspired patterns
- Lightweight stretch fit that works well with sneakers or hiking shoes
- Adds a playful outdoor feel to everyday outfits or travel days
I have hiking socks with cactuses.
Another pair says “The Time Is Meow.”
These details make me disproportionately happy.
Cute Hats & Tiny Extras
- Hydrating lip balm that keeps lips soft without feeling sticky
- Adds a smooth, glossy finish with comfortable everyday wear
- Lightweight formula that works well alone or over lip color
A cute hat. Lip balm (If the bugs are bad, I skip sticky gloss and go for a hydrating matte product instead). Cold water + electrolytes. A good playlist.
The older I get, the more I realize small comforts matter.
What I’ve Learned About Being Outdoorsy
I used to think outdoor people looked a certain way.
Very athletic.
Very serious.
Very prepared.
Now I think it’s mostly about letting yourself enjoy things.
Walking more.
Exploring more.
Going outside even if your outfit is mildly impractical.
I don’t think you need to become a completely different person to enjoy outdoor life.
I think you just need to make it feel like your version of it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m never going to be the person sleeping outside with zero skincare and a protein bar in my pocket.
But I also don’t want to spend my entire life indoors.
Somewhere in the middle is the version that works for me.
Slightly outdoorsy.
Slightly girly.
Comfortable.
Practical.
And still open to adventure.
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