It's Taken Me 14 Years, But I've Finally Perfected My Camping Capsule

Some of my fondest memories involve pitching a tent and lying under the stars. From summer holidays with my family to my first trip away with my now-husband, camping has always been my staycation of choice. Now, with little option but to explore home soil, many of my friends have come to me to ask what to wear camping. So many, in fact, that I thought some of you might also find it challenging to assemble a practical but chic camping wardrobe.

While camping isn’t necessarily glamorous, I have come to find it can be a stylish endeavour. You need to pack with versatility in mind, especially if you’re planning on being away for a few nights. As far as essentials go, I always recommend packing some jeans, a handful of jersey layering tops, toasty pyjamas and cosy socks. (Yes, even in summer—it’s easier to cool down than it is to heat up, after all.) Considering these items are something of a given, I’ve instead listed out some of the pieces that either 1) I refuse to go on a camping expedition without, or 2) you might not think to take with you otherwise.

Along with avoiding pitching your tent in the rain at all costs (it'll never dry out) and ensuring you have flip-flops for the shower block (trust me, you’ll be glad you took them), scroll on to see what to wear camping and to shop the pieces you need for your upcoming trip.

WATERPROOF JACKETS

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(Image credit: @LUCYWILLIAMS02)

Style Notes: Okay, so this one is obvious, but regardless of the summer weather forecast, a waterproof cover-up is vital. Even if it stays in the car the entire time, should you end up needing one and haven't packed one, it'll put a downer on your entire trip. Fail to prepare, and all that. 

Shop waterproof jackets:

THROW-ON DRESSES

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(Image credit: @LUCYWILLIAMS02)

Style Notes: Dresses might not seem like ideal camping attire, but anyone who has gotten dressed in a tiny tent before will understand the appeal of just pulling something over your head. They also take up minimal room in your rucksack, saving space for important things like snacks and your skincare. 

Shop throw-on dresses:

BUCKET HATS

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(Image credit: @AMAKA.HAMELIJNCK)

Style Notes: Come rain or shine, bucket hats are the answer. Equally adept at keeping the sun out of your eyes as they are at shielding you from the rain, a wide-brim bucket hat will fast become your new outdoors BFF. 

Shop bucket hats:

COMFY JOGGERS

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(Image credit: @CLAIRE_MOST)

Style Notes: Those joggers that you bought at the beginning of lockdown? They're also perfect for camping trips, as they're comfier than jeans. I wear mine to travel in, and at night, towards the end of the season, I'll pull them over my pyjama bottoms for a cosy extra layer. 

Shop joggers:

SLIP-ON SHOES

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(Image credit: @ALYSSAINTHECITY)

Style Notes: Boots and trainers are also an integral part of my camping uniform, but don't overlook a pair of slip-on shoes. Ease of wear is key when you're camping, so shoes that don't involve laces that you can quickly slip on to run to the loos or head to the local pub will be a welcome addition in your capsule. 

Shop slip-on shoes:

HAIR CLAWS

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(Image credit: @RAEANNLANGAS)

Style Notes: Although you'll find shower blocks at most campsites, when there's fun and exploring to be had, the last thing you'll want to do is fuss over your hair. Pack a claw clip for an easy updo solution. 

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HEAVY SHIRTING

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(Image credit: @HIMICHELLELI)

Style Notes: Like I said, versatility is key, and no item will come in handy on a camping trip more than a heavy shirt or shacket. Wear it on its own, as a cover-up or tied around your waist as an emergency extra layer.

Shop heavy shirting:

CYCLING SHORTS

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(Image credit: @CHAMPAGNEMANI)

Style Notes: The most recent addition to my camping wardrobe is a pair of cycling shorts. You've already got your full-length-trouser bases covered in the form of jeans and joggers, but cycling shorts will give you an extra outfit option that requires minimal space and weight in your holdall. For styling inspiration, just look to Imani, who has assembled one of the strongest camping-appropriate looks I've seen. 

Shop cycling shorts:

COSY FLEECES

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(Image credit: @LINDSEYHOLLAND_)

Style Notes: I was so glad when fleeces were given the fashion seal of approval, as it makes them all the more stylish on a camping trip. Whether it's the early morning chill or whilst you're sitting around a fire in the evening, you'll be pleased you took this toasty (and on-trend) layer with you.

Shop fleeces:

Next Up: 25 Outfit Ideas I Have Really Loved This Week

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.