How To: Pack for a Weekend Getaway
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Confession time: I am a chronic over-packer. I have been known to bring two weeks worth of outfits for a three night stay. Add in the needed footwear, accessories, makeup and hair supplies – and I have found myself fighting with the suitcase’s zipper more times than I can count.
With a few long weekends on the calendar this fall, I’ve been challenging my packing skills and have been revising my approach to preparing for a weekend getaway. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to pack for your trip without bringing your entire closet.
The clothes: When you’re trying to conserve space, it’s important to plan ahead. I typically bring two pairs of jeans as a base and bring some cute tees and tanks to vary the look. My go-to’s are dark wash denim and black skinny jeans, since both are easily dressed up or down.
For daytime sightseeing, my favorite outfit is skinny jeans, a white v-neck top, and a lightweight cardigan that is easy to take on and off. For nighttime, my outfit of choice is a sparkly top and a fitted blazer to pull it all together. For dressier, occasions, a little black dress is a space-saving solution.
The shoes: Efficiently packing shoes is a challenge. If I know I’m going to do a lot of walking, I make sure I have a pair of comfortable flats with me. For night, I bring classic black pumps — again a staple that goes with every outfit. A great trip can be ruined by blisters, so make sure you have band aids with you, too!
The Beauty Supplies: You don’t need your entire arsenal of supplies for a weekend tip; it is a getaway after all. I prefer to limit it to the basics – for me that means concealer, mascara, and lip gloss. It’s always a safe bet to throw a rosy blush or bronzer and a deep red lipstick for a more dramatic nighttime look. Oh and if you have a fresh manicure, include the polish to fix any chips. (A getaway is also a great time to rely on a palette with coordinating eye shadows, blush and lip color all in one sleek compact ~ Tyna)
The outerwear: Though I wish it were warm enough to wear only a tank top at all times, the fall chill has officially set in. For travel purposes, you can’t go wrong with a classic trench coat. It goes with everything, while providing the warmth you need for chillier nights.
photo: I Heart Vintage Thrift Etsy store
The bag: What good is an extensive packing list if you don’t have a solid bag to stash it all? I have been on the hunt for the perfect weekender bag – roomy, lightweight, a few pockets and with comfortable straps – for a while now and think I may have found a winner with the Denim Carry-All from American Apparel. Or make a statement and go vintage, carrying a bag like this World Traveler Carry On (above) available at Etsy.
Above all, planning is key. You plan every detail of your weekend getaway; why not do the same with your outfits? Happy travels!
we heartsters — what are your travel necessities? What are your best packing tips?
I’ve become a pro at packing (I live 11 hours away from family and friends and have to pack light) and my tips are to pack things that color coordinate or a completely neutral so you can mix and match easily and pack as little makeup as possible. For travel makeup, my go-to’s are Stila’s Illuminating powder foundation (foundation and powder in one), a concealer stick, Bobbi Brown’s pot rouge for lips and cheeks (Raspberry is my current fave), Bobbi Brown’s cream shadow in Galaxy, and I use a small charcoal pencil as eye liner and brow pencil. I use whatever sample mascara I have at hand and toss that in as well. For toiletries, I use those free samples most beauty sites always give away–for things like creams, lotions, serums, and face washes, I will poke a hole in each packet w/ a sterilized pin and then cover the hole with tape, that way when I get to where I’m going, I can dispense what I need and keep the rest fresh until later (tearing open the packet opens the product to bacteria, drying out, etc.).
My current favorite weekender bag is one from Vera Bradley. I got it and a matching tote and a matching duffle bag so I have enough to do a weekend up to a week. The bags are sassy and have tons of pockets. Love them.
Wow, you do pack well, Marissa! I got a chuckle reading your post! Thanks for the great tips.. When I pack to go somewhere I try really hard not to bring more than I need. But you know, it’s always better to be prepared for all kinds of changes in weather and plans.. I like the sound of that Denim Carry-All from American Apparel! I love a nice bag to travel with.. I also have a killer makeup bag I got from Kiehl’s when they opened a store at SCP years ago.. It’s awesome for travel because it holds everything and then some!
Great tips! I love the weekender bag from Vera Bradley too. I always try to roll all of my stuff and that definitely helps too, but it’s hard trying to keep to the basics.
Wow, @marissa, really good tips! I always end up overpacking, because “what if…” Especially when I’m travelling w/my fiance and little boy. My packing list is really long. :P