If packing light is not your style, you’re not alone. Too many eager travelers are tempted to pack three suitcases worth of garments to satisfy their every stylish craving, only to end up lugging their bags around while they open up a single one. A getaway is meant to be relaxing, stress-free, you’re not supposed to get annoyed at your suitcase hours before your trip!
This is, basically, your getaway from packing on your own. We’ll guide you through the process step by step, so that you can throw stuff in without looking back and not waste hours of your life pondering how many pairs of sandals to take. Hint: you’ll only need the one pair. Ready, set, go!
Layers are your best pals
Friendly clouds can become moody clouds, and a sunny day can turn into a windy one in a heartbeat. If you’re going to a place you know well, then you know its fickle nature best. If this is your first time visiting a destination – layers are the only way to save your skin.
We’re talking about two or three days for your trip. So, a pair of leggings can double as a daytime and evening solution when paired with a simple tee or a stylish tunic. Add an oversized black sweater or a faux leather jacket, and you’re all set.
One go-to outfit for all occasions
We all have that one pair of high waisted jeans that go splendidly with every single button-down and every single crop top we own. That’s the one, so to speak. A pair of heels and that shirt can turn it into an evening option, while flats such as sneakers or sandals with a printed tee can keep you comfy for your daytime adventures.
The beauty of your jeans is in their simplicity. You can wear them with a floral top, that very same black sweater, or a silky blouse if you know and plan to go out for a fancy dinner. Jeans are every traveler’s best friend.
Consider the destination and the weather
Now that we have it down to jeans/leggings, tee/shirt, plus one warm layer in the form of jacket/sweater, you can work your way up from there depending on the weather. Going to a sizzling summer resort for a weekend of spa pampering? You’ll spend your days basking in a bathrobe, most likely, so consider shorts as a worthy addition. A maxi dress, especially a cotton or linen one is also an option! It may also be a good idea to invest in some bikini (for more info, check https://strangebikinis.com/blogs/news/underwire-bikini) if you want to get a good tan.
Alternatively, a mountain escape calls for more than your basic layers, so make sure to have something warm and fuzzy with you, whether it’s your favorite college sweatshirt, or an extra sweater, as long as you stay warm, you’re good. No need to overpack.
Comfort and purpose over all else
Unless you do have a fancy dinner planned, you should keep your footwear simple and multipurpose. A pair of simple white sneakers is a perfect example: you can wear them with jeans, shorts, skirts, leggings, and you can wear them for any sight-seeing you plan to do.
You can, of course, pack an additional pair of sandals or wedges that can keep your feet fresh while you bask on the beach or the porch – because you’ve been smart enough to travel while wearing those sneakers! That’s a simple way to keep your carry-on light without leaving your favorite wearables behind.
Stay minimal with accessories
Of course, in addition to a pair of shades, and a hat, one could claim that you need nothing else. But if you’re a fashionista, you’ll feel the undeniable urge to pack your entire bauble collection together with most of your makeup. Resist it and keep it basic – a red lipstick, your favorite mascara, and you’re good to go.
As for your jewelry, simplicity should be your guiding star much like with your wardrobe, so make sure that you pack something for that special dinner planned, such as a pendant necklace, and perhaps a pair of earrings. At this point, it’s no longer about the space this stuff will take, but about the principle. Keep stress to a minimum and bring only the items you know you’ll wear, without imposing stressful choices on yourself.
A minimal mindset in packing is an art form, one that takes time to develop, especially for those short trips. Keep this little guide nearby, and you’ll find it easier to adjust one weekend getaway at a time!
This is so important. My goodness. I have forgotten many pieces because I have just over thought about activities that were planned. Comfort clothes are so important. Great article.
I have always believed in traveling light. It helps me to save the unnecessary cost of checking in my luggage and paying through my nose to the airlines.
I’m all about simplicity in my wardrobe and my jewelry. I don’t like going to over the top.
Great tips! I am a terrible packer and tend to take way more than I need – usually it’s clothes that ends up never being used. I learned a few tips now!
These are great tips. I always end up packing way too many clothes. Checking the weather forecast is a good idea.
Great tips for packing light. I don’t bring a lot with me when I travel. To ensure that i do not overpack, I check my itinerary to see if there are places/events I will be visiting that calls for a certain kind of clothing.
I travel all the time and have taken my packing down to a science, lol. Great tips here!
Such great packing tips. Packing light is is my go to option!
Comfort is everything when you’re planning a simple getaway. It does come in handy to have comfortable attire.
Good tips since I will go backpacking in October with my boyfriend in Malaga. Now, I’m quite deliberative about this short vacation.:)
There are some really good tips here. I always pack way too much. Layers are a fab idea though xx
Great tips! Definitely packing for a weekend you always want to stay on the lighter side, with just a carry on bag at the most!
Bookmarked this page for reference if and when we go on a trip before the year ends. I do have a tendency to pack more than what I need. My kids even joke about it, saying, “Mama is about to take the whole house with us.” Haha.
I always feel cold so I make sure to bring a jacket every time we go somewhere. Nice tips.
These are definitely some great tips! Considering the weather when you travel is a huge thing! Thanks for sharing.
Perfect weekend getaway outfit ideas! Keeping it simple is key:)
How could we survive without layers? Especially for the traveling portion!
Love your minimalist approach! That’s the only way to pack!
Great idea for packing light. I also pack one to two high waisted jeans with me wherever I go. They are suitable in any weather and can match with almost any clothes.
I’m all about a carry on when I go away to places these days. ESPECIALLY weekend getaways! Less is MORE IMO – and if you need something, just get it there!
“Shades”…..very important an accessory! Any person has to leave them behind at their own peril.
great tips you have here. me, when i got for getaways, i usually buy my clothes from thrift shop… 😀 there are a lot of treasures there for fab OOTD.
That is some very nice planning! I am always sure to bring clothes for any occasion when I am on a getaway!
It’s definitely important to pack light but smart when traveling for a weekend getaway! Great tips!
great tips! i tend to overpack like crazy, like i pack way to many shirts lol. i really need to pack more of what i need. i ALWAYS forget something!!!!
World traveler here – and your tips are spot on. Definitely with the minimal accessories as you don’t want to have anything stolen.
When I go outside for travel I also packed excess clothes and accessories.Now i think it need not pack so many clothes for travel. Awesome weekend gateway tips!
your tip for staying minimal w/ accessories is a good one for both sexes. it is way too easy to pack too many accessories!
Nice tips for what to wear for a weekend getaway. I always dress for comfort haha.