Going away for the weekend? All you need are these 5 items.

Jun 6

You don’t need to bring much. Coco Chanel supposedly said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” And no one knows who the first to say, “Kill your darlings,” was, but it’s another favorite mantra of mine. How does this apply to a weekend away? You must do it when packing, especially for a weekend getaway.

Pick out your favorite go-to outfits - one for each day you’ll be away, considering day and night looks and temperature. Add shoes, jewelry, a hat, sunglasses - whatever you need for a complete outfit.

Now, we murder.

Out of your options, choose one dress (maybe allow two if they pack easily), one pair of pants (or jeans), and one light jacket or sweater, (for chilly mornings or cool nights), and make these choices easy to dress up or casualize for the day, as you mix and match. Then, choose two tops to pair with your pants (and that sweater you chose) - a day top, and an evening out top. This gives you 5 (maybe 6) items and more than enough for Friday (night), Saturday (day and night), and Sunday (day). Now choose one comfy day pair of shoes and one pair for the night, that look great with all of your outfits (remember, choose a dress you can wear all day and dress up at night). An extra set of flip flops is an easy stowaway and can be worn to the beach, for breakfast at the local’s favorite diner, or with a cuter, dressier outfit for a trip out with friends to dinner. Lastly, find a couple of bangles, earrings, or a necklace that looks good with all your outfit choices. You can even wear them on the way to your destination for easy transport. If it makes sense, add a swimsuit and coverup (a hat if that’s your thing), and voila! You’re packed for your weekend getaway.

5 Items to Pack (lightly) for a Weekend Getaway:

A cute dress that works day and night.
A pair of pants (or jeans) that can be casual or dressed up.
Two tops to go with your pants, which are easy to wear during the day or for dinner out (or one of each).
A light jacket or sweater that compliments every outfit you styled for the weekend.
Add accessories that work: a set of day and evening shoes, plus your go-to jewelry to dress it all up. (Actually, these are items 6, 7, and 8 :)

These are the basics, the all-you-need go-to’s. But feel free to add a pair of shorts, a second light sweater, and a cute clutch for that dinner you planned, if you have the room - and remember to pack Pjs and under garnets. Just don’t overdo it. Remember the mantra, kill your darlings. This isn’t the time to pack that cute dress you need to lose five pounds to fit into or that new blouse you got on sale. Only the tried and true. Plus, save room in your bag for that adorable dress you’ll find at the boardwalk market, which you can wear out Saturday night!

Have a lovely weekend!

Much love,
Chrissy

Ps. I believe I coined the term casualize, but isn’t it perfect? It should be a word!