Summer is the perfect time of year for long weekend trips. I have always loved piling into the car for a road trip adventure, it’s one of the most fun parts of summer vacation. This time of the year, we take lots of short trips, and even though I tend to be an over-packer, I love creating travel outfits and collecting weekend getaway outfit ideas.
First things first, I check weather forecasts days in advance, the itinerary, and images of the main places we are going to visit. If we are going on a longer trip I will sometimes take a look at what others are wearing at our destination location. I do this before making my packing list. Because I am a fashionista at heart, I don’t take what others are wearing too much into account, but I do want to make sure I am not totally off base. For example, in an upcoming trip to Finland, I learned that most of the activities are centered around enjoying the outdoors, and one of the places will be quite breezy. Clearly, I will need a light jacket rather than one of my strappy maxi dresses. Clearly, if we are going away to celebrate a special occasion, we need to take that into consideration as well.
The mode of travel also plays a role in building a travel wardrobe. When we drive, I always feel like I can take a few extra items, “just in case” since we have a lot of space. However, too many “just in case” items are the last thing we need when we travel by any form of public transportation.
Palm Dress https://rstyle.me/+8IeXHBCUd2iXNOemDzyZxg
YSL Handbag https://rstyle.me/+_zAzIIkiHCOiw8TszeiUqg
Wedges https://rstyle.me/+_7tnYaUeYDTMGj1X4MFVhA
Sunglasses https://rstyle.me/+5P_B4GTwvCpI1VK39uiwuQ
Cle De Peau Sunscreen https://rstyle.me/+Trr1Uj8yxEJHYX93bPuZfA
Hat https://rstyle.me/+KwOKurIMevc0Kf9R-1M3Eg
The Packing List
There are so many fashion formulas for travel outfits, as they are essentially a mini capsule wardrobe it can be confusing, so I begin by crating my weekend wardrobe around a specific color palette. Because I love neutral colors, and they tend to go well together, they form the backbone of my weekend getaway outfits. I also incorporate the clothing I will wear on the travel day into the capsule. Once I have done these things, I can dive into outfit planning.
Another way to build a color palette is around a pattern. For example, if you have a dress or skirt with a floral pattern, you can then add additional tops and bottoms that coordinate with the pattern and build your outfit inspiration around that. Accessories can add visual interest to a simple outfit.
Building your wardrobe around either pants such as jeans or a skirt–the midi skirt is really having a moment right now, or a pair of denim shorts, choosing a couple of bottom pieces is a good place to start. I then add shirts and tops, followed by comfortable walking shoes, and a pair of comfortable dress shoes that go with the dresses and skirts you are bringing.
A few words about my luggage suggestions: Years ago, my husband traveled weekly and we bought him a set of Tumi luggage. It was supposed to be strong and have a really good waranty. However while the luggage worked pretty well, it did require repairs from time to time, and thats when we discovered a few disappointments in their waranty program. I was at the luggage store picking up a repair when the sales person pointed out Briggs and Riley. I bought a set for myself, and then one for him. I have been super happy with the quality and have yet to need to send anything in for repair. There are so many different suitcase brands out there, and certainly lots of very stylish options, but after having a number of travel adventures with other brands this is the one that has been a stalwart for thirty years.
Garment Duffel https://rstyle.me/+xJzP8cEj0SCOkV9euDbl7A
Slim Hangable kit https://rstyle.me/+EQPK1X9lbdwF7zIK4x7vaQ
Compression Packing Cubes https://rstyle.me/+AERZ0fS-xrjsVdmEmHhQPg
Organizing your suitcase:
I love packing cubes. I pack all tops in one, bottoms in another, lingerie in yet another. However, I know of people who pack a whole outfit with accessories in each of their packing cubes. I am personally a fan, but I have seen a number of videos showing alternative packing methods such as laying each clothing item into their bag in a giant pile, and others who roll each item.
A Few Don’ts
Don’t worry about wearing the same thing more than once. If you are going on a two to three-day trip, you can easily wear a different outfit every day, but if you are going on a longer trip, no one will notice if you are wearing the same thing more than once. In reality, you are there to enjoy the scenery and the experience.
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. Swimsuits take up very little room in the suitcase and are great to have on hand for a last-minute swim, or hot tub moment. I also bring a workout outfit, even though I don’t always go to the gym. I have ended up using the leggings as loungewear and a few times as long underwear on an unexpectedly cold day.
Don’t forget some type of robe or coverup. I have a kimono robe that I use for lounging in the room and as a swimsuit cover-up. It can also be used over a plain outfit to add interest.
Don’t forget a fun tote. I keep one of those tiny foldup totes in my weekend bag to be used to carry items to the pool, offload an overweight suitcase or to carry souvenirs and purchases that don’t fit in my suitcase.
Don’t forget to bring a few fun accessories. Adding a cute bucket hat, a cute bag, or a scarf and an interesting bracelet–those little details make such a difference in your outfits and take little room in the travel bag.
Don’t forget to add a lightweight jacket or sweater such as a denim jacket, a sweater jacket, or a blazer. Even here in Florida, we always have a jacket or sweater on hand for use in the air conditioning.
Don’t forget that if you do forget something, you can always purchase it at your destination, or depending on what it is, you may be able to improvise until you get home–clearly if you forgot prescription medication, that could be a problem, but I have been able to refill domestically without problems.
The 3-3-3 Capsule Wardrobe
The 333 capsule has made its way through social media and can be a helpful foundation for creating the perfect weekend travel wardrobe. You choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes. From those nine items, you should be able to make several outfits for your weekend getaway. I have found that I only need two pairs of shoes, so I will substitute another accessory for the shoes.
The 54321 Capsule Wardrobe
This capsule has five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two workout outfits, and one accessory item. As with the 3 3 3 capsule, this system is a good way to start a longer vacation, but just as the 333 method it will need to be tweaked to fit your style and vacation.
Weekend Getaway Luggage
Because we do weekend getaways so often, I have begun to collect luggage specifically for short getaways. I have two suitcases but they are often too big for a three-day getaway–so for a while, I was taking a giant tote when we took a road trip. Experience has taught me that the oversized tote isn’t as good as weekender luggage–my clothes are often quite wrinkled, and I am reluctant to use the valet services when I have a big tote. Anyone can reach right in and help themselves to my things. Here are a few weekend bags I really like.
I hope this post has given you some inspiration for your next vacation. There is no perfect way to pack and experience guides us to the very best way for our specific circumstances, but I hope you have gotten some ideas and inspiration to make your next trip both chic and comfortable so you can focus on the adventure!
