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Guest Blogger: What to Pack for a Weekend Away?

You’ve been planning your weekend away or “escapade” for weeks. You’ve booked your hotel, researched what are the best things to do and where are the best bars/restaurants. Now you’re left with “PACKING”, and if you are like most people it’s something you dread! For me it’s the unpacking I don’t like! Anyway, I’d love to make it an easier task for you and even exciting (yes you read right!) by giving my best tips.

What to Pack for a weekend away is a bit like “decluttering”, you just need to be strict with yourself and organised. That is even more important if your trip takes you on a plane. So, before you start, think of the city or place you’re going to, the weather forecast for the length of your break and find out what you’re going to do during the day as well as the evenings. Being prepared for the weather and what you’ll do is KEY to smart packing.

Packing also varies with your style and what you have in your wardrobe so I’m not going to dictate what to choose but just give you some valuable tips on how to combine your clothes so that you don’t need lots of pieces to create outfits.

It sounds daft but don’t wait until the last minute to get your weekend bag or suitcase. Get something strong, in your style and if you want a suitcase that fits in the plane cabin, just check the measurements before shopping!

When you go on a short trip, accessories are useful to create different outfits with the same garments so you don’t have to get your full wardrobe, trust me!! You can wear for example the same dress on two occasions, by just changing the necklaces and shoes OR jacket/Cardigan.

Some women start their packing by choosing the shoes they want to wear, which can be a great way to create your capsule wardrobe but then stick to 2 pairs! A pair of trendy comfortable flats and a pair of wedges or heels depending on your preference. (And a pair of flip flops if you go on the beach!!)

From top to right, here are the links to where you can find those items:

The parka is from Karen Millen (£265), the floral top from River Island (£35), the powder pink from H&M (£17.99), stripy dress from Ted BAKER (£149), Orange top from River Island (£18), the grey top from Mint Velvet (£69), blue camisole from NEXT, (£18), handbag from Kate Spade (£295), Rose gold double chocker from Accessorize (£8), jeans from Karen Millen, white trousers from River Island (£35), Dune wedge (£85), Geox trainers (£110)

Also, if your trip involves a flight, it may be good for you to wear “your heaviest items” on the plane like your jacket, thick cardigan and shoes. Layers are also good as it’s often cold on the plane! A Scarf that can keep you warm on the flight, can also be used as a sarong if your trip takes for few days by the sea. On that note, think what you can use as your beach bag ie have you got a fabric bag that you can pack at the bottom of your weekend bag? Or if you travel with the kids, can one of the weekend bag become THE beach bag? Or can your “handbag” be used as a “beach bag” and you can just take a mini bag or clutch with you?