This weekend my family and I will be heading up North on a road trip to Minnesota. We'll be staying near the twin cities for two days to spend time with family and friends. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to share my tips for packing for a weekend away from home during the summer months.
I've had a long, grueling relationship with packing for travel. I love it, and I hate it. Planning and organizing always make me ecstatic, however I always over-plan and in result, over pack. I end up arriving at my destination with more clothes than I can handle. But, only 3 outfits I actually want to wear! Sound familiar? Here's a guide to packing for your weekend without stress and more than one bag.
1. ESSENTIALS ONLY
The trick is to simplify, simplify, simplify. I promise you don't actually need ALL of your favorite dresses and 4 pairs of shorts. Also, 5 pairs of shoes? Come on!
Identify what you need exactly for what you will be doing. For example, my weekend consists of 3 days.
DAY ONE: I will be driving majority of the day, then dinner with family, and swimming.
DAY TWO: Big event most of the day, lunch and dinner with family.
DAY THREE: Driving.
Identify what clothing and items are needed. I'll need a swimsuit, 1 pair of pajamas, 2 dresses, and 2 casual outfits. Also, walking shoes and dressy shoes. Easy, right?
If you are going to spend you weekend on the beach, your essentials may look different. Perhaps, 2 swimsuits, 2 flowy dresses, a beach bag, sunglasses and hat, denim cutoffs, and a tee. Also, sandals ;).
On to the next step.
2. BACK TO THE BASICS
After you've made a list of exactly what you'll need, it's time to choose your pieces. It may be wise to choose a color scheme. Use neutral colors, and add at least one pop of color to your weekend collection. Choose basic pieces!
I need to pack 2 dresses. One fancy dress, and another that's a bit less dressed up.
I've had a long, grueling relationship with packing for travel. I love it, and I hate it. Planning and organizing always make me ecstatic, however I always over-plan and in result, over pack. I end up arriving at my destination with more clothes than I can handle. But, only 3 outfits I actually want to wear! Sound familiar? Here's a guide to packing for your weekend without stress and more than one bag.
1. ESSENTIALS ONLY
The trick is to simplify, simplify, simplify. I promise you don't actually need ALL of your favorite dresses and 4 pairs of shorts. Also, 5 pairs of shoes? Come on!
Identify what you need exactly for what you will be doing. For example, my weekend consists of 3 days.
DAY ONE: I will be driving majority of the day, then dinner with family, and swimming.
DAY TWO: Big event most of the day, lunch and dinner with family.
DAY THREE: Driving.
Identify what clothing and items are needed. I'll need a swimsuit, 1 pair of pajamas, 2 dresses, and 2 casual outfits. Also, walking shoes and dressy shoes. Easy, right?
If you are going to spend you weekend on the beach, your essentials may look different. Perhaps, 2 swimsuits, 2 flowy dresses, a beach bag, sunglasses and hat, denim cutoffs, and a tee. Also, sandals ;).
On to the next step.
2. BACK TO THE BASICS
After you've made a list of exactly what you'll need, it's time to choose your pieces. It may be wise to choose a color scheme. Use neutral colors, and add at least one pop of color to your weekend collection. Choose basic pieces!
I need to pack 2 dresses. One fancy dress, and another that's a bit less dressed up.
The colors in both dresses are all neutral. This allows for more flexibility for what I pair the dresses with. Moving on. Swimsuit, pajamas, and my casual outfits. These are kind of a no brainer. As for the outfits, I'm pairing these DIY striped linen cutoffs with a lace tank. For the last day, I'll just wear my denim cut offs and a tee since I'm just driving home that day.
3. KEEP THE EXTRAS AND JEWELRY TO A MINIMUM
When it comes to travel, you need to be prepared. As for a weekend trip, a light jacket or sweatshirt for the summer is essential. Being cold is NOT stylish! Also, always bring extra pairs of socks and underwear. However, you don't need 2 extra outfits and different accessories for every outfit.
As for accessories, choose one statement piece. After that piece, it would be best to bring only earrings and a delicate necklace or classic watch. Less jewelry means less to worry about. Though it's essential to look stylish and put together, try not to overdue it.
I'm bringing my 2 favorite necklaces, earrings, and this unique ruler bracelet. The necklaces can be dressed up or down, and earrings always seem to tie together my look.
4. SHOES AND HATS AND BAGS, OH MY!
Alright, ladies. If you are anything like me, you LOVE shoes. For a summer weekend, you only need 2 pairs. *collective sigh* I would go for comfortable walking shoes/sandals, and dress shoes appropriate for what event or dinner you are attending. As for my weekend, I'll be sporting dressy sandals and my favorite slip on leather shoes. The sandals are perfect for wearing with a fancy dress, or cutoffs and a tee. However, the slip-ons are the best for walking around the city stylishly (and comfortably).
Hats. If you are going to the beach, you need a large wide brim one. I totally recommend it if you want to look chic, mysterious, and undeniably the most stylish person laying on the sand. Otherwise, this wide brim hat is perfect if you are walking around the city on a sunny day. However, if you aren't going to wear that hat, don't bring it! I also love sporting baseball caps during the summer.
For my trip, I decided I'd just bring my favorite cap from my trip to Nashville a few weeks ago.
For my trip, I decided I'd just bring my favorite cap from my trip to Nashville a few weeks ago.
As for bags, I always like to follow the 2 bag rule. Or, the two bag and small clutch rule ;). I usually choose to bring my favorite mini black backpack on trips. But recently I invested in this amazing large leather tote. Along with this tote, I´ĺl keep my favorite wallet/clutch inside. It can be used as both and is all black so it matches just about everything. If this was a longer trip, I may also bring my favorite small, bright yellow shoulder bag. However, I can just use the tote and clutch for everything we have planned.
That's all I have for you today! Thanks for reading, and safe travels.
xx,
Siena
That's all I have for you today! Thanks for reading, and safe travels.
xx,
Siena