Weekend Break Packing Essentials

Off somewhere nice for the Jubilee Weekend? Whether you’re planning on visiting friends and family in the UK, or you’re using the extended break to get away here or further afield, here’s a few tips on what you might consider packing for a mini break if you want to pack light…

Midi dress: the ultimate in versatile dressing, the midi dress is easy to throw on, is cool and airy on warmer days, can be dressed down with trainers for sightseeing, and dressed up for the evening so you don’t have to get changed before dinner!

Trainers (or comfy boots): particularly if you’re on a city break or visiting somewhere new, you’ll want to have a proper look around whilst still feeling stylish… So you can’t go wrong with a pair of white trainers or some comfy ankle boots. They’ll go with pretty much everything on this list, and let’s face it, you’re not going to want to walk for hours in heels!

Depending on how warm it might be… Wide leg trousers or city shorts: a smarter alternative to jeans which will easily flow from day to night without too much planning. A longer leg short will feel chic.

A pair of jeans: comfy, and easy to dress up or down. Is there anything more to say…?!

Shirt and/or blouse: a smarter alternative to T-shirt, which you can layer up if you need to. Add some fab jewellery for an evening look.

Leather sandals: these will give you a smarter option for the evening, team them up with the midi dress and you’ve got a restaurant worthy outfit. If the weather is very warm too, you might find that trainers or boots end up feeling too hot for long periods of walking round.

Blazer, leather or denim jacket: depending on your style preference, having a lightweight jacket option is a must for a mini break. You can change the overall look and feel of your outfit with your jacket, and as we’re still only in the springtime, you’re sure to want a layering option at some point! (Depending on where you are travelling to, you may also want to consider bringing a waterproof option too!)

T-shirt tops: an essential layer which will feature in your outfits of all temperatures really! Take a couple of these, which you can layer up if you need to. It’s a good idea to have at least one which feels slightly smarter that you can wear out of an evening too.

Chunky knit cardi or lightweight jumper: following on with the above theme, this one is for layering… If you’re lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere, I always find planes really cold too, so I wouldn’t go away without having a cardi or jumper available for travelling.

Bikini / Swimwear: Well, if you’re going somewhere that requires this, then I am feeling rather jealous! Whether you are heading off to somewhere sunny and want to option for a bit of lazing in the sunshine, or you’ve got a hotel break planned with a pool, you’ll obviously want to pop in some swimwear. If you’ve brought your shirt as suggested above, then that can double up as a cover up for the beach or poolside.

Accessories can be the making of your multiple outfit options with minimal clothing items when you’re away, so here’s some to bring with you, they’ll make all the difference!

Oversized bag: a basket bag or similar to carry all the guidebooks whilst day tripping, to bring your book, towel and suncream to the beach or poolside, and also good for the plane if you are flying somewhere.

Smaller handbag: to carry your valuables as you travel, and you might also want something a little smaller for the evening.

Jewellery: it won’t take up much space, and you’ll appreciate having options when using the same clothes to create outfits - why not take some more understated pieces for the daytime and jazz up a jeans and t-shirt combo with some oversized colourful pieces to create an evening look?

Scarf: I basically never leave the house without a scarf of some sort, so it’s always going to be on my list of things to take away with me!! For that freezing on the plane moment, to additional layering if it cools down in the evening, a scarf is also a great way to add a pop of colour or pattern to simpler items.

Belt: if you’re like me, it’s going to be there on your jeans anyway, but you could add to your midi dress to create a different shape, pop it on with your city shorts… even create a mini dress if you shirt is oversized!

Sunnies: let’s face it, we’re all hoping for a bit of sunshine wherever we head off to, so sunglasses are an essential item.

And whatever you do… don’t forget your clean underwear!!