What to Pack for a Weekend Away
Have you ever felt packing panic before a weekend getaway? Perhaps you found yourself standing in front of your wardrobe, feeling more and more overwhelmed and tempted to just throw everything in your suitcase? Fear not, because this blog post is your ultimate guide to stress-free packing for your weekend away.
Whatever the plan is, we’re diving into the essentials that'll have you walking into your trip like a packing pro.
Travelling
Tip 1: Pack light and wave goodbye to your bulky suitcase
There is a world where you don’t have to lug a bulky suitcase around, endure the endless wait for your checked-in baggage at the airport, or deal with the nagging worry about what could happen if the airline misplaces your suitcase. If you're flying to your weekend away, packing lightly (and smartly) is never a bad idea, so why not wave goodbye to your suitcase and take a small cabin bag instead? Make sure to double-check the cabin bag dimensions specified by the airline and choose a suitable bag accordingly.
Tip 2: Wear your bulkiest items for travelling
If you’re looking to save space in your carry-on, try wearing your bulkiest items while you travel. Depending on where you’re headed, this could mean a quilted coat, jacket, or gilet for colder places, or a lightweight cardigan or jumper for cooler nights in warmer climates. No matter where you’re going, it’s always good to be comfy and have a cosy hoody, fleece, or sweatshirt to travel in. Don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes that are suitable for your destination and the activities you have planned.
Here is our guide to what an excellent travel outfit should include…
Leggings
Leggings are a travel game-changer for many reasons. Firstly, they're incredibly comfortable, providing the flexibility and ease of movement that's essential during any journey whether you’re travelling by car, coach, plane or train. Their stretchy fabric adapts to your body, making them the go-to choice for hours of sitting, standing, and everything in between.
Leggings are also lightweight and don't take up much space in your suitcase, leaving room for other travel essentials. Their versatility is another plus – pair them with various tops and accessories to create different looks without sacrificing comfort. And speaking of comfort, leggings are also often made from breathable materials, which is perfect for many climates ranging from chilly planes to warmer destinations.
Lightweight Top
Opting for a new t-shirt or top when you travel is a savvy choice for several reasons. The lightweight airy fabric ensures you stay cool and comfortable, especially in warmer climates or crowded spaces like airports. Easy to fold and pack, a lightweight t-shirt or top is also a super space-efficient option, allowing you to maximise space in your carry-on for other things. Hey, don’t forget about the flattering fit of a tunic style! They work with almost any outfit, especially leggings. You can dress them up or down depending on your activity. They’re perfect for those days when you want to look stylish and feel comfortable at the same time.
Zip-up Sweater or Hoodie
For several reasons, choosing leisurewear such as a zip-up sweater or hoodie for your travels is a smart move. You can quickly zip it up for warmth in cooler temperatures or unzip it when you need some ventilation, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions during your journey. This versatility makes it a go-to layer for various climates, from chilly aeroplane cabins to unpredictable weather at your destination. The zip also makes it a breeze to take on and off, which is particularly handy during airport security checks. There is no need to struggle with pulling a sweater over your head or dealing with multiple layers – just zip and unzip effortlessly.
A zip-up sweatshirt, fleece or hoodie also adds a touch of comfort to your travel ensemble. It provides a cosy layer for those long flights or coach rides, creating a homey feel even when you're on the go. Plus, it can double as a makeshift pillow for some in-flight or on-the-road napping!
Boots
Putting on a pair of boots for your travels is a practical choice as comfort takes the lead – many boots are designed with cushioned soles and support, making them ideal for navigating airports, train stations, or exploring a new destination on foot. Whether you like heels or flats, we have you covered at Bonmarché including a range of wide fit shoes, sandals or boots so no matter what the weather you are sure to find the perfect fit.
What to Pack
Tip 3: Pack items that you can mix and match and that layer well
Opt for mix-and-match pieces to maximise your outfit options. If your favourite top only pairs well with a specific pair of jeans or a skirt, you could leave it behind or look to buy multiple colours to mix and match the top. Another alternative could be to bring versatile pieces that can be easily combined for multiple looks.
Depending on where you're headed, you may need to consider unpredictable weather, or perhaps you’re going on a surprise trip, and you need to try and cover all bases. With this in mind, embrace the art of layering, especially if you're headed to a destination with fluctuating temperatures.
We recommend...
Cardigan
A lightweight jacket or cardigan is perfect for unexpected temperature changes and also adds a stylish touch to your look, especially when layered with a plain T-Shirt and straight leg jeans. It can also add some colour and design to your outfit making it perfect for dressing up for the evening with a dress or a daytime look with jeans or leggings.
Neutral colours
Consider bubble hem tops, t-shirts or tunics in neutral colours that easily pair with cropped trousers, shorts, jeans or leggings, ensuring you can create multiple looks with fewer items. These navy lightweight elasticated cropped trousers are perfect matched with a plain white or cream T-Shirt and the multi stripe longline cardigan.
From day to night
Opt for stylish yet comfortable dress or skirt suitable for your planned activities. We love this plain navy jersey dress with a tie wait detail that will enhance your waist. It matches with the longline stripe cardy for a perfect day look or one of our Faux Leather collarless jackets for a transition to eveningwear.
Accessories
Remember to add some accessories to elevate your outfits! Scarves, statement jewellery, or a stylish hat can transform a basic look into something eye-catching without taking up too much room in your bag. And remember, mixing and matching can extend to a handbag-sized umbrella for those unpredictable climates. Rain doesn’t need to mean no style!
Swimwear
You may also wish to pack swimwear in case the destination where you are going has a beach nearby or a pool or spa. Tummy control, adjustable straps, and matching sets we have you covered with Bonmarché’s extensive range of swimming costumes, swim dresses and tankinis all avaiable in sizes 10 through to 28.
Summer or winter sun
Don’t forget about a lightweight, easily foldable pair of shorts or a sundress perfect for looking stylish and keeping cool all day long. Check out our web exclusive range includes this floral frill hem sundress only available online.
The ultimate capsule packing list...
- 1-2 Pairs of Leggings
- 2 Base Layer Vest Tops
- Two T-shirts
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 1 Hoodie or Cardigan
- 1 Jacket
- A Pair of Flats or boots
- A Pair of Trainers
- 2 Dresses
- Personal items such as underwear, socks, pyjamas, toiletries and any tech items.
- A smaller crossbody or handbag for sightseeing and meals out.
Now that you've chosen your capsule travel wardrobe…
Lay each item of clothing out into complete outfits to check everything works well together and to see you haven’t missed anything. We recommend taking pictures of each outfit on your phone so you can remember which pieces looked good together when pulling a look together in a hurry. Depen
Our list is there for you to personalise as you see fit, if you don’t like jeans swap them out for wide leg trousers and feel free to change up the quantities depending on the length of stay and types of climate or activities planned.
Whether you're heading on a girl's trip, a romantic getaway or a solo adventure, we hope you've found this guide useful on the best clothing to take with you on an exciting weekend away!
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