Weekend Getaways: Packing a Capsule Wardrobe That Works Every Time

If you’re a notorious overpacker like I am, consider a capsule wardrobe when you’re prepping for your next weekend getaway! You’ll take the stress out of packing and be able to get right to enjoying your little escape. And whether you’re traveling near or far, these pieces will ensure you have a look for whatever’s on your weekend itinerary. Use the 16-piece capsule collection below as the ultimate weekend trip packing list that fits in your weekender bag.

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1. White T-Shirt

A phone charger, toothpaste, toothbrush, socks… these essentials are a given for a long weekend, but a white t-shirt might be just as necessary for your weekend trip packing list. This layering staple is ideal for styling under sweaters, jackets, or worn by itself in warmer weather. It doesn’t take up much space in your luggage, but it can act as the foundational layer for all of your favorite vacation looks.

2. Striped Shirt

Take a note from a French girl’s book and pack a Mariner shirt in your suitcase for your next weekend getaway. A Mariner shirt can be worn almost year-round. In the spring, style it with a trench coat and jeans. In the summer, it pairs well with your favorite white or black shorts! And in the winter, use it as a layering piece underneath a sweater or a warm wool coat.

This neutral piece always looks chic, and the stripes make your outfit a little more interesting! It’s one of a French woman’s favorite styling tricks to instantly nail a casual chic outfit idea.

3. Sweater

Versatile layers are key if you want to master packing light for your next weekend trip. You might be wearing each piece more than once, so think ahead about 2-3 ways you could style each item you want to pack! A sweater could be layered over a t-shirt, under a jacket, or tossed over your shoulders in transitional weather. You can dress it up with the right accessories for a nice dinner, or use it to style a comfy travel look with easy pants and sneakers.

4. Classic Denim

Whether you’re working on a short trip or a long weekend packing list, a pair of classic denim jeans is a must-have. And if you’re not sure about the wash or silhouette to choose, a pair of straight-leg jeans in a mid or dark-wash is the perfect place to start. Straight-leg jeans look great with a wide variety of shoes and tops, and the darker wash is easy to dress up for drinks or dinner, but still looks great with your low-key outfits, too.

5. Easy Pants

Another pair of pants that should make the short list for your next little getaway? The easy pants! A pair of black pants with an elastic waistband is comfortable enough to wear on your travel days, but also pairs well with your more elevated pieces if you want to dress up a bit to go out to a nice restaurant. Even though they have an elastic waistband, they look enough like a pair of trousers that they complement any of the more elegant pieces that you want to wear on your trip.

6. Trench Coat

Even a short trip can have a lot of ups and downs when it comes to weather, so it never hurts to be prepared! You’ll want to have some sort of jacket packed with you, although what kind might depend on the climate of where you’re headed and the time of year. But for a catch-all style of coat that works for a wide array of forecasts, a short trench is the way to go! It looks great with a wide array of different outfits, and also helps protect from wind, rain, and a chill in the air.

The cropped version of a classic trench is also easy to fold up and pack in a small bag, although a longer version is certainly an option too if you have the space for it! When you need an extra layer, a trench is super easy to throw on and go.

7. Neck Scarf

Now, on to accessories! Since you’re packing so few clothing items to fit in a backpack, weekender bag or carry-on luggage, accessories are key to making your outfits feel fresh for all of your weekend plans. If you don’t want to pack a spare bag, these small pieces can go far in helping your mixed-and-matched pieces feel new again.

A silk neck scarf can be tied around the handle of your bag, worn in your hair, or used as a belt! And that’s just how you can style it in a nontraditional way. French women tie a scarf around their necks to add a pop of color and pattern to their looks. It’s an easy way to elevate any outfit!

8. Watch

A bracelet watch is another perfect piece to add to your favorite weekend looks to instantly look a little more put-together. Go for a gold bracelet version for a timeless, classic accessory that will never go out of style. It’s ideal for both beauty and function!

9. Gold Hoops

If you have to choose just one piece of jewelry to pack for your long weekend trips, let it be a pair of gold hoops! They don’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase, but they will look great with almost any outfit idea you want to wear. From sightseeing to traveling to going out to eat, a pair of everyday gold hoops will add just the right amount of shine to accessorize your look.

10. Baseball Cap

Bad hair day? Sun in your eyes? Love a sporty accessory? Don’t forget to pack a baseball cap to cover all of your bases! (Sorry, couldn’t resist a cheesy sports pun!) Go for a neutral color if you’d like, or choose a brighter shade if you want to add a pop of color to the rest of your neutral pieces.

11. Shoulder Bag

There are two bags that make the cut for your weekend trip packing list. One larger, and one smaller, with two different purposes. For your more elevated looks, you’ll want to have a smaller shoulder bag with you! Go for a style with a long, adjustable strap, and you’ll be able to wear it as a crossbody bag or over your shoulder for a comfortable fit. When all you need to carry are your essentials like hand sanitizer, credit cards in your wallet, etc., this is the perfect bag for the job.

12. White Sneakers

We like to say that white sneakers go with almost everything… which means that they’re the perfect pair of shoes for your next trip out of town. If your weekend itinerary involves a lot of sightseeing or walking around town, you’ll want comfy shoes that also complement the rest of your chic pieces! A pair of white sneakers looks fresh and clean for a casual chic vibe. And the best part, you won’t end your weekend getaway with any painful blisters.

13. Pearl Earrings

If you have any nice meals out on your itinerary, pearl earrings will take your classy, feminine outfits to the next level. They’re elegant and sophisticated, perfect for an elevated brunch look or date night out at a fancy restaurant for dinner.

14. Sunglasses

Sunglasses don’t just add a chic touch to your outfit; they’re also important sun protection for your weekend trip, especially if you’re headed somewhere warm! Sunglasses can transform the vibe of your outfit depending on the style you choose. Aviators are a little more casual, cat-eye sunglasses add a vintage touch, and oval sunglasses are ideal for a classy, elevated look.

15. Ballet Flats

You already have a pair of comfy, casual shoes covered, so you’ll also want an extra pair of shoes for your more elevated looks! A pair of ballet flats is still comfortable, but also ideal for styling with your dressier looks for dinner, drinks, entertainment, etc. They also don’t look out of place with jeans, and can easily make any casual pieces look a little bit nicer during your trip.

16. Tote Bag

Last, but certainly not least, a tote bag will be your best friend on a weekend getaway! If you plan on leaving your hotel room in the morning and not getting back until after dinner, a tote bag will ensure you can carry all of your daily essentials with you to make the most of your short trip. You can stash your water bottle in here, a compact umbrella, gloves, medications, deodorant, etc, whatever you need to have on you to stay comfortable while you travel!

The Longchamp Le Pliage tote might just be a favorite of our MCO team. It’s chic, lightweight, easy to clean, and large enough to hold everything that I already mentioned. From long car rides to flights to days spent exploring a large city, this tote can do it all (and comes pretty reasonably priced).

Get Organized Before You Get Out of Town

If packing stresses you out, this weekend trip packing list will make prepping for a weekend away that much smoother! All you have to do is worry about your other essentials and toiletries – we’ve got your outfits covered with this travel-sized version of your favorite capsule wardrobe. This is the perfect starting point to use all year long, with just a few tweaks that might be needed here and there to adjust for the weather. Rest assured, you’ll arrive at your destination ready to dress for whatever your weekend throws at you, all the way from Friday to Monday!

Speaking of travel essentials… we’ve got some recommendations for your makeup and skincare, too! Up Next: Beauty On the Go: Travel-Friendly Essentials That Look Chic

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