What to pack for a weekend away 

After a long, cold spring, comes the anticipation of cashing in those unused holidays for a long weekend getaway. Be it a culture-packed visit to a ‘Green Country’, or a low-key staycation somewhere with lots of local charm, the trick is the same: pack light for maximum versatility and choose all-purpose pieces that can easily be layered, dressed up, or dressed down.

 

Shop Women's

 

1. Dress

Tommy Hilfiger Poplin MidiDrs Ld12

 

A midi can be dressed up or down, layered up or worn alone, and are seriously comfy so you won't need to dash back to base to change before dinner. Wear with trainers or sliders, but it's all about comfort here, so any pair that you can walk a lot in are ideal.


Tommy Hilfiger Poplin MidiDrs Ld12, £98.00

 

2. T-shirt

Calvin Klein Jeans Satin Bond Fill T Shirt

 

You can’t go wrong with this classic but simple white tee and who does it better than Calvin Klein? Answer us that. Mix and match with your current wardrobe favourites for endless styling opportunities.


Calvin Klein Jeans, Satin Bond Fill T Shirt, £28.00

 

3. Sliders

Coach Udele Signature Sliders

 

From lawn to pool to dinner, these designer sliders will take you everywhere you need to go on this trip and beyond. Allowing your toes to breathe, they’ll be your best friend in the heat.


Coach, Udele Signature Sliders, £60.00

 

4. Layering knits

PS Paul Smith, Swirl Knit Jumper

 

Even if you’re lucky enough to be escaping to milder climes, pack a chic, lightweight knit and you won’t regret it – after a day of soaking in sun rays, the nights can feel chilly. Bonus, it can also double up as a little in-transit pillow or be worn over the shoulder and tied around the neck as a scarf.


PS Paul Smith, Swirl Knit Jumper, £149.00

 

5. Bucket hat

Just Cavalli Reverse Bucket Hat

 

A bucket hat will look just as good as a sun hat on the beach as well as a rain protector, so it's the perfect accessory to pack for every eventuality. Pair it with stripped-back essentials like classic t-shirts and summer shirts in muted colours.


Just Cavalli, Reverse Bucket Hat, £75.00

 

6. Sunglasses

Ray Ban, RB4258 Sunglasses

 

Great for sunny trips and for those fleeting moments of British sunshine, these tortoise shell-effect sunglasses will polish off your daytime looks just nicely.


Ray Ban, RB4258 Sunglasses, £118.00

 

7. Swimwear

Seaspray ELLA SNAKE PRINT DRAPED BANDEAU

 

We’re no strangers to seeing some animal print by the pool and this season snake is on the cards with this bandeau one piece from Seaspray. You won’t want to take it off come home time.


Seaspray, ELLA SNAKE PRINT DRAPED BANDEAU, £80.00

 

8. Shorts

Levis, 501 Original Shorts

 

A holiday is incomplete without a pair of trusty denim shorts packed in your bag. The 501s offer versatility and unimaginable comfort: experiment with different washes to find your perfect shade of blue.


Levis, 501 Original Shorts, £50.00

 

9. Holdall

Samsonite Karis Duffle 00

 

You don’t want to waste precious time at baggage reclaim, nor do you want to be hauling your mini suitcase while you try to locate your Airbnb. So, choose a sizable but compact holdall like this Samsonite one, which you can carry by hand or on your shoulder.


Samsonite, Karis Duffle 00, £112.00

 

10. Overcoat

Max Mara, MMW Dama Trench Coat Ld12

 

Nothing keeps the weather at bay and adds a sophisticated edge quite like a calf-skimming mac in a toasted biscuit shade. This one from the outerwear wizards at Max Mara will keep any evening chill at bay which, let’s face it, is expected for a UK break.


Max Mara, MMW Dama Trench Coat Ld12, £389.00