Unlike men’s fashion, women’s styles aren’t so straightforward. This can make searching your closet for the perfect travel outfits confusing.
However, there’s no sense in trying to stuff your suitcase with every cute skirt, dress or scarf from your closet. After all, the zipper probably can’t take one more sweater. Give it a rest and start over. This time, take the minimalist approach when you ask yourself what to pack for a weekend trip.
To help you understand what we mean, here at FootFitter we broke down the ideal basics to take on a short trip. While these options won’t crowd your luggage, they will give you a variety of outfit options for your few days out of town.
What to pack for a weekend trip – Women
Short trips can be the most difficult to pack for. After all, it’s not always easy to predict what your fashion mood will be a few days ahead of time.
Sticking to the basics will still offer multiple classic and flattering options in case your fashion inspiration changes between Wednesday and the weekend.
Jackets/Coats
Suit jackets are great at making your outfit more work appropriate for business trips.
If you normally shy away from suits because they quickly bring on the image of your mother’s decades-old shoulder pad monstrosity, consider a more modern alternative.
A blazer will provide the professionalism without adding awkward lumps.
In addition to traveling for business, a streamlined coat is also ideal for dressing up a casual outfit while you’re out exploring a colder city.
A jean jacket is another basic that will keep you warm and is great for traveling. Less serious than the blazer, a jean jacket will compliment most casual options you bring along.
From dark jeans to dresses, light wash jean jackets are versatile and comfortable. It’ll look great whether you’re relaxing at a trendy bar or waiting to catch your flight in the airport.
Tops
A lacy white tank top can function as a casual basic or work well tucked into a skirt and blazer. Putting two or three neutral tank tops into your luggage will provide plenty of outfit options and keep you comfortable on vacation.
In addition, silky tank tops aren’t only comfortable but also extremely lightweight. They work as great thin options to save space in your suitcase without eliminating style choices.
A soft sweater offers the perfect opportunity to add a pop of color to your suitcase. Whether you’re dressing it up with a pencil skirt or down with jeans, a sweater will keep you comfortable during your travel plans.
When you’re sifting through the sweaters in your closet for the perfect one to bring, go for the tailored sweater. While an oversized style is definitely comfortable to relax in, a more form-fitting style will provide the soft feel without being confined to a casual look.
Bottoms
A pencil skirt is an ideal travel style because it’s professional and classy with a flattering length and form. The skirt elongates your legs, allowing you to put your best foot forward as you check out a new city’s hottest spots. To further emphasize the lengthening effect, try pairing your skirt with your favorite heels.
With mostly basics in your selection, try bringing along a pencil skirt that incorporates a bold color or unique pattern.
Dark jeans are pretty much the fashion essential that should go everywhere with you, including your weekend trip.
The dark wash is slimming and makes basics look more polished. When you’re choosing which jeans to grab from your closet, opt for the pair without rips or embellishments because they’ll be the most versatile.
A weekend trip offers the perfect excuse to pull out your closet staple: the little black dress. Whether you’re dressing up for cocktail hour with co-workers or going out on the town with a date, a simple and classic black dress provides an easy, timeless outfit.
Packing your little black dress will keep you prepared for any events that may come up while you’re out of town.
Shoes
When it comes to choosing shoes for your trip, you have to consider both color and comfort. Sticking with nude heels gives you the most range for clothes’ pairings.
It’s also important to consider what activities you’ll be doing while wearing your higher pairs. If a lot of walking is involved but you still want to rock your heels, bring along wedges instead of stilettos. The flatter alternative will distribute your weight more evenly and be less likely to cause blisters.
For the part of the weekend you don’t want to spend in heels, try slipping on a brown or black pair of booties instead.
Short boots are easier than heels to move around in while still dressing up your outfit more than sneakers would. Choosing boots that stop at the ankle instead of the knee are also easier to pack in your suitcase because they take up less space.
Nude heels and suede booties look great with a variety of outfits. However, while you’re exploring new locations, you’re more likely to scuff or stain your favorite pairs. In addition, extra walking can cause blisters and discomfort if you don’t prepare correctly.
To keep your shoes and your feet safe, bringing along shoe care essentials like heel grips and a suede and nubuck brush will ensure your shoes don’t lose their classic look throughout the weekend.
Accessories
Lastly, with the extra room you made by cutting down the clothes you pack, you have more space for meaningful accessories.
Bringing along a big hand bag will give you plenty of space for any work materials you have to take to a meeting or convention.
Even if your trip is to visit a new city for fun instead of work, a handbag offers the perfect light storage for your wallet, makeup and anything else you might pick up along the way.
