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How to Pack for a Long Weekend

Three-Day Holiday Packing

Sep 16, 2009 Susan Caplan

With some planning, pack one piece of luggage for a long weekend whether the vacationer is off to the country, city, or the beach.

When going away for a long weekend, no one wants to cart around enough clothing for a week’s trip, but everyone wants to be prepared for a variety of situations. With some forethought, anyone can pack light while still being prepared for multiple events.

Basic Packing Rules

First of all, pack favorite clothing as opposed to something brand new. Why risk dealing with a tank top strap that slips or pants that ride up in the crotch? Make certain that everything goes with everything else – one print item will add some variety, too many patterns reduce the opportunity to mix and match pieces into outfits. Bright and dark colors will tolerate a second wearing better than light colors.

Knits will release wrinkles more easily than woven fabrics. Thin layers take up less room in a suitcase and allow for more variety – wear the black top over the brown top one day, wear the brown top over the black top another day.

Packing for a Beach Weekend

Travel to the destination in pants, flat sandals, and a tank top with a long sleeve top over the shoulders or pulled on. In the suitcase, fold a thin beach bag that can be folded small. Pack a couple of bathing suits and bring along drawstring pants, a pareo, and flip-flops to wear to and from the beach or when going to lunch. Tuck a lightweight dress for dinners out into the bag. Pack another tank top, long sleeve top, and a lightweight sweater that can be worn alone or layered. Stick in a casual purse and some bold jewelry.

Packing for a Weekend in the City

For heading to museums, shows, and restaurants, plan on a mix of dressy and casual items. Go for neutral colors and a few pieces that can work with both the dressier and more casual pieces. Wear a casual top, skirt, jacket, and flats. Pack a dressy tank top and skirt for evenings. Select a tank top, pants, skirt, heels, and sweater that can work for evening or be dressed down with the casual pieces. Plan on a day bag and an evening bag and limit jewelry to a few pieces.

Packing for a Weekend in the Country

Whether walking in the woods or antiquing, plan on casual items that can be layered if the weather turns chilly. Bring along a tank top, tee shirt, two tops, a lightweight sweater, and a casual jacket. Depending on the plans, pack jeans and either khaki pants or a long skirt. One casual-looking purse, sneakers, and either boots or walking shoes should cover weekend meanders. Tuck in some long scarves and a couple pair of earrings.

Packing for a long weekend involves planning on bringing items that can mix and match. Determine whether sporty, casual, or dressy clothing is needed for the activities and take along clothing that can be worn for various situations.

The copyright of the article How to Pack for a Long Weekend in Women’s Fashion is owned by Susan Caplan. Permission to republish How to Pack for a Long Weekend in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Pack Light