Pack for a Weekend, be Able to Stay for a Month
Making Vacation Dressing Simple and Foolproof
Apr 5, 2009 Jo Barrett-Lennard
Packing the right clothing for a holiday can often be something that take up an inordinate amount of time. However, once you have the tools, packing for a few days and being able to stay for a month becomes a snap.
So, what to pack?
First, figure out a theme for your minibreak wardrobe. For example, choose two neutral base colours that will form the basis of your wardrobe whilst away, like black and grey (excellent for winter), ivory and beige (perfect for summer), grey and cream, blue and white. Don’t choose anything that is outside of your comfort zone, if you never wear blue, then don’t take it.
Have a selection of separates that fit into your theme.
Separates – the Foundations
A white shirt, beige pants, light grey Bermuda shorts, jeans, a few t-shirts in neutral colours like black, white and light blue. Here already we have the basics of at least seven outfits.
The key to presenting the illusion of having a bottomless overnight bag is the accessories. Scarves, jewellery, and different bags can change the look of an outfit entirely.
Accessories
Choose pieces that work in co-ordination and contrast with each other.
- Scarves: chunky, merino, cashmere for winter, silk, cotton, even lace for summer
- Bags: clutches, totes, beach, classic
- Shoes: sparkly flats, pumps, boots, espadrilles (don't forget the slippers)
- Jewellery: necklaces, cocktail rings, bangles, ear-rings
Packing for a Summer Break
In summer, a white t-shirt and jeans is an outfit in itself. Here are three different ways of dressing it for different occasions.
- How about dressing that outfit up for an evening out? Add a pair of heels, a sparkly clutch, a statement necklace and ear-rings. Easy.
- Now for a casual day shopping. Turn up the cuffs of your jeans; add a pair of beaded sandals, a funky belt and a light coloured scarf.
- Brunch on Sunday: espadrilles, chunky beads around your neck and wrists, a scarf tied around your hair and a tote.
Packing for a Winter Getaway
What about for winter? Take a neutral base and change the tone of the outfit with accessories. Granted, in winter clothes are bulkier, but it is perfectly ok to wear the same overcoat days in a row.
Take a pair of jeans, with a choice of two jumpers (sweaters), cream and grey.
- Team the jeans with the grey jumper. Add black boots, a black chunky cocktail ring and a black scarf.
- Mix the cream jumper with a lighter colour scarf in your best colour- pink, blue, green, purple, possibly with a pattern in it. Add closed in pumps and look casual chic.
- How about wearing the jeans and grey jumper, with the scarf from outfit two? Or not wearing a scarf at all, but a white shirt underneath, with the collar out and the cuffs turned over and the tails untucked? Add the closed pumps and you have a classy evening look.
Neutral clothes are easy to pack, easy to wear, and easy to dress either up or down, no matter what the season. Accessories are excellent for changing the tone of an outfit, and take up next to no room in your overnight bag. Having enough clothes for a few days and a few different pieces to mix and match. Do not be afraid to mix things up a bit, holidays are the perfect time for trying something new!
What do you think about this article?
More in Home & Style
Latest Articles