What to pack for a stylish weekend away – 10 essential items

Heading off on a stylish weekend away and wondering what to pack? Many of our trips are made up of short city breaks in Europe but being practical and stylish on our Euro weekend away isn’t easy, especially if we have a lot of walking to do and a large camera to carry. When people ask us how to pack light on a city trip, here’s 10 essentials I couldn’t live without…

The cute day dress

A classic but cute day dress should be an essential part of any weekend packing and I personally always pack at least two on a weekend away. It’s one of the most versatile items on this list – for a different look add leggings, tights, a jumper or cardigan. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and accessorize your outfit with a cute scarf in a pattern or colour of your choice, this will add a touch of colour and sophistication to your look. Check the weather before you go though and decide whether to take one with short, three quarter length or long sleeves.

The evening dress

When night falls, you’re going to want to glam it up a bit. Yes, a little black dress is a classic but can be a little on the dull side so try a lace version instead. Feminine strappy dresses, chiffon and polka dots never go out of style so they’re always going to be a safe bet.

The comfortable flat shoe

You’ll probably do a lot of walking on your city trip, so a pair of flat comfortable shoes are a must. Although flat doesn’t always have to mean boring, try a pair of cute canvas trainers in a white or pastel colour or even a cool pair of ballet pumps. Off to a sunnier city? Bring out those strappy flats and show off your fresh pedi!

The heels

To pack light (and make sure you get everything in your carry on case) you’ll need to limit how many pairs of shoes you take. Stick to just one pair of comfortable flats and then a pair of dressier shoes for evenings out. Strappy heeled sandals pretty much go with every dress but also consider taking a pair of wedges. They’re arguably more comfortable and also a little safer, especially if you’re planning on visiting a city you know has cobbled streets!

The bag that can hold a camera (but still looks great)

It’s very tempting to want to take a small handbag for your evenings out but if you’re trying to squeeze everything into a small carry on case you’ll probably only have room for one, so you’ll have to make that choice a good one – especially if you have stuff to carry. All these bag styles are roomy enough for mobiles, a camera and even an iPad mini!

The jacket/blazer

Even if you’re planning and packing for your trip in the summer you’ll have to face the fact it just might get chilly, especially in the evenings. A smart light coloured blazer would fit right in on a European city trip and works really well with most outfits. If you want to take something a little funkier opt for a trendy jacket instead.

The mineral make-up

Flights and travelling can really play havoc with you skin and heavy makeup can exaggerate the problem. Whenever I travel I always pack mineral make up which doesn’t clog pores or irritate your face. I use Jane Iredale which actually soothes the skin, has no nasties and doesn’t test on animals.

The slim-line holiday wallet

I always tend to leave my main purse behind – there’s too many cards in it I don’t want to lose and it’s way too bulky for a short trip. I always take this cherry blossom wallet which is part of our Lo-Fi Nomad range (which we designed ourselves) I’m probably biased (!) but  I think it’s pretty and the perfect size for travel.

The Lush products

You won’t have the space for heavy bottles so to pack light I always take travel sized products. The ethical company Lush has some great travel-related products and they’re all organic and handmade. Try the compact shampoo bar (which looks like a small soap but makes your hair squeaky clean), the solid wash-on sunblock and the amazing toothy tabs which are an alternative to toothpaste – simply nibble between your front teeth to break up the tab and start brushing.

The toiletry bag

You will need a travel bag to keep all your lovely toiletries safe. Part of our Lo-Fi Nomad range, I always use this toiletries bag as its lined (so protected against potential spillages) and compact enough to lay flat in a carry on case.

What do you usually take on your short city break?