The Only Packing List You’ll Need for a Summer Weekend Getaway

If you’re taking some quick weekend vacations this summer, packing for the trips can be surprisingly tricky. For myself, I always end up over- or under-packing (and occasionally both at the same time). The “right” suitcase for a 2- to 3-day trip will vary based on your personal style, but it does need to pack a punch with only a few items. “When I pack for a summer weekend away, I treat it like a closet edit: keep it simple, stylish, and only bring what you’ll actually use. Carry-on only? Totally doable. You just need a plan,” says Rachel Rosenthal, an organizing expert. But make sure to lean in on the warm vibes and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, adds celebrity stylist and consultant Ali Kornhauser. “Summer fashion is unserious fashion: have some fun with it, and don’t forget your weather-soaked deck of Scopa cards!”

Working with only the essentials — basically, enough clothes to make several outfits but with everything fitting into a carry-on suitcase — is a balance between finding basics and statement pieces that work together. Think: “a white/black t-shirt, white tank top, black shorts, a good universal pair of denim shorts or jeans, a white sneaker, and sandals,” says celebrity fashion stylist KJ Moody, to which you can add a few complementary statement pieces as a bonus.

If you’re hoping for more concrete advice for your next summer weekend vacation, as well as ways to deploy each piece, read on.

Linen Pants

Rosenthal appreciates a light pair of linen pants for its versatility and breathability. If you’re headed somewhere nice for dinner (where shorts might be a touch too casual), pants will give a bit more coverage. Even a black pair will still feel light and airy, and the color will disguise any wrinkling of the material. If you like layering, as I do, tie a scarf around your waist like this and add chunky jewelry.

A “Do It All” Dress

“Bring a lightweight sundress that works for dinner, exploring, or even as a beach cover-up,” says Ronsenthal. “Bonus points if it doesn’t wrinkle easily and goes with the shoes you’re already packing.” Now, that doesn’t mean your dress has to be in a neutral: it is vacation, after all, and you can feel free to embrace color. This red striped dress could work in a variety of contexts and underneath light layers when it’s a bit chilly.

A White Tee or Top

Rosenthal recommends a basic white top that can serve as the foundation of numerous looks. Much like the aforementioned linen pants, “these are your mix-and-match heroes — easy for daytime and can be dressed up for night with a quick change of shoes or accessories,” she notes. Your favorite top will depend on you. I like a muscle tank, like this, to balance out my wider shoulders, but you might prefer a tee or cami. Just make sure it fits and feels incredible.

A Light Layer

A layer? In the middle of a warm-weather vacation? But trust me, you may need one. “A loose button-down or breezy kimono is perfect for throwing over a swimsuit, adding sun protection, or staying warm once the sun sets. Pick something that adds a little extra style to your basics,” says Rosenthal. This sheer option is exactly appropriate for warmer temperatures; its transparency is perfect when you want to wear it over a tee or dress, because you can show off what’s underneath.

A Swimsuit (That Works as a Bodysuit)

This is technically a halter top bodysuit from Mango, but it serves the same function: obviously you’ll be packing a swimsuit for a trip to the pool or beach, but have you considering wearing it with pants or a skirt? “A chic one-piece can do double duty: poolside during the day, then paired with shorts or a skirt for an easy outfit. One of my favorite packing tricks!” says Rosenthal. As a bonus, swimsuits are often more comfortable than bodysuits. Want to show a little more skin? Opt for “that one bikini that doubles as a top,” says Kornhauser.

One Slip Dress

As an alternative to a more casual knit dress, a “killer slip dress goes from beach to bar,” explains Kornhauser. “Stick to a laid-back palette and layer with gold and beaded jewelry to keep it chic. Finish the vibe with worn-in leather sandals, a raffia hat, and some twisted sunglasses that deliver ‘OOO.”‘ That’s “out of the office” chic, if you’re not familiar. If you look closely, you’ll see that this dress is actually a dark brown — a lighter alternative to black.

An “Everything” Sandal

Even when you’re just packing sandals, shoes take up a ton of room in your suitcase — as Moody notes, “I wear a size 14, so my carry-on is normally reserved for my shoes.” So pick a small pair that works for different contexts. “Neutral or metallic, comfy enough for walking, polished enough for dinner. One pair is usually all you need,” adds Rosenthal. These flip-flops have a substantial sole, but I like something with a little ankle support.

Tips

If you’ve just bought a pair of shoes you’re dying to bring on vacation, make sure to break them in before you leave. And bring some Bandaids just in case of blisters.

A Matching Set

Matching sets have been a summer staple for a long time, but they’re really having a moment. And no wonder — it’s a one and done outfit akin to a dress, but the individual pieces work well by themselves, too. “It gives you multiple outfit options without overpacking — looks pulled together without the effort,” says Rosenthal. “The goal is to always be able to get at least two looks within each piece,” notes Moody, who likes to pack a butter yellow linen set for his weekend vacations. This brown set is also a nice way to channel a trendy color.

A Crossbody (That’s Also a Clutch)

Take a close look at some of your crossbodies. Do any of them have removable straps and work as a clutch? That kind of versatility is great for a trip. “It works for daytime exploring and dinner at night: done and done,” says Rosenthal. This black Prada bag is a classic and has a little more slouch in contrast to a more structured bag. It straddles the line between casual and formal perfectly, in other words.

Capris

Shorts are great, but they can be a bit casual. A capri or Bermuda short offers a bit more length and feels a little more “put-together”—especially if you match the color in top and bottom, like this. If your day will be long and might include shopping and dinner, you’ll appreciate the versatility. Pair it with an oversized button-down if you want some contrast, says Kornhauser.

A Few Thoughtful Accessories

Accessories give outfits life, texture, and personality. They can also be colorful and fun, so long as they’re complementary: like these silver heels, golden bag, and chunky gold earrings. “Pack a hat (gotta stay shaded), a lightweight scarf, and some simple jewelry. These little things go a long way in making your outfits feel fresh — and they take up almost no space,” notes Rosenthal. Happy packing — and happy vacationing!

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