How to pack for a weekend away (in a carry-on)
One of the things I now consider myself an expert in: packing for a weekend away in a carry-on. I cannot count how many times I’ve left New York City on Thursday night and come back on a Sunday night, but it has been many–and it has always been in a bag small enough to either a) carry on to the flight or b) easily manage by myself on the subway/train/car.
And while just the feat itself of getting three days worth of clothes/shoes/toiletries in a bag is an accomplishment, I take special pride in making sure that everything packed works together: when I travel, I want to look just as pulled-together as when I’m in New York City (or maybe even more!). With summer coming up (aka the season of weekend trips!), here are a few of the tips that I swear by:
Make sure every piece works with every other piece
This is the basic philosophy that guides all of my packing decisions: I want every piece to be multifunctional and able to be worn with the other items in my suitcase to create myriad options. This starts with choosing a color scheme: usually I’m either wearing/packing a lot of black OR I’m wearing/packing a lot of navy. It helps narrow things down in my closet and forces me to create different wardrobe scenarios so that I know I have enough options (but not too many). It’s also why I usually make at least one sundress (or ALL sundresses in the summer): they’re each an outfit in themselves so they don’t have to match anything else, except for shoes (and they roll up quite nicely!).
Wear your biggest pair of shoes
Shoes are the biggest space and weight hog in the bag, so I always wear my biggest pair of shoes (boots in the winter, sneakers in the summer) in transit. And I never bring more than three pairs of shoes, no matter how long the trip is–that’s the joy of only purchasing simple, neutral, comfortable shoes in general. They go with everything! I especially love my navy Everlane sandals and my tan Bensimon sneakers: they work in just about every (style) situation.
Makeup wipes and sample sizes are your friend
One thing that I don’t believe in loading up on for a weekend away: toiletries. I hate trying to find travel sizes of the items I use everyday (or even worse, trying to get my products into tiny travel-size bottles) and security measures aside, my full-size products take a lot of room. That’s why I swear by taking makeup wipes (I especially like the all-natural options from Burt’s Bees and Yes to Cucumbers) as an all-in-one cleansing solution: for just a couple of days, I’m OK to skip my full Murad wash/tone/moisturize routine. And I always opt for skincare samples when I order online from Sephora (you can choose up to three with every order) and toss those mini serums or lotions or brightening masks into my travel bag: I can use them up on the trip, and go back home with a little less clutter. I also love throwing in a sheet mask to do one night: they’re super small and make your skin feel so great the next morning!
Choose the right suitcase…
I’ve been using and loving my Steamline Voyageur Denim Carry-on for my last few trips: it’s been a while since I’ve had a rolling suitcase, and it is SO much easier on my back and shoulders. Bonus: Steamline bags are SO classy and cute (even the interior!), I always get so many compliments on it. It fits just enough for a weekend away, and the hard exterior means that all the items inside are safe.
…And the right purses
In addition to my suitcase, I usually carry either a leather tote or my backpack: laptop, chargers, wallet, phone, keys, Kindle all go in here during transit. And then IN my suitcase, I either roll up a canvas tote bag or bring my favorite cross body bag to use on the trip itself.
Check the weather the day before you leave…
Be realistic, not just optimistic–and make the last-minute adjustments. If it’s going to rain all weekend, swap out sandals for rainboots and be sure to make an extra layer. My worst mistakes always come when I start prepping and packing early (based on a weather report from 10 days ago, or just based on the fact that I’m hopeful for sundress weather)–and then I show up and I’m completely unprepared.
…And be aware of where you’re going
The vibe in Portland, Oregon (aka: flannel!) is very different than the vibe in Los Angeles. I know that I can get away with things that are a little edgier in certain cities, whereas in others a pair of heels will be stared at in others. I’m all for sticking to your personal style (I’ve certainly got a uniform), but I also think it’s fun to tweak it a bit to work in whatever city I’m in.
Always take a swimsuit!
It’s small and can be shoved in last minute, and even if you’re not going to the beach: you never know when a hot tub will pop up!
What are your best tips for packing for a weekend away?
