So you’re taking a little weekend away, huh? Good for you- you deserve it! And I’m here to help make the packing part of it easy. I’m going to show you what to pack for a weekend trip and how to pack carry-on only because who wants to waste precious time dealing with a huge suitcase?
And I’m going to lay it all out in an easy to follow way- including how to create a spring travel capsule wardrobe as well as a list of all the other things you might need on your trip. So come with me and I’ll show you what to pack for a weekend trip in spring…
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Figure out What to Pack
The hardest part of packing, for me anyway, if figuring out the clothes. They take up the most space in your luggage and create the most stress. You want to look great, be comfortable, stay warm (or cool), and not bring a bunch of stuff you never end up wearing. The easiest way to do this is with a travel capsule wardrobe so let’s start with that.
Why a Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe?
There’s nothing worse to me than waking up and having to figure out what to wear on vacation. I want travel to be easy so I plan ahead and figure out my outfits before I leave. When I don’t, I find myself panic-tossing everything I own into a bag and hoping I brought the right stuff.
A capsule wardrobe is basically a list of clothes that you can mix and match. It removes the stress of having to figure out what to wear because everything already matches. So all you’ll need to worry about is “will it rain today” and you’re good to go. And there are other benefits too.
If you pack carry-on only (as I do), you won’t have to wait to check your bag at the airport or wait at baggage claim, so it saves you time. You also won’t have to pay the exorbitant fees so it saves money too.
Of course, if you’re road tripping, this isn’t a concern but I still don’t love having to lug a giant suitcase around- it’s just a pain. And once you get in the habit of packing light, you’ll never overpack again. Pinky promise.
Clothes to Pack
It’s not fair, but it’s true that people treat you better if you pay attention to how you look. You’ll get better tables in a restaurant and better service at a store. The good news is that you don’t need to be fancy or anything (I‘m definitely not), just put-together.
And you don’t need to bring a million clothes to do that. You just need to bring things that match each other.
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You need the following to create 6+ outfits:
- 1 dress
- 2 tops
- 2 toppers
- 1 bottom
- 2 shoes
- 2 bags
- Accessories
That’s it- easy peasy!
DRESS: red maxi
TOPS: green tank + floral top
TOPPERS: stripe button + black blazer
BOTTOMS: dark jeans
SHOES: white tennis + brown sandal
BAGS: straw tote + pink woven
ACCESSORIES: sunglasses + umbrella + trench jacket
How to Pick Your Clothes
Step #1- Patterns
If you’re a pattern girl, pick something out now that has a pattern you like. You can pick a floral (great in spring), stripes, or some sort of graphic. It could be a dress, a top, a topper, or a skirt. Just look around and see what you see.
In this case, I started out with a floral top. I loved the spring feel with the pink, green, blue, and yellow. Pink and green are great together.
I also chose a striped button shirt to layer over a T-shirt or dress in a blue that picked up on the little bit of blue in the top. Stripes are an easy way to add a little interest instead of layering a solid over a solid.
If you’re more into solids, that’s totally fine. No pressure. It’s just easier to pick out patterns first.
Step #2- Solids
If you picked a pattern, now you’re going to pull out a color from it and use that to pick other solid-colored items to match.
If you don’t do pattern, then pick a color you like- red, green, whatever- to give your outfits a little interest. Everyone wants to look good in photos, right?
I’d grab a couple tops (or just one if you already have a pattern top) in a solid color. You can absolutely toss in a white T-shirt and it’ll work with everything, but I really love the pop of this green tank. It just feels springy- like fresh clover and new grass.
As for bottoms, jeans are always a good idea in my book. They can be casual during the day or fancier for a night out- and they match everything. But you pick what feels good to you. Black pants are easy too.
I picked out a dark color jean because they’re easier to dress up and also because I liked the contrast of the dark pants with the lighter floral and striped tops. I love contrast. Also, these come in a super comfy Ultrasoft fabric that you should check out.
And if you didn’t pick a pattern dress before, now’s the time to find one in a solid. I love the red of this one and the linen blend makes it great for spring. It’ll make you stand out in your photos for sure. You can dress it up with a blazer for the nighttime or down with tennis shoes for day. I love a dress for day.
Now pick out a couple toppers. That’s anything that you put on top to add some interest to an outfit and/or to keep you warm. It could be a blazer, a cardigan, a button shirt, or a sweatshirt. If you didn’t pick out one in a pattern before, grab one in a solid now.
I picked that blue striped shirt I mentioned above as a topper (and it could also be worn on its own) and I also picked a black blazer because black matches everything and it came in a light twill fabric which is great when the weather starts to heat up.
Step #3- Shoes
You’ll need a couple pair of shoes for your trip- one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of sandals or flats.
There are lots of tennis shoes that are super cute and don’t look like you’re actually going for a run. And you can get them in tons of colors (I love the New Balance 515– they come in pink!) to match your outfits. Or white goes with anything- that’s what I picked here. I had a pair of these exact K-Swiss shoes in college. The fashion cycle returns!
You’ll also want to pack some shoes for when you want to be a little fancier (going out to dinner maybe) or just want a change of pace. My old lady feet are always happier if I change shoes mid-day. They can be sandals or flats. Just make sure they’re comfy and don’t give you blisters.
>> Need more help with packing? Check out all my packing tips to make it easy!
Step #4- Accessories
Next, you’re going to need a handbag or two to hold your stuff. Now, you can bring just one big tote or backpack that’d do for day and night. But I like to unload that big behemoth and have something smaller. I like to carry just my phone, lipstick, and money out to dinner so I bring a second bag too. A lot of times I’ll just keep the small one inside of my bigger one during the day.
In spring, you might want to bring an umbrella for those occasional spring showers. And a trench could be a great add if it’s on the chilly side where you’re going.
And when it’s not raining, sunglasses are a good idea. You can toss in some neutral ones or something in a fun color. Bonus- they cover up those jetlagged eyes in photos. Just sayin…
And of course, a pair of dangly earrings or a statement necklace can take a simple outfit and make it special.
The Basics
Don’t forget your underwear, bras, and socks. I always pack 5 pair of undies and socks no matter how long I’m gone. Usually, 2 or 3 bras works.
These bras and underwear are lightweight and will dry quickly if you need to wash them. The socks are wicking so they’re more likely to keep you from getting blisters.
I love a pair of silky pajamas because they smush down to nothing which leaves more room in your suitcase for other stuff. And you can use the top as an actual top- either on its own or under a topper (satin cami + blazer = yes please!). 🥂
UNDERWEAR: breathable undies
BRAS: breathable bras
SOCKS: wicking socks
PAJAMAS: satin cami top + satin cami shorts
The Outfits
I know- creating outfits is so haaaard. Nah, it’s actually not. With a capsule wardrobe it’s super easy! Close your eyes, reach in your bag, and just pull out whatever. I promise it’ll go together.
I’m all about easy and this makes it a piece of cake to look amazing on your vacation with a minimum of work.
DRESS: red maxi
TOPS: green tank + floral top
TOPPERS: stripe button + black blazer
BOTTOMS: dark jeans
SHOES: white tennis + brown sandal
BAGS: straw tote + pink woven
ACCESSORIES: sunglasses + umbrella + trench jacket
Longer Trips
If you’re going for just a couple more days, you can throw in a white T or a pair of shorts or pants and it’ll make a couple more outfits. Add both and the number of outfits you can make grows exponentially.
And you can probably make a couple more outfits with what’s there already. Maybe do the button shirt with the blazer and jeans? Or sometimes I put a T-shirt over a dress and knot it at the waist to make the dress look like a skirt. Or the button top over the dress, tie at the waist, and add the blazer on top. There are a few right there!
>> Check here for more travel capsule wardrobes all year round
☀️ summer, 🍁 fall, ❄️winter, & 🌷spring
As for underwear and socks, I never bring more than 5 no matter how long I’m gone. Just wash them in the sink or shower (you’re in there anyway, right?) with a little soap or shampoo and let them hang dry. I bring ones that I know dry quickly.
I usually wear each top or dress twice before I feel like it’s truly dirty. Jeans I can wear pretty much indefinitely (or until I spill dark chocolate gelato down the front of them- true story). 🍦
Other Items to Pack for a Weekend Trip
Now that we have the clothing squared away (whew!), let’s get to the rest of it.
Toiletries
Now, if you’re going on a road trip, you can bring your giant bottle of shampoo and entire face care system- totally up to you. If you’ll be flying, however, I’m a big believer in carry-on only.
>> Be sure to check regulations about limits on liquids 💧 in your carry-on.
Transferring stuff to tiny little bottles and tubs might seem like a pain but you’ll be singing a different tune when you leave your large and insanely expensive tub of face cream (us old people need the good stuff!) in the hotel bathroom. I even use a contact lens container for stuff like eye cream. But do your thing- if you need the big tub, bring it!
For every trip, bring these self-care items:
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Face Moisturizer
- Eye Cream
- Body Moisturizer
- Hairbrush
- Hair Bands & Clips
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Styling Products
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover Wipes
In Your Personal Item
I have made the mistake more than once of putting something important in my carry-on… and then being forced to check it. Don’t be me.
For all the important stuff, be sure it’s in your personal item or handbag.
For every trip, pack these items in your personal item:
- Phone
- ID or Passport
- Credit/Debit Cards & Cash
- Medications
- Entertainment Items- book, Kindle, iPad, AirPods, reading glasses
- Charger & cables for all electronics
- Valuables (like jewelry or camera)
- Water bottle & Snacks
>> Looking for somewhere fun to go? Check out my DESTINATIONS PAGE for great ideas of where to go next! 🌍
Miscellaneous Things to Pack for a Weekend Trip
These things aren’t completely necessary but I like to have them when I travel and thought you might too.
AirTags
These will give you peace of mind if you have to check your suitcase or leave your backpack somewhere. I keep an AirTag in every bag.
Portable Charger
I am always afraid of the battery running out on my phone so I carry a portable charger. Anker makes great products and I like this magnetic one that sticks to the back of my phone.
Information
I like to print out a physical copy of phone numbers for emergencies, reservation and ticket info, and info for my credit card companies in case I need it. You can also put this on your phone- but be sure you have a way to access it if your phone gets lost!
Camera
I love being able to take photos so I’ll be able to relive my trips when I’m old and can’t travel anymore (when I’m 100 hopefully). I have a lightweight mirrorless camera that I love and a killer lens that are easy to carry around and take great photos if you want something other than your phone.
Light Scarf
Whether you’re going to a Catholic church, a Muslim Mosque, or another religious place, it’s respectful to cover yourself so even in hot weather, I make sure to bring one.
Plug Adapter
If traveling to another country, you’ll need an electrical plug adapter. Be sure to check information for the country where you’re traveling to see which type.
Extra Bag
OK, if you’re big on buying souvenirs on your travels, you can bring one of these to carry all your treasures home. I put all my dirty clothes in it and check it at the end of the trip then use my carry-on suitcase for the things that shouldn’t get smushed or tossed around.
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Questions about What to Pack for a Weekend Trip
Do I need to buy all new clothes for a travel capsule?
Absolutely not! I don’t. This example is just for inspiration and to help make it easier for you to plan. You can absolutely ransack your closet and find most of what you need. But I won’t lie- I do use packing as an excuse to buy a little something new. I won’t judge if you do too.
What to wear on the plane?
If you’re flying, you should always wear your largest items on the plane. For this capsule, that means tennis shoes, jeans, and your jacket- it’s handy on cold planes anyway. If you want to wear leggings on the plane that’s fine because they take up basically zero space in your luggage, dry in no time, and weigh close to nothing. I didn’t put them on the packing list because they’re not something you’ll wear as part of an outfit.
I hope that gives you a good idea of what to pack for a weekend trip in spring. Please let me know if you think I left anything out.
And of course- let me know how I can help!
Happy travels… ✈️ 👚👖
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