Packing Tips You Need for a Long Weekend Trip

With Memorial Day fast approaching and summer travel on the brain, we’re definitely going to enjoy a day off and take a long weekend trip somewhere warm.

For those of you who are also jetting out of town, here are our five best packing tips for a long weekend away:

1. Pick a wardrobe color scheme.

Packing in a carry-on bag means space is limited. To save space, try sticking to one color scheme with your outfits to ensure all tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched. This way you’ll get the most out of each and every piece in your suitcase.

If you’re heading somewhere warm, blue and white color combos are on-trend right now and can be easily mixed and matched. If you’re heading somewhere colder, consider bringing primarily black, white and gray pieces — three colors that always look good together. And, by sticking with neutral accessories, your shoes and bag will always match your look. If your goal is to save space, think twice before throwing in your bright yellow sundress or red blazer, unless you know you’ll be able to mix and match them with a lot of other pieces you’re bringing.

2. Save room in your carry-on by wearing your heaviest items.

This is one of our best packing tips — wear your heaviest items on the plane or in the car! If you’re heading somewhere cold for a ski weekend, this means you should wear your heaviest coat, scarf, and boots on the plane so you have more room in your suitcase. If you’re headed somewhere warm, this rule still applies — wear your big sun hat on the plane (or lay it in your lap) so it doesn’t get wrinkled in your suitcase.

3. Bring one bra that can do everything.

There’s nothing worse than opening up your suitcase once you arrive at your destination only to see that everything is wrinkled, including your bra — that you can’t iron. Instead of crunching your favorite bras inside a suitcase, bring just one bra that can handle whatever your weekend has in store, and wear it while you travel. For most trips, a Classic T-shirt Bra should be your best bet, however, if you’re headed somewhere hot, a colorful Lace Balconette Bra is a great option to show underneath lightweight tops.

Did you know? Folding your bras in half and flipping one of the cups to mold into the other is actually damaging. Don’t stress your bras out, store them unhooked in one of your inside zipper compartments that will smoosh it the least.

4. Make a list — and check it twice.

Dumping your entire closet into your suitcase is not the best way to pack. Instead, graduate to making a packing list a few days before your trip. To start, write out how many days (and nights!) you’re on vacation and split your list into categories — tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, bags, and toiletries. Then, start filling in the blanks — three tops for three days, etc. This will help alleviate stress before you leave and will ensure you’re only bringing what you’ll really need while you’re away.

5. Invest in quality luggage.

Those of you who travel often understand the importance of having quality luggage. If you’re looking for a soft-shell option, we love Everlane’s Dipped Weekender Bag. Want something a bit sturdier? Away has great options in carry-on-friendly sizes. For travel bags and purses, Lo & Sons has beautiful options that strap onto your luggage — genius! And, every power traveler needs packing bags, and we rely on Flight 001 for all of our travel organization needs. Check out these Editors Picks from Rue Magazine for more travel must-haves.

Wherever you’re headed for the long weekend, we hope you enjoy it!