I don’t know about you but it’s so easy to overpack for a trip. Whether it’s a long vacay or a short weekend getaway it’s easy to take way more clothes than you actually need.
Years ago I challenged myself to pack a carry-on for a 10-day vacation. I’ve never met a challenge that I wasn’t willing to give the ole college try. So, I planned my outfits and what do you know…I packed it all into my cute little carry-on bag. Yes, you read that right…I packed a carry-on bag, not even a carry-on suitcase.
Since then I do try really hard to think about where I’m going and what I need to pack. What am I doing? Do I need an outfit for a certain occasion? Can I mix and match and re-wear items? How many shoes do I need?
Now it’s not to say that I don’t still occasionally overpack but I try hard to find those pieces that I can mix and match and create several outfits from. For this weekend getaway, I challenged myself to see how light I could actually pack. I think I did really well if I do say so myself.
Drinks/Dinner Friday Night Look:
- Dress: Helmut Lang (old). I’ve had this for years but I’m excited to say that you can still buy it at The Real Real. Here and here. But don’t worry, I’m going to share some great alternatives below.
- Shoes: Old Navy – Faux suede block-heel mules in mustard. Here’s a great option from Target.
- Bag: Zara (old). See this post for some great alternatives.
- Earrings: J.Crew (old). J.Crew has always been one of my favorite places to shop for jewelry. And don’t forget to check out their sales. But I found a few fun options from Amazon. One // Two // Three
A Saturday of Exploring & Shopping:
- Tank: Evereve – Mila Striped Tank
- Jeans: NYDJ Cropped Wide Leg Jeans – I got these in the Spring so they aren’t available anymore. But here are a few alternatives: Target Find // Noticed at Nordstrom // Mother may I from Nordstrom Rack // Count on Levi’s from Amazon // Cropped bootcut jeans from Amazon
- Shoes: Old Navy – Faux Suede Block-heel Mule
- Bag: Looks Like Summer – Esme Bucket Bag (don’t forget code jessicastyle gets you 15% off)
- Earrings: Amazon – Rattan Tassel Earring
Here’s a great alternative that I packed…just in case. It’s ok to have at least one back-up, right?
- Shorts: Abercrombie – High Rise Mid-Length Denim shorts. These have sold out but here’s a similar pair from Abercrombie that’s just slightly shorter in length. Here’s an alternative from Target. I have always been a fan of BlankNYC – everything fits so well.
- Shoes: Seychelles – Espadrille Wedge Sandal (comes in 3 other colors and these are comfy)
Saturday Night Dinner:
Using my dress as a vest instantly elevated my look to make it dinner ready.
Wanted to share a few alternatives to this dress/vest:
- Check out this open-front vest from Nordstrom Rack – it comes in 3 other colors.
- Have some fun with pattern & go with this vest. (I just wouldn’t pair them with this mustard & navy striped tank.) P.S. Ladies this patterned one comes in petite and plus sizes.
- Wear this sleeveless dress as a dress or a vest.
- Veronica Beard never disappoints – you gotta check out this dress from Nordstrom Rack. I wish my size hadn’t sold out.
- Even though I’m petite I’m loving the midi summer dress look right now. I’m also loving the long duster look with pants. This dress from Amazon could be worn either way. (And it comes in more colors.)
- This one from Amazon will be great for when it gets cooler.
- You can never go wrong with a classic dress like this one from Amazon.
- Snag this vest from Amazon that comes in 14 colors.
- I’ve actually tried this one on at Evereve and it looks great as a dress or a vest!
- This cutie from Anthropologie caught my attention.
- I don’t know about you but I’m smitten with this vest from Anthro who cares that you can’t wear it as a dress. And I love that you can get it in petite or plus size.
- Go for a fun printed dress like this one from Anthro & looks like today you can get an extra 20% off.
- This or this or even this one would all be a great versatile addition to anyone’s wardrobe.
- A great sleeveless shirtdress option from Amazon.
- Can’t help but get Tom Cruise Risky Business vibes from this shirtdress from Amazon.
Sunday Funday isn’t complete without a great outfit:
- Top: Nordstrom – Topshop – Buckle Wrap top
Basics are always great to pack for trips as well. I just wanted to have a little fun with my looks for this weekend getaway.
You Can Never Go Wrong With Packing:
- A great pair of jeans
- A simple white or black t-shirt
- A comfy pair of flats
- A trench coat or denim jacket
What always makes it into your suitcase on a trip?
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