When you’re in college and your schedule is overflowing with classes and obligations, it’s not always easy to take a week off and go on a trip. Insert weekend getaways. Weekend getaways are wonderful, whether it’s just to visit home or to take a quick trip somewhere other than your college.
Honestly, there was a brief period where I had to take a lot of weekend trips home or out of state and packing for the weekend is a pain. Packing in general is rough, but trying to downsize is even rougher. These weekend getaway packing tips will help your getaway go over smoothly while ensuring you have everything you need.
1. Pack first, downsize later.
I’m an over-packer for sure but I’ve recently realized that trying to pack minimally is really satisfying, kind of like throwing away a bunch of papers you don’t need anymore or emptying out your purse.
A lot of us strive to pack as little as possible, but trying to do this while packing could result in over-packing or forgetting some essentials. My weekend getaway packing strategy is to create piles of everything I would like to bring. Seeing everything in one place will help you downsize because you can see that you’re bringing two similar tops and could bring a cute dress instead and so on. Starting with a huge pile and forcing yourself to narrow it down is simpler than forcing yourself to create a small pile.
2. Check the weather of your destination.
Assume the worst and pack accordingly! If there’s a 50% chance of snow, assume it could snow and pack your snow boots. If you’re lucky and you’re headed somewhere where it’s nice out, pack some fun summer pieces. I always like to pack at least one dress than can be dressed up or down. The Devlin dress above is perfect for day time with gladiators and a white braided belt but can be glammed up for night with nude heels and a metallic belt.
3. Shove your socks in your shoes.
Rolled socks fit perfectly in boots and sneakers. It’s a good space saving tip. Not much to say about this one.
4. Pack versatile pieces and one statement piece.
Instead of your statement patterned pants, bring black jeans that go with everything. Try to pack pieces that can go with more than one other piece and could be potentially be re-worn. In addition, pack one statement piece to add a bit of flavor to your weekend. This Devlin ‘Nicole’ Wrap Front High/Low Dress is the perfect statement.
The fabric is incredibly silky and flowy and it reminds me of “Colors of The Wind” from Pocahontas. A dress like this is perfect for a day time trip or for going out to somewhere a bit fancier at night. I feel really majestic in this dress and, guys, I’m 5’1″ and this dress doesn’t drag on the floor. It’s really hard finding a nice long dress or high/low dress that doesn’t drag on the floor when you wear flat shoes (although I’m wearing wedges in the photo).
Let me just rave about the new Devlin clothing line real quick though, because I’m gonna be honest: I’m a very cheap frugal person.With this brand you get high fashion looks and high quality pieces for a lot less. As someone who doesn’t really buy high-end labels, I can safely say that this brand is worth checking out. Plus, this dress is super airy and breathable and it almost feels like wearing nothing which is the dream on a hot summer day.
5. Lay out each day’s outfit.
This is what I do for every trip in order to ensure I have each element I need. For my Devlin ‘Nicole’ Wrap Front High/Low Dress I added a white braided belt that I had in my closet so I laid out the dress with the belt and the black gladiator wedges. I also laid out the other outfits that I’ll wear with that pair of sandals in order to see what overlaps and to avoid over-packing or under-packing.
5. Pack comfortable shoes.
Even if you don’t plan on walking much, it’s good to bring comfortable shoes just in case. They can be your ratty sneakers as long as you can walk in them. Bonus if you have cute shoes that are also comfortable. For me, a simple and versatile pair of white sneakers are a weekend getaway essential.
6. Don’t forget your basic necessities.
Duh, I know. Even though we use these things on a daily basis (hopefully), it seems like they’re so easy to forget about while you’re packing. Some of these things includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, phone charger and glasses. I like to set reminders that remind me on the day of my trip to shove these things in my bag, just in case.
7. Plan your outfits around your schedule.
If your plans are up in the air, bring a variety of outfits and footwear (but not too much). For example, if you’re going to New York City and one day you’re going on a walking tour and the next is a Broadway show and fancy dinner, you’re going to want a pretty dress (like the one above) and a comfortable outfit to walk around in. This is tied in with the other tips, but ensure that you have an outfit for each potential plan.
8. Utilize cosmetic bags.
This is my biggest packing tip and I pack at least three of these bags no matter where I’m going for the weekend. I hoard these because they’re so useful. They’re great for makeup and toiletries but they’re also handy for storing all of your chargers or hair accessories. It’s nice to keep everything in one place and this is much nicer than using just a plastic bag.
This Devlin cosmetics pouch is HUGE and beautiful. In fact, when you purchase something Devlin from Dillard’s between 4/11 – 4/25 or Nordstrom between 4/25 – 5/1 you get a free gift with purchase which is this cute and handy cosmetics pouch. Yay for free stuff!
I can actually fit all of my makeup in this bag instead of having to use multiple pouches. It also fits all of my toiletries like my toothbrush, toothpaste, travel body wash and the works. The fabric on the outside is also really easy to clean, which is great because 97% of my cosmetic pouches are covered in lipstick and foundation on the outside…oops.
Anyway, those are my packing tips. I took so many pictures in this dress on campus and I got so many funny looks because it was actually 35 degrees, windy and it was on my college’s open house day. I can’t wait to bring the dress on a weekend getaway, it’s definitely the perfect dress for photos and I’m sure the airy fabric will be even more appreciated when the sun is blaring down.
What are your weekend getaway packing tips?
