For the next few weeks, I will be returning to my Practical Packing series. This is a repost from a few years ago, but helpful as we start to plan our summer weekend getaways.  Enjoy!

You are going away – but only for an overnight or long weekend.  You don’t want to bring a lot of stuff, but you know you have different types of activities on the agenda.  Do you find yourself asking: How am I going to pack for this trip?

1. Pick the suitcase or travel bag you are going to use.  Don’t stray from this choice!  You must now fit everything you need in this bag!

2. Now select one pair of shoes.  This one pair must be worn at every event.  You do not want to pack more than one pair of shoes.  Ideally – you aren’t packing any shoes – they are on your feet when you leave the house! (Exceptions: A) a beach trip – then you may throw one pair of flip flops in the bag too! B) a work trip – that’s a different blog all together.) Flats work best.  They can be worn with casual outfits like shorts or jeans, but are also acceptable when you are a little more dressed up for a restaurant or nights on the town.  This pair of shoes will also choose the color palette of your trip.

Let’s start with these:

Throw these in your purse or bag:

3. Clothes: a pair of jeans is always a staple – comfortable to travel in and can be dressed up or down, something more formal for dinner or a night-out, a few choices of shirts that can interchange with the jeans, shorts, or even over the dress. Always include one sweater that can be worn over every outfit in case the weather is cooler. Vary the sleeve length of your shirts to accommodate all temperatures – think outdoor walking around or eating and air conditioned buildings.  A tank, a short sleeve, and a longer sleeve are ideal. Make sure all tops can be worn with all bottoms.

4. Accessories – don’t overload on accessories, make sure they can all be packed in one travel case, and that they can be worn with multiple outfits.

I was in my early twenties at a family event when it occurred to me that my sister-in-law and her daughters (my nieces) always wore the same colors as each other at events. When I asked her about this she said it was just so much easier to pack when everyone was wearing the same colors.  They could share accessories, stockings, make-up, even shoes.

Stores: H&M, Target, Old Navy, GAP, Etsy

Check back soon for the continuation of Practical Packing, because we still haven’t packed a bathroom bag or your purse!

Leave a comment and tell me about your packing habits. We are getting very close to the 700th comment, so if you want to win the contest and a nice prize, comment below. Have a great day and thanks for reading.