Weekend Travel Outfits: How to Mix & Match 7 Essential Pieces

Trying to master long-weekend packing is usually a lot easier said than done. Even though a weekend getaway means only a few short days spent away from home, trying to come up with a few travel outfits that conveniently fit into a weekender bag is no easy feat. If you love clothes as much as we do, it’s challenging to decide which pieces make the cut. As tempting as it may be to pack that top that’s been sitting in your closet for 5 years (even if you swear this is the perfect occasion), the key to smarter packing is versatile pieces. We’ve created a list of 7 essential items to help you strategically plan your travel outfits (so you can save space for allllll the shoes). The mix and match options are endless!

7 Long-Weekend Essentials

1. A Printed Blouse

2. A Large Tote

3. Comfortable Jeans

4. A Long Sleeve Tee

5. Patterned Shorts

6. A Printed Dress

7. A Denim Jacket

Outfit One:

A quick trip out of town means making the most out of each piece you bring with you. A vibrant button-up is easy to dress up or down, making it a must-have item to add to your list. Paired with medium-wash jeans, an oversized tote (perfect for stashing all of your travel essentials) and low-heeled booties, you’ll be prepared for whatever the day throws your way.

Outfit Two:

No matter what your plans entail, you’ll probably need a more casual ensemble at some point during your weekend getaway. Try pairing a long sleeve tee with your blue jeans and some comfortable sneakers. This low-maintenance look works just as well for a laid-back day sipping drinks on a patio or spending the afternoon exploring a new city.

Outfit Three:

If the weather allows, a long sleeve tee with striped linen shorts will be your best bet for your travel outfit. Whether you’re sitting for hours in a car or on a plane, you’ll feel comfortable without looking like you rolled up in your PJ’s. Plus, it’s a polished look that allows you to hit the ground running as soon as you arrive. Having to remove your shoes for TSA or fuss with them at each rest stop (Who else always kicks their shoes off in the car? ?‍♀️) can be a pain, so wear slip-ons for added convenience.

Outfit Four:

It’s always fun to get innovative with your travel outfits, so don’t be afraid to mix and match unexpected pieces. Layer the long sleeve tee over a floral dress for a make-shift skirt ensemble. To make sure your outfit looks cohesive, add a belt and French tuck the sweater into it (Tan France would be proud) for a more tailored look. Choose a shoe that feels right for your agenda. On your feet most of the day? Go with a sneaker. Heading out to dinner? Throw on a bootie for instant wow-factor.

Outfit Five:

A classic denim jacket is *the* go-to piece when you need to pack light. You’ll be able to pair it with everything you’ve squeezed into your weekend bag giving you plenty of outfits to choose from. It looks especially amazing layered over a lightweight floral dress for a breezy and comfortable look. Keep it casual with sneakers during the day or elevated with booties for an easy evening transition.

Outfit Six:

Let’s face it, we’ll forever be shipping denim-on-denim, so try the jacket with the button-up blouse and blue jeans for a broken up Canadian Tuxedo. The pairing options are limitless for this versatile piece so you don’t have to waste precious cargo space by packing multiple jackets. If you’re looking to dress up this casual ensemble a bit, throw on a bootie or pointed flat for added sophistication.