What To Pack For A Stylish Weekend Away
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
Whether you’re headed to a land far, far away or staying close to home, it’s easy to pack comfort and style into a warm-weather travel wardrobe.
Tanks A Lot
When is a tank top not just a tank top? When it’s made from Uniqlo’s magical AIRism textile. “The new fabric is super thin, light, stretchy and smooth,” says Shu Hung, Global Creative Director for the brand, “It’s highly functional and breathable, moisture on the skin permeates through the fabric.” Ideal for any steamy situation (including workouts), the essential is Hung’s secret to surviving New York’s gruesome summer heat, melting subway temps and all. And it’s also her top pick for a getaway essential. “It’s like a shield that gives you a feeling of freshness,” she says. I’ll testify to being a recent convert: these are a body-cooling game-changer.
Uniqlo AIRism Sleeveless Top, $30 at Uniqlo stores.
Letting Loose
While most will champion leggings, I like my travel pants to be draped and boast a drawstring. A gently tapered silhouette is easier to pair with a range of top styles (no tunic lengths needed), plus a lightweight performance fabric maintains comfort during stuffy rides or flights.
New Balance Shanti Soft Pants, $100 at newbalance.ca.
In the Swim
If a weekend getaway doesn’t involve a dip in a pool, lake or hot tub and I’m not packing a bathing suit, then I’m not interested. This suit hits all the marks of a flawless bathing beauty: Fun yet sophisticated print and good support thanks to molded underwire bra cups and an adjustable band across the back. It also earns eco-chic points: The nylon fabric is made from recycled fish nets (not stockings but old fishing gear).
Lolë Natadoline One-Piece Swimsuit, $100 at lolewomen.com.
Throw Some Shade
Whether you’re sightseeing or racking up on-location selfies, glam sunglasses are a summer travel essential. I heart an oversize frame in an eye-catching pattern, but the silver accent trim that’s sure to catch the sunshine just-right makes this pair extra covetable.
Marc Jacobs sunglasses, $264, at Hudson’s Bay stores.
Seeing Red
If you wanna get a hands-on experience while away you’re gonna need a hands-free bag. A compact backpack makes maneuvering a breeze. One that features clean lines and a bold hue is the stylish adult’s way to transport a day’s worth of necessities. Once you make the switch from a cumbersome, shoulder-busting tote you won’t look back.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Rhea Large Leather Backpack, $398 at michaelkors.ca.
Dream Jeans
The go-anywhere power of jeans make them a luggage staple, regardless of destination. This ideal summer-ready pair marries a tailored, boyfriend cut with a sun-drenched pale blue wash. Perfect with a casual T-shirt by day, and a shoulder-baring tunic by night.
Levi’s Boyfriend Jeans in Sunburst, $80 at levi.ca.
Slide On By
Walking about is always the best way to discover a new place, and for that a woman needs flats! Any pair of shoes that satisfies my demands for a flip-flop level of cushiony comfort and red carpet-worthy embellishment is a top choice travel mate.
Zara Slides with Beads, $50 at zara.com.
Take this Rose
Mom was right: No matter where you’re heading, it always pays to pack a jacket. My fave options deliver a lightweight fabric in a stylish package, like this trendy pastel bomber that can effortlessly work with everything from denim to a dress. The affordable price is a lovely pre-trip bonus.
Uniqlo Bomber Jacket, $50 at Uniqlo stores.
One and Done
My getaway treat-youself moment definitely involves a fancy meal. And that calls for a fancy outfit. A dress always works but a minimalist jumpsuit operates on a whole other cool-girl level. Look for a relaxed silhouette that still offers some definition around the waistline. There are plenty of awesome black options but don’t overlook the luxe appeal of navy.
Babaton Maximillian Jumpsuit, $185 at aritzia.com.
Solid Gold
Heels on vacation? That’s a hard pass, thanks. I’m here to relax, after all. Instead you can find me wearing all manner of fancy flats. Mules (a shoe style that’s covered in front, bare in back) are currently trending, but really any pair designed with a metallic touch are a contender.
Michael Kors Collection Darla Crackled Metallic Leather Mule, $350 at michaelkors.ca.
Life of the Ball
I’ve learned my lesson: Don’t pack a myriad of accessories that’ll inevitably never leave the suitcase. Instead, choose to bring along one piece of statement jewelry you love and wear the heck out of it. Inspired by my current obsession with pom-pom earrings from this same shop, I’m now eying these babies for my next trip.
J.Crew Beaded Ball Earrings, $85 at jcrew.com.
Basket Case
Message received, Instagram! A woven bag is the season’s accessory du jour, and this clutch is one of the cutest ways I’ve seen to join the fashionable flock. Travel-savvy, too, since it’ll take up minimal suitcase space. Plus, it boasts more than a standout design: It’s handmade in Madagascar by a sustainably-focused label. Now, how many lipsticks do you think I can cram in this itty-bitty beauty?
Mar Y Sol Mia Woven Raffia Clutch, $69 at nordstrom.com.
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