8 Ways to Pack for the Perfect Summer Weekend

Looking forward to a late summer getaway but don’t know what to pack? Take heart. You’re not alone.

Most of us take far too many clothes with us on vacation, whether it’s for a short three-day visit or a long leisurely trip. That’s because we haven’t a clue about what to pack. So at the last minute we tend to throw everything in sight into our carry-on bag and hope for the best.

When you know how to choose your summer weekend wardrobe wisely, however, packing can be a snap. Organization is the key. Never pack without a plan because it’s an invitation to chaos, not to mention unnecessary baggage charges.

To get organized, first make a list of all the activities you think you’ll be enjoying on your trip. Then list what you’ll need for each activity, right down to the minutest detail. (You’ll want to select separates that go from day to night, then stretch your wardrobe by adding coordinating accessories.)

Lastly, don’t forget the basics such as pajamas, slippers, undergarments and socks-not to mention makeup and sundries. As you pack each item, check it off the list.

Here are eight basic items that will pack a punch in your summer weekend wardrobe bag:

Don a basic dress

You’ll get more bang for your buck when you select a neutral-colored dress made of lightweight fabric that boasts a loose silhouette. You can wear it day or night, even as a swimsuit cover-up. To get that polished professional look, accessorize your dress with a belt, a punchy print scarf or statement piece of jewelry. Add a contrasting lightweight jacket or sweater to stay warm in air-conditioned venues and to stave off that summer evening chill.

Limit your color palette

Choose one neutral shade for basic pieces such as a dress, casual pants and shorts. It could be a cool khaki color, a crisp white or a neutral gray shade. Black is always a great travel color when maintenance is an issue, but it’s not a good hue for summer because it tends to attract and trap heat. Once you’ve decided on your pivotal neutral shade, add vivid color with accessories.

Pack two pairs of shoes

You’ll need a pair of casual shoes and a dressy heel. For the casual shoes, choose a neutral-toned espadrille, ballet flat or sandal to take you from the airport to the hotel or from the hotel to the local shopping area. And don’t forget a sexy, neutral-hued heel or wedge that is as appropriate for lunch al fresco as it is for cocktails.

Jazz up your jeans

Take along a jean in a crisp summer white or one of the popular punchy color versions. They look less formal than a blue jean, and can be dressed up or down when combined with a strappy wedge heel and some fabulous jewelry.

Add a classic white shirt

A wrinkle-free, white boyfriend shirt is versatile for almost any occasion. You can wear it as a jacket over a dress, a T-shirt or a camisole. You can also take it to the beach for the perfect swimsuit cover-up. And it can add casual elegance to shorts or pants when you roll up the sleeves and tie it at the waist. It can even double as the perfect PJs.

Consider colorful camisoles, tanks or tees

Take along two or three lightweight tops to wear over your bathing suit or with shorts or pants. Choose them in a variety of colors that enhance your own personal color palette as well as your neutral wardrobe color of choice. They’ll add a well-needed pop of color.

Bring bathing beauty essentials

Don’t forget your swimsuit if you’re going to be near water or playing the Golden

Beach Goddess. As to which swimsuit model best fits and flatters, check out my last summer’s blog at http://llstylestudio.com/blog. You can always pair the top of a two-piece swimsuit or a one-piece version with shorts or pants to stretch your wardrobe.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize

Jewelry and fashion-forward scarves take up little room in your luggage but have a big impact on your wardrobe. A statement necklace or cuff bracelet dresses up even the most casual outfit. And a lightweight scarf can serve to add a pop of color-not to mention double as a shawl, sarong or head wrap.