Packing Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs: 6 Must-Have Items for a Weekend Getaway
Pare down your choices and be a savvy traveler!
Being in the fashion industry for almost 30 years, I consider myself somewhat of a fashion expert and I have plenty of closets, armoires, drawers and shelves filled to the brim with fashion to prove it! The trick is learning how to pare it all down when you’re looking to escape on a weekend getaway. When I was younger and traveling all over the world for my job, I always made the mistake of overpacking, stuffing everything possible into my bag. When I returned from a long trip, I realized that more than half of the things I packed, I never used. After repeating this exercise a few times, I started to look at the items I was continuously gravitating toward during my travels. The items that were being used the most were always versatile (think jackets or cardigans) and basic or essential (think t-shirts, jeans, or leggings). With this information, I began to be a better packer, saving my back from carrying overweight bags and also preventing exorbitant fees for overweight or checked bags. With some of my tips, you can easily pack a carry-on bag or weekender tote and manage to have enough great looks to get you through all the activities you have planned for your getaway.
Right now with the beautiful northeastern autumn weather upon us, there are a lot of spontaneous day trips or weekend jaunts that are calling my name. There’s no end of fun things to do as we’re still transitioning out of sunny days at the beach and into autumnal activities like apple picking and driving to see the fall foliage. That means that we really need to prepare well because of the high and low temperature fluctuations. Layering pieces are critical, but with just a few easy essentials already in your wardrobe and a couple of fashion pieces, you have the makings of a great weekend getaway wardrobe.
It only takes about six items to mix and match to get you from a casual travel day and touring the sights, to a slightly more dressed up look for a business meeting or brunch/lunch date, and something a little more special for an evening on the town.
Pairing your looks with appropriate accessories from casual sneakers and evening heels, to an all-day tote bag or dressy clutch, to a patterned scarf make all the difference.
In this summer to fall layout of looks, I’m showcasing a few of my favorite designers like Mirame swimwear whose one piece swimsuits take you from beach to brunch by doing double duty as a bodysuit. How’s that for even more versatility!
Another of my favorites is Cenia Convi Jeans whose collection of denim includes two back waistband zippers that are perfect for days when we feel like we’ve put on a few additional pounds from extra servings of dessert.
Lastly, I love The Merger NYC for glam looks that are street chíc and can be easily dressed up or down.
Did I mention that it’s perfectly OK to wear white after Labor Day? You can even take your white denim right into the middle of those cold winter days and create a Winter White look with a cozy neutral sweater (more on that later).
6 Easy Pieces to Pack in Your Weekender Bag
The perfect outfit for day one of travel is a no brainer. All you need is your most comfy t-shirt (2) and jeans (3) in your closet to get you started. This outfit also serves the purpose of any casual sight-seeing you may want to do. Always pack a pair of sneakers or trainers for days like this. If the temperature starts to dip, throw on your favorite casual jacket (6). I always have an easy denim jacket or utility jacket from my own brand Tocaya on hand. They can be dressed up or down.
Jeans and a Graphic Tee Are Always a Classic Look
Maybe you have a business function to attend while you’re in town. Those same jeans can be dressed up by layering a base layer bodysuit (1) and a fashion jacket (5) with them. I love this jacket with its nod to designer Coco Chanel. The metallic tweed texture and pearlized buttons are classic, but the zipper, collar and long line silhouette make it sporty and modern.
White on White Looks from Business to Glam
I love the white on white look and it’s business appropriate with the fashion jacket and slides. If I want to dress it up, I lose the jacket and add a snakeskin clutch and strappy sandals in a quick change-up.
If I want an all-out special look, I’ll wear the whole head to toe look of my metallic tweed suit with my bodysuit for an evening on the town. The idea of suit dressing sometimes has a traditional connotation to it, but this version is so fashion forward. The shorts have a wide waistband and gathering that mimic the silhouette of real deal boxing shorts. The beauty of packing a versatile suit like this is that you can break it apart and wear with other pieces or keep the look paired together. This is really key in packing smartly.
If I wanted to create another look, I could simply pair these shorts (4) with my graphic tee (2) add my casual denim jacket (6) and have a perfect dressy casual outfit.
The Head to Toe Look of a Suit Keeps Things Pulled Together
Now you get the idea of how to build a great travel wardrobe. Keep these keywords in mind as you pack:
• Versatility (day to evening pieces)
• Comfort (pieces with stretch, elastic, wrinkle-free)
• Essentials (tees, leggings, jeans)
• Accessories (casual and dressy shoes, casual and dressy bags, scarves for creating a look and also for warmth)
• Suits (to mix and match or wear as a set)
• Jackets (can be dressed up or down and provide warmth)
Now hit the road and have a great adventure!
(Photography courtesy of Ivy Dash Photography)
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