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Surprisingly, I think people actually tend to overpack more on shorter breaks and there's something about a weekend away that brings out the overpacker in almost everyone. A couple of nights in Manchester, Bristol, Dublin or Barcelona suddenly calls for a suitcase big enough for a fortnight, crammed with outfits for every possible scenario, most of which never leave the bag. For busy mums in particular, a rare weekend off is precious, and nobody wants to waste it hauling a heavy case across cobbles or digging through a jumble of clothes in a tiny hotel room. So here are some tips on how to avoid overpacking.
1. Start with a clear idea of what your itinerary is going to look like
While I am not one for being to prescriptive when it comes to a travel itinerary and leaving room for a change of plans or flexibility is always key, having a rough idea is essential when it comes to packing and working out what you actually need.
Most city breaks follow a similar rhythm: long days on foot exploring shops, markets and cafés, followed by evenings that might start with dinner and end somewhere for cocktails. That means a capsule wardrobe built around two anchors works brilliantly. A couple of pairs of jeans that are comfortable enough for a full day of walking can be dressed up or down with the right top, while one or two clubbing dresses that pack small and don't crease take care of the nights out. Everything else in the case should work with both.
2. Daytime: comfort first, style close behind
City breaks involve a lot of walking. Most people cover far more ground on a weekend away than they would on an average day at home, so comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. A pair of trainers or broken-in ankle boots will go with almost everything and save a lot of blisters.
Denim is the backbone of a good daytime travel wardrobe. A straight-leg or wide-leg style tends to be the most versatile, working equally well with a chunky knit, a simple white T-shirt or a fitted bodysuit. Dark washes are the easiest to dress up later on, while lighter washes feel more relaxed and summery.
Layering is key too, especially in the UK and northern Europe, where the weather can change several times before lunch. A lightweight trench, a leather-look jacket or a smart blazer will see the day through and can be thrown on over an evening outfit later.
3. Night-time: pack smart, not big
Evening outfits are where the overpacking usually happens. The solution is to choose pieces that do a lot of work for very little space. Well-tailored and comfortable items and simple mini or midi silhouettes roll up small, rarely need ironing and look just as good straight out of the case.
Black is the obvious choice for a reason. It works in any setting, from a smart cocktail bar to a sticky-floored club, and pairs with whatever accessories are already in the bag. If black feels too safe, a rich chocolate brown, burgundy or deep emerald is just as versatile and photographs beautifully under low lighting.
It's also worth thinking about how the evening might unfold. Dinner first, then drinks, then dancing means an outfit needs to work for several hours across different settings. A dress that can be worn with a jacket at the restaurant, then shrugged out of later on, covers every base.
4. The hard-working extras
Accessories are the secret weapon of any small suitcase. A pair of statement earrings, a slim belt and a small versatile going-out bag can turn the same pair of jeans from daytime to evening in minutes which frees up even more space in the case.
On the shoe front, the rule of three works well for most weekends: one pair for walking, one pair for evenings and one pair that can stretch to both if needed, such as a block heel or a sleek boot. Anything more is usually dead weight.
5. Packing tips that save space
Rolling clothes rather than folding them saves room and helps prevent deep creases, especially with lightweight fabrics. Packing cubes keep everything organised and make it easier to find a specific outfit without turning the whole case upside down.
Decanting toiletries into small travel bottles is a must, particularly for anyone travelling with hand luggage only. A multi-use product, such as a tinted balm that works on lips and cheeks, saves even more space. And it's always worth leaving a little room for anything picked up along the way, whether that's a new top from a local boutique or a bottle of something to bring home.
Plan outfits before leaving
Laying out outfits for each day and night before zipping up the case is the single best way to avoid packing things that won't get worn. Snapping a quick photo of each combination on a phone can also save time getting ready in the hotel, leaving more of the weekend for the fun stuff.
Less luggage, more fun
A city break with friends should be about catching up, exploring somewhere new and making memories, not wrestling with an overstuffed suitcase. With a clear colour palette, a few hard-working basics and some clever accessories, it's entirely possible to look great day and night with a bag that's easy to carry. And the less time spent worrying about outfits, the more time there is to enjoy the weekend.
Most city breaks follow a similar rhythm: long days on foot exploring shops, markets and cafés, followed by evenings that might start with dinner and end somewhere for cocktails. That means a capsule wardrobe built around two anchors works brilliantly. A couple of pairs of jeans that are comfortable enough for a full day of walking can be dressed up or down with the right top, while one or two clubbing dresses that pack small and don't crease take care of the nights out. Everything else in the case should work with both.
2. Daytime: comfort first, style close behind
City breaks involve a lot of walking. Most people cover far more ground on a weekend away than they would on an average day at home, so comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. A pair of trainers or broken-in ankle boots will go with almost everything and save a lot of blisters.
Denim is the backbone of a good daytime travel wardrobe. A straight-leg or wide-leg style tends to be the most versatile, working equally well with a chunky knit, a simple white T-shirt or a fitted bodysuit. Dark washes are the easiest to dress up later on, while lighter washes feel more relaxed and summery.
Layering is key too, especially in the UK and northern Europe, where the weather can change several times before lunch. A lightweight trench, a leather-look jacket or a smart blazer will see the day through and can be thrown on over an evening outfit later.
3. Night-time: pack smart, not big
Evening outfits are where the overpacking usually happens. The solution is to choose pieces that do a lot of work for very little space. Well-tailored and comfortable items and simple mini or midi silhouettes roll up small, rarely need ironing and look just as good straight out of the case.
Black is the obvious choice for a reason. It works in any setting, from a smart cocktail bar to a sticky-floored club, and pairs with whatever accessories are already in the bag. If black feels too safe, a rich chocolate brown, burgundy or deep emerald is just as versatile and photographs beautifully under low lighting.
It's also worth thinking about how the evening might unfold. Dinner first, then drinks, then dancing means an outfit needs to work for several hours across different settings. A dress that can be worn with a jacket at the restaurant, then shrugged out of later on, covers every base.
4. The hard-working extras
Accessories are the secret weapon of any small suitcase. A pair of statement earrings, a slim belt and a small versatile going-out bag can turn the same pair of jeans from daytime to evening in minutes which frees up even more space in the case.
On the shoe front, the rule of three works well for most weekends: one pair for walking, one pair for evenings and one pair that can stretch to both if needed, such as a block heel or a sleek boot. Anything more is usually dead weight.
5. Packing tips that save space
Rolling clothes rather than folding them saves room and helps prevent deep creases, especially with lightweight fabrics. Packing cubes keep everything organised and make it easier to find a specific outfit without turning the whole case upside down.
Decanting toiletries into small travel bottles is a must, particularly for anyone travelling with hand luggage only. A multi-use product, such as a tinted balm that works on lips and cheeks, saves even more space. And it's always worth leaving a little room for anything picked up along the way, whether that's a new top from a local boutique or a bottle of something to bring home.
Plan outfits before leaving
Laying out outfits for each day and night before zipping up the case is the single best way to avoid packing things that won't get worn. Snapping a quick photo of each combination on a phone can also save time getting ready in the hotel, leaving more of the weekend for the fun stuff.
Less luggage, more fun
A city break with friends should be about catching up, exploring somewhere new and making memories, not wrestling with an overstuffed suitcase. With a clear colour palette, a few hard-working basics and some clever accessories, it's entirely possible to look great day and night with a bag that's easy to carry. And the less time spent worrying about outfits, the more time there is to enjoy the weekend.
