The Art of the Long Weekend Wardrobe
August is here, and while most have already clocked their annual dose of sunburn and airport security queues, there’s something to be said for saving your getaway until summer starts winding down, or squeezing in one last well-earned trip if you have the means. Long weekends this time of year feel a little more relaxed. Less frantic itinerary, more good food, good weather, and the vague promise you’ll ignore your emails until Monday.
There is, however, one unavoidable downside. A long weekend usually means travelling with little more than a carry-on, instantly turning packing into a game of ruthless decision-making. Suddenly, that "just in case" shirt is fighting for its life, and shoes become a luxury rather than a given.
The trick is filling your bag with pieces that refuse to pull just one shift. Think layers that work from breakfast through dinner, trousers that never feel out of place, and sneakers that can comfortably rack up 20,000 steps without looking like they were built for it. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the very pieces, courtesy of our friends over at MR PORTER.
Let the suitcase Tetris commence
Up Top
A great-fitting white tee might be the closest thing fashion has to a cheat code. It travels well and without fail, plays nicely with everything else in your bag. Add a reliable, chuckable sweater into the mix and you’ve got the long weekend uniform sorted. Flight? Covered. Evening stroll? Covered. Unexpected drop in temperature? Annoying, but covered. The best travel pieces are the ones that quietly earn their place without taking up half your suitcase.
Bottoms Up
Linen is going to be your best friend in this case, few fabrics are as versatile and wearable. Lightweight enough to chuck on for the walk home from the beach, but polished enough to carry you straight into dinner plans. The natural creasing only adds to the appeal, because unlike most things in life, linen somehow looks better when it’s a little undone. Pair it with an easy shirt or even, again, a simple white tee, and you’ve got a rotation that works harder than the space it takes up in your bag.
Stuff It In
These are the pieces that have to survive the final suitcase cut. The swim shorts are coming, obviously, but the scarf and extra pair of sneakers have to make a stronger case. Luckily, they’re the kind of additions that quietly justify the space they take up, adding versatility and a little personality to a bag that’s already seen some serious negotiations.
Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit our SHOPPER page and subscribe to the newsletter for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.
