How to Travel in Style

There's nothing better for recharging your batteries than a long weekend getaway: it's fast, it's simple, and it's inexpensive, and the same should go for your clothes.

It's easy to forget that one can only wear so many things during a two- or three-day vacation. The decision to travel light is usually dismissed from mind once the packing begins. Because of a momentary lapse of reason, you're eventually condemned to hauling a large, tightly packed suitcase full of unnecessary stuff.

Achieve a lot with a little

To prevent packing too much, limit your wardrobe and other necessities to a small suitcase or duffel bag. Weekend getaways demand a practical, flexible approach, so opt for clothes that are fitting for your planned activities and can be worn to a variety of occasions.

By all means, resist the urge to bring your designer dresses and high heels: you don't want to spend your vacation worrying about getting your clothes ruined. You want to relax, have fun, and be able to move freely, which is why your clothes should be simple, comfortable, and versatile. If they don't fulfill all three requirements, they shouldn't be included in the bag.

As a rule, stick to basic items that can be easily combined to create different outfits. Don't go crazy with elaborate patterns: the safest bet is to stick to solid colors, but a striped shirt or a maxi dress with a delicate floral print will enter some variety into the mix and prevent things from getting too boring.

Use the power of details

Going simple does not entail giving up on being fashionable. Even a basic white shirt paired with denim shorts and a cute pair of flats can look chic if you know how to accessorize. If you add a pair of oversized sunglasses and a white, beige, or camel fedora hat into the equation, you will at the same time get protection from the sun and make a fashion statement.

Jewelry is an effective way to spice up your outfit without putting in too much effort. You can invoke your inner Grace Kelly by shopping for pearl jewelry online and getting a piece of timeless jewelry that will never go out of fashion. Add a touch of nonchalant elegance to your look by wearing a simple pearl necklace with a light pastel blouse, stretch jeans, and flat sandals. Or, combine a pair of pearl earrings with your straight-cut evening dress to achieve instant sophistication – think Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

Unite style with comfort

In terms of ease of combining, nothing beats a white shirt and black leggings, but take caution if you wear them together. Monochromatic outfits can come out as dull unless you break the pattern with a striking detail such as a bright red bag.

A basic button-down shirt, whether sleeveless or with rolled-up sleeves, matches perfectly with stretch jeans, slim pants, and striped maxi skirts alike. A pair of comfy loafers or sneakers and an added oversized sweater or cardigan for the evenings is all that you'll need to complement the look.

If you are not into carrying large purses and handbags, a small zip backpack will make a fantastic combo with a plain graphic tee, a pair of casual shorts, and slip-on sneakers. In the evening, the shorts can be replaced by leggings, with a faux leather jacket added for full effect.

Layer up with confidence

Layered clothing is a necessity on short trips, and the easiest way to make sure you've covered all the options is to bring a solid-colored oversized jacket or blazer that can be worn with practically anything.

A casual navy blazer will look fab with either slim jeans or cigarette pants, a slim tee, and casual shoes, with an added tote or shopper bag. On the other hand, a denim jacket can be used in a myriad of ways: you can wear it over your crop or tank top and maxi floral skirt, or combine it with a loose-fitting tee and black stretch pants. A pair of flat gladiator sandals and a drawstring bag with an interesting print will complete the outfit perfectly.

To achieve maximum comfort while staying cool, it's enough to throw an oversized tee over your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans or jeggings, with the addition of a chic statement scarf that will not only accent your look but can also double-serve as a great hair accessory.

Enjoy the perks of traveling light

Packing light and being forced to minimize on your clothing will make you an expert in combining things and achieving different looks with only a few select items. You'll also learn to fully appreciate the importance of accessorizing by using decent pieces of jewelry, statement bags, and large hats or sunglasses. Finally, it will make your weekend getaway infinitely more fun and relaxed, which was, after all, the whole point.