By Gretta Monahan
Weekend getaways are one of the best parts of summer, except for the packing. Trying to narrow down all my clothing options to just a few essential outfits can be tough enough — let alone choosing between my favorite shoes, and then making it all fit. A daunting task.
But what with the seashore beckoning, so many cities to see and so many mountains to hike, this is no time to freeze up. Just ask the style-savvy ladies who run my boutique, Gretta Luxe: Kelly, Carina and Lauren are rolling out summer travel inspiration all season, chronicling their weekend adventures to destinations such as Cape Cod and New York City on Instagram (@grettaluxe). So with them, I’ve figured out a few strategies that take the pain out of packing.
For starters, pick a color palette and stick with it. Whether it’s navy blue and white, shades of black and white and gray, or warm tones of brown and beiges, choosing one scheme will make your life much more effortless once it comes time to get dressed while you’re away.
As for what to actually pack, well, it all depends on your destination.
For the beach:
Pair of capris
Simple top
Cute evening tank top (with a snazzy detail or two)
Bathing suit
Pair of shorts
Lightweight maxi dress
Flip-flops
That will yield the following combos:
Friday late afternoon and evening: The simple top and capris
Saturday: bathing suit and maxi dress as a cover-up
Saturday night: evening tank top and capris
Sunday: shorts and the simple top over your bathing suit
For the country:
Lightweight blazer
Jeans
Chinos
Two simple white shirts
Red sweater
Shorts
Flat sandals
Walking shoes/socks
So that will result in:
Friday night: blazer, white shirt, jeans
Saturday: jeans and red sweater
Saturday night: navy blazer and tan chinos, white shirt
Sunday: shorts, white shirt and walking shoes/socks
For the city
Black dress
Black pants
Black jacket
Tan pants
Simple white shirt
Print shirt
Pair of walking flats
Pair of comfy wedge heels
Scarf
So that will mean you’ve got:
Friday night: black pants/jacket and white shirt
Saturday: tan pants and printed shirt
Saturday night: black dress
Sunday: black jacket, tan pants and white shirt, with great scarf
Don’t forget to add the following to any of those combinations — shades, sunscreen, toiletries and some good reading material — and you’re good to go.
