What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

Tina, here.

Weekend getaway. Those may be two of the most beautiful words in the English language, next to summer afternoon (so said Henry James). But packing for such a trip can create stress to the point of robbing you of some of the anticipated joy. The point of your wardrobe on a weekend getaway, just like in your ordinary life, is to feel great and be able to move around comfortably, and then forget about it. So you can enjoy yourself. Clothes are really only over-important when they are wrong. When they are right, you walk with a pep in your step and have the confidence to enter a swanky bar or a zoo with equal élan.

I took a weekend getaway to New York City recently for a friend's birthday, and it happened to coincide with Fashion Week and 9/11. So there was much to do. Much required by my wardrobe.

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

As you know by now, I'm a very stoic packer - I underpack. The biggest culprits for overpacking are shoes, so I take 2 pairs, maybe 3, tops. I wear on the plane the same thing to and fro. So I'm only packing one pair of shoes. And I always need something to keep me warm on a plane.

So what are the magic ingredients for your carry-on? Yes, carry-on. Here is your list.

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

First there are 2 things for you to know: we pack people. If you're in the Nashville area, we at Tina Adams Wardrobe Consulting can pack you for your next trip. Probably in a carryon. Seriously. And second, the October Style Vault, our members-only shopping service, drops tomorrow and is chock full of all the things you need in real life and that you would actually pack for a trip. Find out more here.

1. Three Trousers: Dark Rinse Jeans (skinny or bootcut), Chinos, Dressy Pants

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

Dark rinse jeans are the dressiest. For day I wear them with my sneaky-sneaks. I'll carry my backpack with booties inside to change into for dinner. Vault members, check out the September Style Notes for some great sneakers for traveling. They have to be cool; otherwise they look stupid and wrong.

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

I have worn out these army green chinos so far this fall. They are just different than my everyday jeans and it's nice to have some variety. My booties don't look so good in this angle, but I promise, they work.  I'm sharing where you can get these booties inside the September Style Vault, Style Notes!

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

And finally, I packed these silk ankle pants for something a bit dressier. We went to a Fashion Week afterparty one night for the uber-talented Zang Toi, and I had to wear all day what I'd wear that night. So this were it. Shop similar silk ankle pants in the Style Vault, Style Notes from September. 

2. Four Tops: White Tee, Grey Sweater, Dressy Blouse, Open Wrap

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

A white tee can be dressed up or down, if it is crisp white and has no stains or holes. It can be layered under sweaters for cool museums. A wrap serves the same purpose, like this kimono-style one I bought last summer. I wore it over all 3 tops I brought. And even stuffed it inside my backpack when it was too warm to wear.

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

An ivory silky blouse can be worn over jeans, chinos, or with silk trousers. Even with a skirt, for those dressier nights. I wore this the night we went to a Broadway show (Wicked) and Zang's afterparty. Patti LaBelle was there, and one of the New York housewives. Deidre was with me and we blended in just fine. I would always much rather be overdressed and understated than underdressed but attention-getting.

3. Two Pairs of Shoes: Booties + Cool Sneakers

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

True confession. I forgot to bring a second decent pair of shoes to wear in the City. So I bought a pair. These are def outside my usual box, but they look so good on, and are sooo comfy. A boot gives you more support than a flat and is dressier than a sneaker, duh. I'm sharing where I got these inside the September Vault, Style Notes.

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

Recognize these? I wore these all over Italy last summer. They are still awesome. But I have sneaker envy. There was this chic woman, European - they always have the coolest shoes- I saw on the street with camel suede sneakers. I must have them. I provided a great sneaker for Vault members inside September Style Notes. The key to wearing sneakers: wear with ankle pants, no visible socks and show your ankles.

4. Backpack + a Clutch/Crossbody

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

I carry a stylish backpack on the plane with my water, book, iPad, and clutch. My clutch serves as my wallet, and my evening bag.

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

My clutch. My pride and joy. Why leave your good stuff at home when you travel? Life is short! Make memories with what you love! And drive that cost per wear down! Great crossbody options included in Style Vault, Style Notes from our list on Fall Handbags.

5. Jewelry: One Necklace, One Pair of Earrings and Rings - Thats' It

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

Pick a theme and stick to it. Mine was grey, army green and ivory. My jewelry was simple, and I wear on the plane what I wear the entire trip. So you never leave jewelry in the hotel room, or worry about the airline losing your luggage.

6. Pashmina

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

The most useful piece in my wardrobe. I keep it in my backpack and have it at the ready 24/7. Makes a great cocktail topper, too. Shop a great pashmina inside the September Style Vault Style Notes.

What To Pack For A Fall Weekend Getaway

Fall in New York with friends is one of life's great joys. Even if you take some time to sit on a porch wrapped in a blankets, make time this fall for some fun and laughter with your besties. And who cares what you're wearing when you get down to it?

All-New October Style Vault drops TOMORROW.

It's soooo good, if I do say so myself. Full of new must-haves you want now. Lots of good deals, and some surprises!

The Style Vault...Your Subscription To Style

Or buy a month-to-month membership here.  But if you do the annual membership with one month free you never have to worry about updating your credit card which gets so annoying, doesn’t it?

Have a great day and thanks for reading,

Tina

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