City Break Essentials: Packing for a Stylish Getaway

City Break Essentials: Packing for a Stylish Getaway

August 23, 2023

There’s no denying the allure of a city break, especially an impromptu getaway that you just pick on the spur of the moment. The idea of walking around a new city, trying out new tastes and seeing new sights, and getting deep into a different culture is always exciting. Along with this excitement, though, comes a challenge: How, and what, do you pack for this kind of getaway?

Packing for the weather

You can check the long-range weather forecast and you can make as many wishes as you want, but you can’t guarantee that your city break will be met with the weather you were expecting, so it makes sense to pack for all eventualities. You still want to travel light, so it’s worth having your basic choices for the weekend augmented by one or two pieces that are fit for any weather. A Moncler jacket and a light sweater are good ideas, as are some sturdier shoes if you might be pounding the pavement in a light rainstorm. You can be practical and stylish, no matter where you’re going.

Uniting night and day

On any city break, opportunism is key; you need to fit in everything you want to do in a more limited time frame than on an ordinary holiday. So it is beneficial to have some outfits that suit more than one purpose. A smart wrap dress can be worn for trips around museums and walking tours, and paired with a statement belt can also be perfect for a chic dinner. A light blouse and some tailored trousers can also do double duty, so it is good to have a few items like these in your luggage.

Accessorising for look and purpose

Of course, a good outfit can become a great one when you pick the right accessories. They also don’t tend to take much space in your luggage, which is even better news. Simple outfits, which are easier to pack, can be upgraded with the right statement pieces, so a stylish necklace can bring a simple T-shirt and jeans into a new light. The right scarf can add a bit extra too, and it’s always worth bringing a chic hat; if it’s rainy or even too sunny, you’ll be glad you did. Also, make sure you bring a decent-sized handbag. It’s essential for your purse, phone, and any little souvenirs you may pick up, plus it counts as hand luggage.

City breaks are such a good way to holiday because they give you the chance to pack a whole trip’s worth of memories into one weekend. And speaking of packing, if you want to get more for less, then it’s always a good idea to follow the above advice. Pick the right pieces for your long weekend, and you’ll be absolutely ready to make the most of your time wherever you may go. And if you leave enough space in your bags, then there’s always the chance to pick up a few more items on an overseas shopping spree.

Charlotte is the founder and editor-in-chief at Your Coffee Break magazine. She studied English Literature at Fairfield University in Connecticut whilst taking evening classes in journalism at MediaBistro in NYC. She then pursued a BA degree in Public Relations at Bournemouth University in the UK. With a background working in the PR industry in Los Angeles, Barcelona and London, Charlotte then moved on to launching Your Coffee Break from the YCB HQ in London’s Covent Garden and has been running the online magazine for the past 10 years. She is a mother, an avid reader, runner and puts a bit too much effort into perfecting her morning brew.