What’s In My Weekender Bag – Summer Edition

Tis the season for weekend getaways, am I right? Whether you’re packing it in for a plane trip or simply rolling down your windows for a good ole fashioned road trip, what is a girl to pack? Dane and I are big fans of staycations and short weekend getaways that refresh us in a way that’s not quite the same as sitting at home all weekend. Anyone else feel me on this one? There’s something about waking up in a new place, even if it’s just down the road! Staycations are the new black, aren’t they? Anyway, I’ve gotten a few questions on how I pack for quick trips, so today I’m covering what’s in my weekender bag – summer edition! I’m talking what’s essential, what to leave at home and everything in between. Let’s dive in…

What’s In My Weekender Bag – Summer Edition

Chambray Shirt – This seems like a weird one, but hear me – first and foremost, they make great cover-ups at the beach. Second, summer sun can be strong and when you’ve gotten just a bit *too* much, throwing on a chambray is a great way to block out some of the harmful rays. And finally – it’s a go-to for me when traveling. I typically wear my chambray in case I get cold on airplanes or heading out at night.

Comfortable Pants – Driving or flying home is never the best part of your weekend away, so you want to make sure you’re comfy, right? I picked up this pair last summer and then bought them in chambray this year – so stinking comfortable! Zero regrets!

Cute Pair of Shorts – Heading to happy hour and just not keen on dealing with peeling your thighs apart in the hot summer sun? I feel you on this on a very deep and personal level. It’s a real thing, folks! I turn to a cute pair of shorts and a tank top with some cute sandals and call it square. No need to complicate it!

Jean Shorts – I have been wearing these shorts (the distressed version) for 3 years now and they never, ever fail me. I recommend them to every person I know and each and every time they say “they were a bit pricey, but worth the spend”. And it’s true! You will get your money’s worth out of these, because even though I’ve had them for 3 years, they still look just as good as the day I bought them and I wear them more than just in the summer here in Hawaii, which I think is an important detail!

Rubber Flip Flops – I have been wearing this brand for years, ever since my aunt went on vacation to Brazil and brought me back a pair! I was hooked! They hold up remarkably well – I still wear my originals – and are perfect for the beach or pool since they’re waterproof. I obviously love my Rainbows too and I’m guilty of taking those for a swing around the sand as well even though they are leather, but if I’m really thinking about it Havianas are the best for water-based weekend activities.

Dressy Sandals or Heeled Sandals – Wedges are having a major moment this summer, but I won’t lie…my absolute favorites of the summer have been my flats or heeled sandals. I know, I know, this probably goes against everything you’ve been reading, but it’s true. I’ve been reaching for flats more often than not and when I do go for something a little bit dressy (to lengthen my legs – OF COURSE), it’s been these. They’re a STEAL! Notice I put OR – I’ve learned that for just a weekend away, I realistically will only wear one or the other. I’m on my way to becoming a reformed over packer and the more you pack, the more you just have to put away when you get home! So, keep it simple for a weekend trip.

White Jeans – These are a go-to for me year round so it’s a total no brainer for a weekend trip. I love how they look dressed up or down and white goes with everything, so they wind up being pretty versatile whether you’re spending a day exploring a new place or heading out to dinner and want to pair them with the block heels I mentioned earlier. I’ve linked my favorite pair of white jeans that are both are high waisted and slimming. A total win, especially for white denim!

Linen tees + linen tanks – Linen is my material of choice in summer, regardless of how many people hate it because of the wrinkling factor. I can’t get enough. A few summers back I purchased linen tees and tanks from J. Crew in a few different colors and that was the best choice ever, because I’m still wearing them and they aren’t stretched to shit like cotton! #realtalk Linen is also great for sweaty people like myself, because it doesn’t cling to damp skin and breathes nicely. DOUBLE WIN! I always pair them with a cute bralette 🙂

Swimsuit – This one is a no-brainer! It’s summer time and the livin’ is easy…and you just never know when you might encounter some water that needs diving into, am I right? 😉 A full list of all the best places to shop for swimwear can be found here.

Dress – Perfect for throwing on for dinner at night, over your swimsuit if it’s casual enough or even to go out exploring during the day. What style of dress should probably be completely dependent upon where you’re going and what you plan to do, but I love a good t-shirt dress for functionality and comfort.

Pajamas – This one is pretty self explanatory, no? 🙂 This set is the softest and most affordable I’ve ever tried!

And that’s it! I know it seems kind of bare bones, and of course I pack things like my toiletry bag + undies (and let’s be honest – probably some workout gear), but if you’re heading out on a weekend adventure, you want it to feel a little bit spontaneous right? You don’t need a ton, because realistically, you’re going to be either relaxing or exploring and not fussing with multiple outfit changes (at least if you’re me), plus not packing a ton means not washing and/or unpacking a ton 🙂 I hope this is helpful for anyone who feels a little stumped while packing for a weekend away and then just starts throwing 400 different things into their bag!

So let’s chat, are you an overpacker? How do you prepare to pack for a trip? Are you taking any fun weekend trips this summer?