Bank holiday weekends are made for spontaneous getaways, long lunches and escaping your inbox for a few blissful days, but figuring out what to pack? Slightly less relaxing. Whether you’re heading off for countryside walks, a city break, spa stay or a few nights of fancy dinners and cocktails, the challenge is always the same: how do you fit everything you might need into one reasonably sized bag without overpacking?
Smart Styling Secrets
The secret lies in smart styling. If you’re organised, planning outfits ahead of time can save both suitcase space and last-minute panic. But for those of us who can’t quite face laying outfits across the bed three days in advance, building a mini capsule wardrobe is the next best thing. Think versatile staples you can mix and match with ease, like a great blazer, relaxed denim, an easy dress, a classic white tee and trainers that work with absolutely everything.
So, if you’ve got a bank holiday escape on the horizon, consider this your stylish packing guide to creating a chic, fuss-free weekend wardrobe without bringing your entire closet along for the ride.
Brilliant Blazers
A blazer is always a must in a capsule wardrobe as it is a versatile hero that can be worn to dress up a casual outfit, or it can be worn over the shoulders for a more relaxed, yet tailored dinner outfit. This M&S Relaxed Tailored Single-Breasted Blazer is retailing for £50 and comes in a grey colourway to keep things monochrome and maximise its styling potential. Additionally, you could opt for a Next’s Chocolate Brown V-Neck Collarless Blazer, which has a much more fashion-forward edge, and costs £58. Better yet, it can be paired with the matching Chocolate Brown Elastic Back Wide Leg Trousers costing £38, and provides three looks in one. Wear it together for dinner, and then as separates to maximise its wearability. We’re big fans of co-ords.
Trusty Jacket
Next up is a lightweight jacket, which is always handy to have close by, as you never know when the weather will turn. Something simple like Uniqlo’s Zip-Up Short Jacket for £39.90 is brilliant as it’s suitable for daywear, but the collar and turned-up cuffs provide a smarter finish. You could also try New Look’s Light Khaki Quilted Padded Jacket, retailing for £34.99 to keep you warm, cosy, and always stylish. Another essential that can be reworked on top and under multiple ensembles is a signature white t-shirt. Cos have built up quite the reputation for their classic Clean Cut T-Shirt, £30, as it’s made from 100 per cent organic cotton, so it feels great on the skin, it’s breathable, and it keeps its shape well, so you can re-wear it again and again, whether that’s on its own with jeans, or under tailoring.
Flattering Jeans
Jeans are always a must, and River Island always has a wide range of denim to choose from. Our favourite style currently is the Indigo Pull-On Sculpt Stretch Palazzo Jeans, costing £48. They’re an easy pull-on style, so you don’t need to fuss with buttons or a zip, but most importantly, they are specially designed to shape and smooth the body just like shapewear. The shape creates a super flattering silhouette as it nips you in at the waist and then flares out into a wide, straight cut. They’re also smart enough to dress up with a blouse and heels for dinner. Equally, H&M are another go-to brand for denim. Their Wide Ultra High Jeans retail for £24.99, and create the illusion of a taller profile thanks to their raised waistline and wide-leg fit. They come available in five colours, including black, grey, dark blue, and even ivory.
Day-to-Night Dresses
Investing in a dress that can easily take you from daytime activities to dinner reservations is a great idea. The trick here is to choose styles that can be dressed up or down with a change of accessories or jewellery. Something like this ASOS DESIGN ruffle sweetheart neckline textured maxi dress, £50, featuring a cute ditsy floral print that’s perfect for the upcoming summery months, is great as it can be worn with trainers and a cardigan for the day, and then elevated with strappy sandals and a clutch bag for the evening. Additionally, you can embrace the polka-dot trend that is everywhere at the moment with this sleek and stylish Nobody’s Child Black Polka Dot Lace Trim Iris Midi Dress, £79. The black colourway immediately makes it look formal enough for cocktails, but suitable to layer under a denim jacket for a daytime stroll.
Sleek Skirts
A great skirt is one of the hardest-working pieces in a capsule wardrobe. Easy to dress up or down, it can take you from daytime exploring straight to dinner plans with just a quick switch of shoes and accessories. Slip styles such as Never Fully Dressed’s Chocolate Lily Skirt, £99, can be effortlessly reworked for whatever is on the itinerary. Pair it with its matching Chocolate Blue Lace Top for £79 for a cohesive ensemble that you can re-wear to numerous occasions. You can also decide to buy a denim midi or a cotton skirt like Primark’s Cotton Tiered Maxi Peasant Skirt that retails for just £10 and packs huge styling versatility.
Cosy Knit
British weather and bank holiday weekends are famously unpredictable, which is why lightweight knitwear is non-negotiable. A relaxed jumper like French Connection’s Lilly Mozart Crew Neck Jumper, £49, is great to throw on if you feel the chill, or you can wrap it around your shoulders to embrace a preppy edge to your look. Alternatively, choose a classic cardigan that is perfect for layering over dresses, styling with jeans or throwing across your shoulders when temperatures inevitably dip. Neutral shades work hardest, but a pop of colour always keeps things feeling fresh, which is why we are big fans of Oliver Bonas’ Orange Embroidered Crew Neck Knitted Cardigan, costing £68.
Versatile Footwear
Packing smart starts from the ground up. Comfortable trainers are essential for travel days, city strolls and countryside wandering, while a chic pair of sandals instantly elevates evening outfits without taking up too much suitcase space. The key is choosing styles versatile enough to work across multiple looks without sacrificing comfort. For example, Topshop’s Solo strappy mule mid heel sandal in black that costs £38 is great to style with denim, skirts, dresses galore, and they’ll take up hardly any space in your travel bag. Or if you’re going to be on your feet more, then a classic and timeless pair of trainers, just like H&M’s Light Beige, £17.99, option will never let you or your outfit down.
Easy Swimwear
Even if swimming isn’t firmly on the itinerary, packing swimwear is always worth it. Whether it’s a spontaneous spa visit, hotel hot tub or sunny beach afternoon, having a flattering swimsuit or bikini tucked in your case means you’re prepared for every kind of relaxing bank holiday moment. Whether you choose a summer-inspired look with the John Lewis Cuba Textured Knotted Detail Swimsuit, £45, that elevates traditional swimsuits with a textured fabric, or the M&S Tummy Control Textured Swimsuit, retailing for £36, which is designed with a flattering ribbed texture and tummy control technology for a sculpted look.
There you have it, whether you’re off on a staycation, or hopping on a plane to a nearby city-break, then make sure to get your holiday wardrobe looking its best and ready to serve you in the best way.
