Packing Light for a Weekend Trip

You can get through a whole weekend-at the beach, in the country, or in the city-with no more than six key clothing pieces.


What's the Combination?
Jim FrancoWhen it comes to packing for a getaway, there's generally a bit of a struggle: You want to bring enough clothing to see you through all scenarios, but you don't want to lug around an extensive wardrobe-especially in the era of baggage fees. The key to success on both counts: strategic packing. To see you through a weekend away at the beach, in the country, or in the city, Karen Montgomery, the creator of the Simple Packing travel planning kit, has picked essential pieces and worked out how to combine them for maximum usage. Just add two well-chosen pairs of shoes-one that will work day to night (such as a pair of metallic sandals), one that can double as slippers (canvas slip-ons, flip-flops)-and you'll be good to go. Yosi Samra's patent-leather flats are space-savers: They bend to tuck into any corner of your bag (from $66, yosisamra.com).

Also See: How to: Pack a Suitcase




Thayer Allyson Gowdy
For the Beach

-White or tan Capris
-Black top
Evening tank top
-Bathing suit
-Pareu
-Black or tan Bermuda shorts

Which will create these combinations:
-Friday night: black top and Capris
-Saturday: bathing suit and pareu
-Saturday night: evening tank top and Capris
-Sunday brunch: Bermuda shorts and black top, topped with the pareu

Also See: Three Good-to-Know Shortcuts for the Beach






anntaylor.com
White or Tan Capris
Ann Taylor Cotton Twill Perfect Capris

Capris in a durable cotton twill with a bit of stretch will work equally well for day and night. Also available in petites.

To buy: $68, anntaylor.com.

Also See: Stylish Beach Clothes













jcrew.com
Black Top
J. Crew Shoulder-Cinch Tee

Details at the shoulders and a drapey rayon fabric upgrade your basic black tee.

To buy: $39.50, jcrew.com.

Also See: Stylish Beach Cover-Ups















express.com
Evening Tank Top
Express Sequin-Front Tank

A sequined tank will dress up even casual Capris. Available in 12 colors.

To buy: $30, express.com.

Also See: Easy Summer 2012 Fashion















target.com
Bathing Suit
Target Merona Bandeau Shirred One-Piece Swimsuit

The cut of this polyster-and-spandex suit is retro; the color is pure pop.

To buy: $35, target.com.

Also See: Swimsuits: What You Need to Know












Paul Sirisalee
Cover-up
Magicsuit Convertible Swimsuit

For the ultimate in streamlined packing, try a swimsuit and coverup in one. Knot it into a sarong (as shown), unfurl it into a dress, or roll it up into a one-piece.

To buy: $170, victoriassecret.com.

Also See: The Best Swimsuits for All Body Types










oldnavy.com
Black or Tan Bermuda Shorts
Old Navy Welt-Pocket Bermudas

Soft cotton-blend shorts hit just above the knee. Available in three colors.

To buy: $26, oldnavy.com.

Also See: Your Guide to Beautiful Summer Skin












Jonn Coolidge
For the Country
-Navy blazer
-Jeans
-Tan chinos
-White shirt
-Red sweater

Which will create these combinations:
-Friday night: navy blazer, white shirt, jeans
-Saturday: jeans and red sweater
-Saturday night: navy blazer and tan chinos, white shirt
-Sunday brunch: red sweater and tan chinos



Check out Real Simple's packing picks for your country weekend here