The Husband and I are off on a wee mini-break over Easter (we’re actually heading to yet another wedding. ‘Tis the season!) so it’s inspired me to write this post incase you are doing the same.

We pack very differently in our house. I pack early and pack BIG, The Husband just throws a few things in his bag about 10 minutes before we are due to leave (but somehow he always remembers his toothbrush and I always forget mine.)

Do you pack like my husband? Well this post is for you! But also, if you are like me and normally pack everything, including the kitchen sink, then this post is ALSO for you, as we touch on how to pack lighter.

So firstly, here is my “dream suitcase” for a weekend away (to be fair, I do own some of these pieces already). These 9 pieces are a great base to start with for a few days away – they all work with each other in several ways.

SHOP THE LOOKS: 1. Seed pants Au$59.95 | 2. Forever New blouse AU$ 79.99 | 3. Witchery silk tank $89.90 | 4. Haviana slims $40 | 5. Converse trainers $90 | 6. Witchery wedges $109.90 | 7. Seed cardigan AU$149.95 | 8. Jeanswest dress $79.99 | 9. Jeanswest Prima Denim jeans $130.

Ok, so now we know what the dream is, let’s look at some ways to make YOUR suitcase look just like this one….

1. Do your research

Well it’s stating the obvious a little, but check the temperatures of where you are going! But also use your network – as people who live where you are going on Facebook, or if you follow a few bloggers in different cities, check out what they are wearing the few days beforehand to gauge how many layers you need. (I do this all the time when heading back to different Aus cities!)

2. Pick a colour palette and stick to it.

This SOUNDS like a  good idea, but it’s not something many of us do when we are packing.

Pick a main colour (like I’ve used khaki in the “dream suitcase above”) and work everything else around it. Neutral shoes (black heels, white trainers, tan sandals) are going to help too, as they will (in theory) go with any colour.

This will also help with tip number 3…..

3. Plan you outfits

You know when you pack that awesome skirt you love, only to get to your destination and realise that you actually have no top that goes with it? Yeah that. Put together all your outfit options BEFORE you go (my old boss even used to take pictures of hers and bring them into the office so we could workshop them)

Make sure that everything works with AT LEAST two other things you are packing (including shoes).

3. Travel light.

This is the one I struggle with, but tip number 4 will help you with this. Take less clothes, with more versatility and get the most out of each piece. Plus if you are heading to a shopping destination like Melbourne, more room for new purchases on the way back!

Also, those wee little travel-size cosmetics are GOLD! Buy them once, refill them when you go away again. I can’t even explain how much space The Husband and I save just buy downsizing our toiletries and cosmetics when we travel.

5. Accessories make the outfits.

Again, this links back in with the three points above. Take simple, versatile clothes and change up your looks with accessories. Take a couple of scarves and necklaces that will add some WOW to a daytime look, turning it into a nighttime look. A hat, a couple of different shoe options (but in neutral tones like we talked about) and you’re good to go!

Boom! Weekend wardrobe sorted! Now clearly this will change slightly on the destination you are visiting (ie swimsuits are a must for the beach, and in Winter, coat and boots are advisable) but it gives you somewhere to start!

Are you heading away thins weekend? Where are you going? Are you a light packer or do you take the whole house like me? I’d love to know!

Until Next Time, In Love & Style Always