Our Betty Bag makes the perfect weekender—and you’ll leave more room for packing (and shopping) by wearing some of your essentials (like denim, a sun hat, a white button-down, chic flats, and sunglasses) while en route (photo by Faith-Ann Young featuring our friend stylist Ruthie Lindsey)
Lucky enough to be heading out of town for the long weekend? Bless your heart. Say you’re going somewhere like Charleston, where it’s not too hot and not too cold. (See our expert guide to the Holy City here.)
You can fit everything you need inside our roomy Betty Bag.
Versatility and layering are key to concise packing. It’s great to mix neutrals with a few thoughtfully chosen brights. Clockwise from top left: Parker Printed Puffer Vest, Elliot Shirt, Stripe Bow Tee, Floral Quilted Circle Bag, Erickson Beamon for Draper James Sugar Magnolia Drop Earrings, Leather Totes Ya’ll Bucket, Fontaine Fairisle Sweater.
Here’s what we suggest you pack:
Get basics (underwear, socks, toiletries) out of the way and into the bag first. Remember: You don’t need to be ready for the beauty apocalypse; anything you need that’s unexpected can be picked up at a corner drugstore.
A cute pair of sneakers (there’s a trend we hope never ends!) and a chic pair of flats in a neutral color or metallic will let you cover the town at top speed—and take you from day all the way through dinner.
Your sunnies and sun hat can go straight on your head. And you can leave more room in your weekender by wearing (not packing) a versatile coat, such as our Belle Detachable Faux-Fur Collar Coat, that works for day or evening and with denim or a dress. Layer it over our Parker Printed Puffer Vest and you’re prepared—with three different outerwear options!—for rising and falling temps alike, all with minimal bulk.
Reese’s closet is filled with button-downs and striped tees, as is—invariably—her suitcase. And no wonder. You can never go wrong with a classic white shirt (though a little sparkle goes a long way, too), while a striped boatneck is a time-honored style (we’ve freshened up ours with sweet bow details).
And the best news? Both can be worn with pretty much anything, from denim to skirts to sweatshirts, sweaters and vests. (The stripes function like a solid, so feel free to pair them with a print as long as its in the same color family.)
A single sweater is probably enough, but you may also want to throw in the kind of feminine cardigan you can wear over jeans or a dress.
On the bottom, dark denim is a no-brainer because it’s a little dressier than lighter shades (make it part of your travel outfit). You could also consider a skirt for more day-to-night duty. Just don’t forget to pack a pair of tights.
You’ll probably also want a dress—hopefully one you can wear with flats and/or pull off for day and night alike. Both strategies will help you minimize the quantity of stuff in your travel bag and and allow you to make the most of everything you’ve brought along.
Go for yellow gold jewelry; it feels a little more special than silvery pieces. Keep it simple for day and bring a statement piece for evening.
Carry a roomy but lightweight leather bag and stash a small evening bag inside. You can keep makeup in the small bag by day and carry it solo by night. Lastly, throw in your phone charger, though disconnecting a little while you’re away would be good for your heart and soul.
