What every jet-set and style-conscious traveller should pack for a city weekend escape

Julia Gralberg

Planning a weekend city-break? Excited to pack and show off all your new stylish purchases? Let’s face it – there’s only so much you can fit into a cabin bag so being selective and smart with your packing goes without saying. The key is to focus on pieces that are versatile transforming you from day-chic to evening-ready with just a few minor tweaks (this is where accessories come in handy). And oh, before you start packing make sure you check the local weather forecast.

“Boring” I hear you say, already having your eyes set on those shiny new boots with a nice high heel you bought the other day. Well, without sounding like your granny, sometimes playing it safe pays off. Pack a nice pair of fashionable flats that you know you can actually walk miles and miles in without any discomfort. What’s the fun of being in a new city only to be sat on a bench with painful blisters?

Image Source: Statement Baubles

Accessories

A scarf is a godsend when it comes to any weekend wardrobe. Not only will it come in handy when covering up on a freezing plane, a colourful silk or cotton scarf will also add a touch of chic to your travel outfit making you look ever so accomplished disembarking that flight.

When it comes to the bling, there’s no need to pack your entire jewellery box. Stick to a statement necklace for evenings and a nice pair of earrings to jazz up the day outfit.

Image Source: Just The Design

The coat

This might be the most strategic piece of your weekend wardrobe. Think twice before deciding which one to bring since this is the coat you’ll be travelling in and also be wearing during the day and evening.

A classic trench-coat is always a winner and you can’t really go wrong with a camel or suede coat either. But for real fashionistas, there’s room to be a bit edgier here and go for a colourful cashmere or wool coat or even a faux-fur.

Image Source: Lys

Two types of tops

There are two types of tops to pack – the casual daytime t-shirt and the evening going-out top and two of each will do. Transform your day-look to dinner glam by swapping the t-shirt for a nice leather top accessorised with a statement necklace. Neutral colours such as black, beige and white are the way to go.

Jeans

Pack your favourite pair of jeans. Whether is your black skinny jeans or your super comfortable boyfriend jeans. Just make sure they are comfortable to walk, eat and dance in and goes with both flats and heels.

Image Source: Lefthandedcusp

MAC’s Ruby Red lipstick

Iconic seductive red lips goes a long way. In addition to the make-up essentials make sure to pack a splash of colour. MAC’s Ruby Red lippy will add a touch of glamour to any evening outfit and get you va-va-voom ready in no time!

A brolly

Lastly, no one likes rain but what’s even worse is having your nicely blow-dried hair turn into wet tresses and your favourite shoes ruined. Ensure you stay dry by packing a travel sized umbrella. They are small, compact and won’t take up too much of your precious weekend cargo space.

Are you a real fashionista itching to pack your weekend bag for a glamorous city-break? Enter the Selfie competition for your chance to WIN the ultimate fashion weekend escape (AUD6,000)

The amazing pack includes front row seats at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, two-nights accommodation in the Rockstar Suite at Ovolo Woolloomooloo and roundtrip airfare to Sydney, Australia.

How do I enter?

    1      Visit any Ovolo hotel in the most MBFWA-worthy outfit that highlights your personal style

    2      Snap your stylish SELFIE at any spot of an Ovolo Hotel or in front of an #OvoloLovesFashion branded mirror located throughout each property – get creative!

    3      Share on Instagram and tag #OvoloLovesFashion, @ovolo1888darlingharbour, @ovolowoolloomooloo, @ovololaneways and @ovolohotels

Further details on the competition as well as terms & conditions can be found at: ovolocom.wpengine.com

Julia Gralberg is a freelance travel writer, editor of Hotel & Resort Guide, Lux Nomade and founder of Boutique Communications Consultancy, Lux Collective. When she isn’t busy jumping in hotel beds and eating her way through breakfast buffets you’ll find her on her yoga mat.