Getting away for a summer weekend is a good idea. A little R & R in warm weather goes a long way. Here are my tips for fool-proof packing with a printable list at the end.

Pack neutrals for easy mixing. It can go something like this:

• pair of jeans (white, black or denim)
• pair of shorts
• skirt
• 1 white tee
• 1 beige sweater
• striped shirt
• little black dress or little white dress
• sundress or denim dress (especially if it can be worn as a tunic too!)

Add in a few pieces with pops of color to add interest – a colored pair of pants, a swingy tank, a floral boho off the shoulder top, a red camisole, and/or a yellow peplum. You should be able to mix all these items with the neutral above and be set for a week or two, although you are only going for maybe 2-3 days.

Take lots of shoes. – I mean seriously, if you are going to over pack this is where to over pack. Shoes make an outfit. You may need flats for day and high high high heels for night, and a pair of flip flops for the pool. Maybe you need a wedge heel because you wore those high high high heels and they hurt your feet like a mf’er and you need to wear wedges now (because you still want your legs to look lean and long but you can’t possibly put those mf’ing shoes back on). Or maybe you obtained a really unpleasant blister while walking around town and you need a second comfy shoe option. We’ve all been there. Take several pairs and thank me later.

Take one or two versatile bags (a small purse and a large tote) – I always take a dark tan large bag that is reversible to black and a small black bag.

Pack an athletic outfit – you never know when motivation may spontatneously appear and if you want to take a walk/run/jog, you want to be prepared with comfy shoes to make you go that extra mile.

Bring the correct lingerie – meaning strapless bras, sports bras, racerbacks bras, briefs or thongs, and most importantly nude undies. You don’t want to open your suitcase to see your awesome white jeans, but find you only packed hot pink underwear. A convertible bra works great for travel – one that has every option imaginable including racerback or completely taking the straps off.

Pajamas – this is an item that often gets left behind because you are so focused on what you need to wear while awake. Just make sure you pack a cute romper or a negligee you have been meaning to get out of the drawer.

Hair items – Ever gotten to a hotel for a wedding where you forgot your curling iron? Happens to the best of us. Make sure you take all options (flat iron, curling iron, hair spray, large round brush, your OWN hair dryer) because you want a good hair day everyday on vacation. I will note here that a large floppy hat is something good to have on hand as well.

Now you have my list of what you need to bring on just about any spring and summer weekend getaway. Below I have created a simple checklist with a few items that need no explanation. Have fun and have peace of mind that you packed perfectly.