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Ultimate Weekend Getaway Outfit Essentials & Ideas


The promise of a mini escape from daily life is enough to rejuvenate the soul. Whether you’re heading to the snowy mountains or the sunny beach, a crucial part of your short escapade will be your weekend wardrobe. When curating the perfect getaway outfits, you’ll need to strike a balance between fashion and function—and we’re here to help. 

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing a sleeveless white swim cover-up dress, carrying a tan oversized beach bag.

We’re delving into what to pack in order to maximize the space in your suitcase and ensure you have everything you need for your trip. From daytime wardrobe essentials that are easy to dress up or down to sleepwear that will ensure you get well-deserved rest, we’ve got you covered.

What Clothes Do I Need for a Weekend Getaway?

When assembling the weekend getaway outfits you plan to take with you, focus on versatility. You’ll likely have a bag that is limited in size so you’ll want to plan smart. Can the sweater you wear on the plane also go with the dresses you’re packing? Have you considered bringing a bodysuit that will go with jeans, leggings, and a skirt? 

Having a capsule wardrobe mindset will help you make more outfits out of less clothing items. We’re covering the ultimate first layers, airport outfits, destination-specific pieces, and more. Let’s unpack the best travel essentials before you pack your bag for your weekend getaway.

Travel Outfit

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing dark grey jogger leggings, and bra tank top. Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing a white bra top and black wide-leg pants.

Your travel outfit is something you can be really strategic about. You’ll want this casual vacation outfit to be comfortable and made up of layers. Starting with a neutral tank top or T-shirt that you can wear under a sweater or sweatshirt—this is key. By wearing these basics, you’ll save room in your suitcase and you can use them to create other weekend outfits while on your trip.

On bottom, focus on stretchy joggers or flowy pants with elasticated waistbands—and don’t forget the pockets. You’ll love being able to have your smallest necessities nearby.

Bras + Panties

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> laydown of nude strapless bra and laydown of lace panties in mint, ivory, dark pink, lavender, and navy.

Before you pack ten times the amount of panties you need for your trip (we’ve all been there), think about the weekend outfits you’ll be wearing. Are you planning to wear a bunch of form-fitting getaway outfits and need the assurance of a panty-line-free finish? Pack only thongs or various silhouettes from a collection of panties that ensure a no ride, no roll, no show look. If you haven’t completed your weekend getaway closet edit for the year and are in desperate need of new panties, make it easy on yourself by buying a panty pack. Most come in 3 or 5 packs which are perfect for short trips.

Can you get away with packing only one bra? If you can swing it, do it. The best way to pull that off is by packing a versatile multi-bra. You can convert the straps to wear them traditional, one-shoulder, halter, crisscross, and strapless—it’ll go with all of your cute weekend outfits

Space-Saving Clothes

The last thing you want to do when going on a trip is lug around an overstuffed bag. Make your life easier by strategizing your weekend wardrobe. One way you can save space in your suitcase is by reducing the amount of items you bring. For example, by bringing a bodysuit or bra dress with a built-in bra, you can forego the additional bra and make room for something else.

The last thing you want to do when going on a trip is lug around an overstuffed bag. Make your life easier by strategizing your weekend wardrobe. One way you can save space in your suitcase is by reducing the amount of items you bring. For example, by bringing a bodysuit or bra dress with a built-in bra, you can forego the additional bra and make room for something else.

 Comfortable Sleepwear

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> laydown of white, black and green palm print sleep tank top, light purple pajama tank dress, and white, black, and green palm print sleep shorts.

Sleep easy on your vacation by packing pajamas that will meet your sleep needs while away. Are you heading somewhere warm and you’re a hot sleeper on top of that? Be sure to pack a flowy sleepshirt or matching shorts and tank top to maximize airflow. You can never go wrong by choosing pajamas that are crafted from fabric that is cool to the touch and won’t cling to your body. If possible, only pack one pair of PJs that you can wear for the two to three nights you’ll be away.   

Destination Necessities

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> tan large-brimmed floppy hat, model wearing a black and white floral one-piece swimsuit, and tan oversized beach bag.

When it comes to getaway outfits, we’ve covered most of the essentials. Now let’s focus on the items that’ll change depending on your destination. For example if you’re going on a beach vacation, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and beach accessories. Look for travel-friendly items like a roll-up visor and soft beach bag that are easy to pack. 

In addition to bringing a swimsuit, make sure you have a swim cover-up that can double as a casual layer from the ocean to the poolside bar. 

How to Build a Weekend Getaway Wardrobe

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> bra dresses in solid green, blue, and palm print hanging on a clothing rack.

Are you someone who enjoys spontaneous weekend trips and wants to have a dependable weekend wardrobe at your fingertips? Pull the wardrobe essentials from the categories above and create a space in your closet that checks all the boxes. The best way to stay current with your getaway outfits is to do a closet cleanout at the start of each season. That way you’ll always know the clothes you have and the items you need to buy ahead of any weekend trips. 

For successful weekend getaway outfits, try them on and wear them in your normal, day-to-day life. See how they wear throughout the day. Are you comfortable? Do you feel confident? That’s what truly matters.

How Many Items Should You Pack for a Weekend?

Soma<sup class=st-superscript>®</sup> model wearing a white, black, and green palm print bra dress, white slide sandals, and a tan oversized beach bag.

A good rule of thumb when packing your weekend outfits is to stick to three or four looks. This can vary depending on any events or excursions you have planned. Think about the activities you’ll be doing during the daytime which will likely include your casual vacation outfits. Also consider your plans for the evening as well which will likely call for dressier ensembles, and plan accordingly. If you focus on curating a weekend wardrobe with mix-and-match items, you’ll be able to create even more outfits from less pieces. For example, can the jacket you packed go with both your daytime and nighttime outfits? If so, that’s a win-win.

4 Things to Consider for a Weekend Getaway

  1. One of the major considerations when planning out your weekend getaway outfits is the weather. You certainly don’t want to get stuck in the rain or only bring long-sleeves during a heat wave. 
  2. Another way to save space in your suitcase is by utilizing an effective packing method like rolling your clothes. This can also help eliminate wrinkles!
  3. Are you able to do laundry while on your trip? If so, this can help you pack less and rewear your outfits with ease.
  4. Lastly, don’t forget about shoes! Be sure to make at least two pairs of shoes—one for daytime and one for nighttime. Also consider any footwear needs you have for your scheduled adventures.

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