City breaks are my favourite kind of short holiday: a long weekend of wandering, museum-hopping and coffee stops, without the faff of a big suitcase. Over the years I’ve honed a compact, versatile packing approach that keeps my bag light, my outfits interchangeable and my mornings stress-free. Below, I’ll share the exact items I pack, how I build outfit formulas that mix and match, and a few practical tricks that save space and headaches — especially useful if you want to travel carry-on only.
Packing philosophy: fewer, better, more flexible
I aim for pieces that do at least two jobs. That means a top that’s good for daytime exploring and dinner, a jacket that’s warm but not bulky, and shoes that are stylish enough for evenings but comfy for walking all day. Neutral colours with one or two accent pieces make outfit-building quick. I also prioritise fabrics that resist creasing and dry quickly — think merino, silk blends and high-quality cotton.
My core items for a 3–4 night city break
Here’s the capsule I reach for 90% of the time. This list is intentionally compact — I’ll usually fit these into a 40-litre carry-on with a small day bag.
Why these items?
Each piece was chosen for versatility. The blazer elevates jeans for dinner; the scarf adds warmth and colour; the dress can be layered under a coat or jacket. I always pack one bottom and one dress that can be dressed up or down — that single decision shrinks the rest of the wardrobe I need.
Outfit formulas I rely on
I mentally build outfits from a few repeatable formulas. This makes getting dressed fast and eliminates outfit anxiety.
Packing technique: how I actually fit it all in
I use a mix of rolling and flat-folding, depending on the fabric. Knits and casual cottons get rolled to save space and reduce creases; structured pieces like blazers and shirts are folded flat and placed on top. Packing cubes are a game-changer for me — one for underwear and socks, one for tops, one for bottoms. They make security checks and unpacking effortless.
I also recommend packing shoes at the bottom of the bag, each in a dust bag or shower cap to keep the rest of your items clean. Fill the space inside your shoes with socks or small items like jewellery pouches to maximise space.
Beauty and toiletries: compact and multi-use
I subscribe to a strict "double-duty" rule for toiletries. A tinted moisturiser with SPF removes the need for separate sunscreen and foundation. A balm that works on lips and dry spots, and a small neutral eyeshadow palette for a pulled-together look, keep my makeup minimal but effective. For hair, a travel-sized dry shampoo and a small brush are usually enough.
Layering for unpredictable weather
City weather can be changeable, so I layer. A thin merino top under a blouse or dress adds warmth without bulk. The scarf is my secret weapon — it can act as a neck layer, a belt, a headwrap or even a small picnic blanket for impromptu park stops. Choose a scarf in a colour that complements all your outfits to make it feel intentional.
Laundry and refresh options
If your trip is longer or you prefer an even lighter bag, plan for a quick sink-wash: merino and silk blends dry quickly overnight. I pack a small laundry soap bar or a travel-sized detergent and a sink stopper. Many city hotels also offer same-day laundry, which lets me pack two days' worth of clothes and refresh mid-trip.
What I avoid packing
I try not to bring single-use formal items — anything that’s unlikely to be worn twice unless I have a very specific event. Bulky coat? If I can manage with a smart trench and a warm knit, I’ll leave the heavy coat at home. And I rarely bring shaking-the-world quantities of jewellery; one pair of studs, one pair of statement earrings and a necklace are usually enough.
Quick outfit plan (sample 4-day itinerary)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1 | Travel outfit: jeans, T-shirt, blazer, sneakers | Explore: blazer off, scarf for warmth | Dinner: blazer on, statement earrings |
| Day 2 | Museum: midi skirt, blouse, loafers | Cafes & shops: add scarf | Drinks: swap scarf for leather jacket |
| Day 3 | Day trip: jeans, knit, trench, comfortable boots | Walks: roll sleeves, crossbody bag | Nicer dinner: dress under blazer or leather jacket |
| Day 4 | Relaxed morning: dress, sneakers or loafers | Last minute shopping: tote for finds | Travel home: comfortable layers |
Small details that make a big difference
Always carry a portable phone charger and a mini umbrella. A lightweight tote doubles as a market bag for purchases, and a small silicone laundry line can be useful if you need to air-dry anything. I also keep a tiny sewing kit and a few safety pins — small emergencies, big relief.
Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With a few carefully chosen pieces, some smart packing techniques and an eye for outfits that travel well, you can enjoy a city break that feels effortless from the moment you zip your bag closed. If you’d like, I can create a printable checklist based on your destination and the length of your stay — tell me where you’re going and how many nights, and I’ll tailor the list.
