Weekending 101: The Slacker's Guide to Packing
In the days of Airbnb and Zipcar-take-me-away freedom, it's never been easier to escape your city's summer swelter. Our handy guide breaks down how to pack accordingly.

Credits: 1. Tote, $26, Baggu; baggu.com. 2. Sandals, $270, Ancient Greek Sandals; modaoperandi.com. 3. Serum, $115, Chanel Le Weekend De Chanel; chanel. com. 4. Dress, $242, Ulla Johnson; shopbop.com.
We're the kind of girls who travel constantly—but we never check a bag, ever—especially when it comes to a last-minute getaway. Here, our quick tips:
Pregame Plan:
Sketch out an itinerary and plan an outfit for each day/night/ event. Knowing exactly what you need will help you edit and recognize opportunities for multitasking pieces (say, the sheer minidress that can be a cover-up or worn to dinner with a slip). Packing chronologically— last day's outfit on bottom— saves you the trouble of unpacking when you arrive.
Roll 'Em:
To double the room inside your bag, fold your clothes as usual; then roll each folded item into a tube shape. (This also prevents wrinkling.) Align shoes toe to heel, the way they come new in the box, and then place in protective shoe bags. Tip: Tuck all chargers for your electronics inside the shoes to save space.
Toiletries:
Keep a clear (for airport security) 5-by-7-inch makeup bag at the ready to throw in your carry-on whenever. It should contain: mini hairbrush; travel-size face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, and dry shampoo; ointment (Smith's Rosebud Salve lip balm doubles as an eye cream); toothpaste; and toothbrush. That's all. There will be soap at your destination, and it's not like you're going to give yourself a manicure, full shampoo, or facial while you're traveling. High-maintenance? Get a blowout and gel manicure before you go. Bye!
Related:
How to Drink Like a French Girl
14 Easy Summer Beauty Makeup Tricks
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Blake Lively Is Reviving My Early ‘00s Obsession With Marble Nails
Minimalist nails with a touch of something extra.
-
Will 'Weak Hero Class' Return for Season 3? Park Ji-hoon Shares His Hopes for the Hit K-Drama's Senior Year
Fans are clamoring for more after that shocking cliffhanger.
-
Prince Charles Made an "Improper" Suggestion Before Their Marriage, Per Diana
*Clutches pearls*
-
The Summer 2025 Shoe Trends Stylish Women Will All Wear in Two Months
Get a head start.
-
I’m Choosing These Retro Sneakers Over Every Other Shoe Trend
Footwear designers are on a vintage kick, and I'm all for it.
-
Florence Pugh Is the Lingerie Dressing Trend's Poster Girl in a See-Through Stella McCartney Mini Dress
She loves a see-through look.
-
Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber Match in Little Black Dresses With Individual Twists
The two looked nearly identical while attending the Broadway premiere of ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’
-
Marie Claire Editors Are Obsessed With This Cult-Favorite Sale
SSENSE has everything a fashion enthusiast could ever want.
-
Spring 2025's Candy-Coated Shoe Color Trends Prove Neutrals Are Overrated
Bold pastels and sugar-sweet hues promise to overtake your boring shoe lineup.
-
Issa Rae Is Fueling Her Mogul Era With More Me Time
The key to her success lies in self-care.
-
13 Hailey Bieber Outfit Formulas Defining Her Laidback Personal Style
Copy and paste to your closet.