Fashion experts and a flight attendant have shared their strategies for packing light on winter weekend getaways, focusing on functional layering, lightweight fabrics, and minimal footwear. The advice comes as travelers seek to balance warmth and style without overpacking.
Roll, Don't Fold
Emma Shepardson, an international flight attendant with five years of experience, emphasizes rolling clothes instead of folding to save space. 'When it comes to weekend getaways, my biggest tips are to stick to one colour palette, focus on layers rather than bulky pieces and remember to roll, don't fold,' she says. 'It's easier to compact everything and saves a lot of room.' She wears her coat and boots on the plane to save luggage space and stay warm, as domestic flights often lack blankets. Shepardson opts for versatile items like pleat-front tailored pants in thermal poly-blend material, which are comfortable for travel and stylish for evening outings.
Wear the Same Outfit All Weekend
James Smart, founder of Melbourne boutique Havn, advocates for a single outfit with multiple layers. 'It's only one weekend. We're thinking about an outfit – not outfits – with a number of layers that do the job for everything,' he says. He packs one technical jacket in a smooth, matt nylon that is waterproof and functional, with a professional cut. He also brings one pair of trousers, such as nice jeans or dense twill pants, suitable for outdoor walks and evening wear. 'If you pretty much wear the same outfit all weekend, you don't have to worry about unpacking your bags and shuffling around in your wardrobe and changing outfits,' he adds.
The Coat Makes It
Julia McCarthy, founder and designer of Friends with Frank, packs three coats for winter travel: a trenchcoat, a Barbour jacket, and a classic wool coat. 'It might seem excessive, but once I have those coats or jackets right, then I can just add my in-between pieces as well,' she says. She wears the bulkiest coat (wool) while traveling and folds the other two. The trench elevates casual outfits, the double-breasted black wool coat works with everything, and the Barbour jacket can be cinched at the waist for a polished look.
Plan to Mix and Match
Stylist Natalie Petrevski prioritizes comfort and modularity. She packs cargo pants, tailored trousers in black or dark charcoal, and oversized button-down shirts in cotton or cashmere blends that can be dressed up with jewelry. She brings one long vintage wool coat and a softer bomber jacket. 'I love oversized pieces in natural materials. Things I can have on rotation and feel very put together in – and very warm,' she says.
Load Up on Layers
All four experts recommend lightweight garments in fine fabrics. Shepardson includes thin, long-sleeve tops for walks and evenings. McCarthy favors long-sleeve brushed cotton tees and fine merino turtlenecks. Smart starts with a merino wool T-shirt or thermal base layer, adds a cotton poplin shirt, and packs one heavier jumper like a sailor knit with a high neck and quarter zip.
Stay Strict About Shoes
McCarthy and Petrevski limit themselves to sneakers and boots. Petrevski's boots have a low heel, and her black-and-white Adidas sneakers match everything. McCarthy's worn-in boots with a low wedge heel work with her entire winter wardrobe. Smart brings only one pair of hiking boots suitable for walks and winery lunches.
