How To Pack For An Autumn City Break?

Ah, yes! Autumn city breaks are the last solid chance for a quick trip to someplace you’ve never visited or wish to revisit, and enjoy the last glimpse of the sun while drinking coffee in a sidewalk bar and enjoying long walks wrapped in a cozy scarf. If your post-summer blues have already kicked in, now would be the perfect time to go on such a short trip.

But before you start packing your bags, here are few fashion essentials you might be needing with you. Especially if you’re someone who doesn’t have a natural gift for space organization, and ends up stuffing their suitcase like a Thanksgiving turkey with all kinds of clothes that you won’t be needing anyway. A few pieces put well together can get you a long way. Here are some suggestions.

Colors

This is the ultimate packing secret that you’ll want to remember. Pick a base color, like black, white or regular jeans color, and one to three colors that you can mix with that base. This way, you can create many different outfit combinations with fewer clothing pieces and look beautiful. Make sure that optional colors match too for even more variety.

Something to keep you warm

If the weather is a little bit on a colder side, you will need something warmer than a cardigan. Luckily, outdoor wear for this season is pretty versatile, so whether you prefer all time must have ladies’ jackets, maxi trenches, or loose fit coats, you will be trendy, and you will be able to pair them with both casual and elegant outfits. If you totally want to rock the city and get your glam on – then your choice should be a printed fuzzy fur coat. You can travel in it to make more space in your luggage.

Blanket scarves

Actually, if you want to be super practical, you can wear a blanket scarf instead of a jacket. This is currently a favorite street inspired look, and it would be pointless to even say how comfy (and cool) it is. The proportions of it make it easier to style it, which means that anything goes – rolled, draped, tied or tucked, your choice entirely.

Footwear

You may not want to hear this, but comfortable footwear is number one priority when traveling. So those stilettos you really like are probably not the best choice. A good thing is that you can wear neutral color sneakers that complement basically anything you wear. Possibly, you can pack mid-heel ankle boots or wedges for a night out, just don’t wear them if you’re planning to explore the whole city on foot. Another important thing to remember is never to pack any unworn shoes, even if you bought them on your trip and want to try them out. You’re risking a painful blister on your feet and surely you don’t want to be stuck with crocks for the rest of your trip. Save them for later.

Miniatures

Your regular cosmetic kit can be easily transformed into a much smaller case with everything you need in it. Not by magic, but with tiny packages that you can buy in almost every drugstore. And if you’re using specific products, you can buy small containers and decant exactly how much you’ll be needing for the time, and label them to tell them apart.

Accessories

This is one item that you don’t have to be practical about. Yay! Still, only pack one pair of sunnies, one hat, one necklace etc. Jewelry is easy to lose, so keep it all in one place and somewhere safe, in a little box for example. Last but not least, a backpack bag with a zipper is a must. Wink, wink.

About the Author

Peter Minkoff is a beauty & fashion editor for Shlur magazine from the UK living in London and occasionally in Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute of Creative Design, he worked as a stylist for few fashion events around the UK. Besides beauty and fashion, he loves reading, making DIY cosmetics and traveling around tropical destinations. He plans to create a business for beauty & style advising.

Follow Peter on Twitter and Facebook.

39 Comments

DecoPix (@TiinaTibs)
October 4, 2016

Great tips! Good footwear is so important and also to have something warm to put on. I’m just heading to north tonight!
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Kimberly C.
October 4, 2016

Well this post was clearly written for me. I am a chronic overpacker! I’ll pack everything in my closet if you let me, even if it’s for an overnight stay. It’s hard not to bring a lot, but next time when I go on a short trip, I will keep your pointers in mind…….I’ll probably still overpack though 😉
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lex
October 4, 2016

your tips are very handy for all to pick a thing or two from, thanks for the share…
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Elizabeth O.
October 4, 2016

Autumn is one of my most favorite season simply because the weather is perfect! You won’t sweat buckets and you won’t have to worry about the snow. I think this is a great list! Perfect for all your needs!
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Jolina
October 4, 2016

I always bring comfy shoes and a jacket regardless of season as I tend to get cold (better safe than sorry!). Blanket scarves are a great idea for fall.
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Beth Shankle Anderson
October 3, 2016

I love this post! Traveling with something warm is imperative for me no matter the season! Great tips!
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CJ from Thirty30Courtney.com
October 3, 2016

I always travel with a scarf and in color schemes. I -rarely- check a bag and so everything needs to fit inside of my carry on. Having a scheme makes life so much simpler! Glad somebody else agrees.
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Christina
October 3, 2016

These are great suggestions. Colors are definitely the way to go on top!
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Amber
October 3, 2016

Great suggestions! I agree with the comfortable footwear–so important! And yes, I always bring a jacket because I chill easily.
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Liz Mays
October 3, 2016

I think these are some great things to consider. It would be nice to plan a trip to the city with my sister this year.
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