We’re going on a quick weekend away (to Ashland for the Shakespeare Fest), which means…weekend packing. This summer we have two family road trips (both in California, oddly enough – one is family related) with a mix of cities and relaxing back country (SF, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel Valley, Tahoe, Redwoods, a little dude ranch, etc.). We are a “carry-on” family and try hard not to check anything (except for winter trips that involve heavy snow clothes). In general, for family trips, packing light seems easier to us and simplifies our lives. I mostly want to be comfortable, look like ‘me’, but also feel a little stylish.
two favorite outfits
pink dress (Available Colours) | black dress
I find that no matter how hot it is, the nights get so cold that I can afford something on my legs and arms, but why wear pants when you can wear a super drapey and flowy dress? pink one I’ve had it for years and is a little “tropical”, but it’s also great for a summer night on the town (it comes in different fabrics – cotton, linen – but I much prefer the “satin modal” for the drapey-ness and zero need of steaming or ironing). It’s called Lucy 4, and they make different colors every season, and I love it their new green And bought it just because it reads even less tropical. black linen dress A surprise sleeper hit for me (I don’t wear black a lot because it doesn’t show up that well on camera and it makes me nervous, but this dress is so special). I wore it to dinner in Mexico 4 out of 8 nights – and on the plane both ways. It was between 65-75 at night and provided the perfect amount of coverage without the need to layer up. Also great for city breaks. Linen and super, super drapey. Oh, and the size has gone down a lot, I’m wearing an XXS, and it’s still big.
Weekend Packing: Blouse and Breezy Top
white blouse | blue top (Similar)
I like my blouses more loose and boxy, more structured than bohemian for the holidays. Emerson Fry makes the best, and I can’t believe there isn’t a photo of my favorite – Puff-Sleeve Isla Top. It’s always cute, the patterns are fun and not too loud. Plus, it’s extremely airy and breathable (they even have a long sleeve version). The blouse above is a different version, but it gives you an idea. The prints are always great, and the cotton is super high quality and yet not too thick (easy to stretch, never too long, etc.).
This breezy white shirt The box has been checked multiple times by Target. I’ve worn it a lot, while on vacation in Mexico and right here this spring.
linen blouse | camo shorts | Shoes
I plan to bring two classic white shirts that go with anything. this linen shirt This is new and fabulous to me – the most perfect texture and drape, and I love the boy pockets. I tried Quince, and it was good for the price, but this J.Crew one is much better. camo shorts Are amazing (size small) and very easy to wear. Y’all, J.Crew is on a huge sale, $70 right now.
Cap | scarf | shirt | bag | pants | Shoes
This button-up Another is really thin and breathable, but falls well (doesn’t pull or hug) and is easy to layer. It’s actually very lightweight and easy to wear in warmer weather if you want some coverage. The fabric is almost like seersucker, so you don’t need to iron it. And yes, those linen pants Will never miss a vacation with me again. So comfortable, cute, breathable, easy to wear, flattering and beautiful pockets. that belt bag Is my favourite.
I find it difficult to find long sleeves that have the right weight – that aren’t too thick and warm (or difficult to layer) or too thin and show everything underneath. i bought two of these In different colors and have worn them a lot. I love that it has a stripe but it’s not too thick and bold, just subtle. Note the drop shoulder. Also, that picture makes me cringe. This is Martha Stewart’s list of the ’90s.
Weekend Packing: Favorite Jean Shorts
Agolde Parker Long Shorts | shirt | sandals
I have two shorts that I pack no matter what – these agolde parker shorts (sits well on the hips, flares, perfect hem is a little big, so very comfortable) and gap bermuda (A little stretch, very comfortable, long, very painful). I have quite a collection of denim shorts, but these are the two that I love the most and are the most comfortable and nicest. Besides, I also wear a lot those sandals -They make any boring outfit (like the one above) a lot more interesting. I wouldn’t wear them for an 8-hour walk around the city, but I did wear them to dinner most nights in Mexico.
10/10 for denim comfort (stretchy, roomy but still cute).
Weekend Packing: Two Easy-to-Layer Cardigans
scarf | sunglasses | cardigan | pants
I also have trouble with cardigans because I’m a little top heavy, so I don’t like wearing cardigans that are too slim fit. It’s from Aritzia Amazing and huge, but cropped and has thin sleeves. I sized it up to a medium to make layering easier, and yet it’s still thin enough to handle a jacket over it. Nothing fancy, but man, it’s so easy to wear.
Sweater | Jeans | belt | bag | sandals
Quince Navy Cardigan Thick, but great for night time, and really classic and thick, but with such a nice cut and high quality weave. Instead of a jacket it’s perfect for those 60-degree nights. It reminds me of Jenny Kayne’s knitwear, but 1/8 the cost.
Weekend Packing: Casual Pants
sunglasses | sweatshirt | pants | Shoes
in cargo pants Are fantastic. They are thin, so really great for warm weather, but they are not cheap and flimsy. Their structure is fantastic even after washing (and versatile – cool around town but also easy for walking). You can tie it down or not. They have a low waist and sit easily on the hips. 10/10. i like that gap sweatshirt, Well, it has the classiest wash and retro 70s fit. and they are mine favorite sunglasses I have 4 pairs because they’re polarized, super lightweight, and stick to your face easily (and under $40).
Left: Cap | shirt | pants | sandals | Correct: cardigan | pants | Shoes
in Great for casual, anytime wear pants. Very comfortable, flattering, great pockets etc. I also bought them in the light strip.
Ultimately, if I had to bring jeans, I would choose one of these two:
Quince Black Washed Denim Bella Crop: These are already heavy to carry around and are extremely comfortable and cool. They have enough stretch to keep jeans worn all day long. If you want to splurge, this mom jeans Are fantastic. Also stretchy with that perfect hem and stitching at the ankle. These are the only two pairs of jeans I would try to bring on casual vacations.
one of my Favorite pull-on pants ever Just back in stock in new colour. I don’t have any professional shots of me wearing these, but these are the perfect pants for weekends/vacations A little more expensive than the above, but emerson fry Makes everything so well that they will last for years.
Weekend Packing: Casual Shoes
Now this is where I can be greedy and bring too many shoes, but having the right shoe is very important. Obviously, this is very travel dependent.
huarches And mule (below) are probably unnecessary – both top and bottom are easy to dress up, both are neutral, both are extremely comfortable. But both are small enough to pack up, so they’re easy to bring along.
For sneakers, I’m wearing my Cobalt Nike PacificsAnd I’ve bought them for a few days in maroon leather and dark green, where I want them to blend in more. Beautiful for walking into town + enough for a 2-3 mile walk with kids.
I’ll also bring my Tikis flip flops and my Nike Slide. If I want to bring any heels it’s probably a comfortable platform from Corkys. My mules are no longer on sale, but I want these are very bad And can be found. And again, leopard-banded birk kelsey dagger These are the go-to night-time spots that are casual but still really stylish.
Weekend Packing: New Linen Jacket
linen jacket | long sleeve t-shirt | Jean shorts | Shoes
I have worn this dress many times. Same long sleeve t-shirt, same shortsbut this linen jacket Dress it up a bit, and the color is perfect (actually complements most of what I have and breaks up the blue). Of course, now I want to pack those ballet flatsVery I’m in the market for a chore jacket (I’ve got my eye on this one) This one). I bought this denim one From Quince, and it’s wonderful, but it’s a bit thick and stiff for summer wear, and I’d prefer to wear the canvas version.
Now, to be clear, I completely packed for two nights in Ashland (thus the trap of a car trip). Friends, have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. summer is here 🙂
*by photos Caitlin Green
