Summer is on the horizon, T-shirt weather is underway, and lately I’ve been spending more time on SkyScanner than any other website to make myself feel better. Except maybe Airbnb. As soon as it starts getting warmer and brighter in the UK, I start panicking about warm days coming to an end, eager to make the most of it and go out with a bang.
It’s this kind of thinking that leads to me booking an end-of-summer city break almost every year, even if it’s just for one night and UK-based. Looking around, it seems I’m not the only one experiencing these jet-setting urges, with many of my friends already booking holidays. We might as well extend the sunny season for as long as possible, eh?
Exciting as they may be, short breaks are often the hardest to pack for, as they usually involve trying to squeeze all your outfits into just one carry-on. So to save you from that struggle, we’ve created a city starter pack ahead of summer. Mastering a two or three-day city getaway is all about having a robust capsule wardrobe, and the below four outfits, or twenty-five pieces including accessories, will work whether you’re escaping to Rome or Edinburgh, Paris or Barcelona. Keep scrolling to shop our suitcase essentials.
1. LANDMARK HOPPING
Style Notes: On the first day of your city sojourn, you’ll most likely want to hop on an open-top bus or tag onto a walking tour. With hours of sightseeing ahead, comfortable footwear is key, as are easy layers that you can take off and add on as the temperature changes throughout the day.
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& OTHER STORIES
Buckle-Belt Trench Coat
£165
A slightly-oversized trench coat is my go-to outerwear choice for city breaks; it’s lightweight enough for balmy climes, leaving room to layer a jumper underneath if necessary.
ARKET
Rib Tank Top
£17
The perfect scoop neck.
COS
Glide Jeans
£75
I steer clear from skinny jeans when I have miles of walking in store.
CHARLES & KEITH
Dark Brown Charlot Bag
£75
Just enough space for your phone, wallet, passport and AirPods.
& OTHER STORIES
Silk Scarf
£37
This French-style staple will take up virtually no space in your case, but it holds the power to completely transform an outfit.
VEJA
+ Reformation Venturi Mesh and Suede Sneakers
€195
Insert your comfiest trainers here.
2. DINNER AND A SHOW
Style Notes: It wouldn’t be a holiday without a riverside meal and either after-dinner drinks or a show (Moulin Rouge, anyone?). Swap your sneakers for slingback heels and your jeans for a slinky slip skirt to achieve easy elegance.
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GHOST
Indra Satin Midi Skirt
£85
This beautiful skirt is a Ghost bestseller.
JIGSAW
Organic Loop Earrings | Gold
£55
Oh-so special.
& OTHER STORIES
Pointed Slingback Pumps
£85
Stay away from heels any higher than this if you expect to be navigating cobbled streets.
3. Boutique Browsing
Style Notes: No city break is complete without an afternoon spent browsing the best shopping haunts. Pull your sneakers back out, and opt for a knit instead of your coat since you’ll be spending a lot of time indoors. The goal here is to feel and look carefree, especially if you’re known to take the occasional mirror selfie.
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KHAITE
Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan
£1750
This cream cardigan will work in a range of temperatures.
COS
Oval Sunglasses
£115
Always be prepared for some sun with a stylish set of shades.
COS
Ribbed Tank Top
£17
You’ll be grateful for this layer when you’re trying on clothes.
DAPHINE
Clara Hoops
£120
Directional hoops always offset classic looks.
4. HOMEWARD BOUND
Style Notes: Whether your journey home is a long or a short one, make comfort a priority. Think stretchy leggings, thick socks and a soft sweater. Oh, and some sunnies to conceal your tired eyes. City breaks can be pretty exhausting, right? All the more reason to set yourself up for a cosy sleep on the plane…
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NORMA KAMALI
Stretch-Jersey Straight-Leg Pants
£105
The closest things to PJs you can get away with wearing.
ARKET
Cashmere-Blend Socks
£27
A pair of snug socks is essential for a long journey.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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