Minimalist packing allows you freedom and ease when travelling. Here you will learn how to pack as few items as possible without compromising on your outfits and style.
With a minimalist packing list, you’ll feel lighter and less stressed about deciding on an outfit as your packing list for the weekend is pre-planned.
I have grouped the essential items for packing minimally into 5 key categories below. This post is focused on packing for an autumn city break – lots of walking, visiting museums and going out for meals.
Learn what to pack for a weekend trip for 4 days and 3 nights with just a rucksack along with makeup and travel essentials.
What to Pack for a Weekend Away in Autumn
I have categorised this city weekend packing list into 5 key sections to consider. Remember to take your passport and toiletries in a plastic bag if you’re flying. For alternative weekend getaway packing lists, Andrea from The Capsule Suitcase lists the required items for a walking or business weekend.
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Rucksack & Handbag
- Rucksack – buy a rucksack that maximises storage and has a variety of sections for organising. I recommend a rucksack that can also double up as your under-seat bag on most airlines.
- Handbag – take an over-the-shoulder bag that doubles as a handbag to use during the day and the evening.
- Packing Cube – pack light with non-bulky clothes and roll your clothes to compress inside your packing cube for maximum storage.
Clothes
- x1 Leather jacket
- x2 bottoms (x1 white jeans, x2 blue jeans – check out more ways to style your blue jeans)
- x5 tops (x2 tops, x1 black bodysuit, x1 patterned shirt, x1 black shirt)
- x1 dress
- x7 pairs of knickers, x4 pairs of socks, x1 bra
Electronics
- Phone
- Chargers
- Headphones/ AirPods
Accessories
- Jewellery (I take my travel jewellery cube that contains all my delicate jewellery. This way I can pick and choose either my silver, gold or rose gold collection to complement the evening look)
- Sunglasses (1 classic black pair for this weekend)
- x2 pairs of shoes (x1 pair of white trainers, x1 pair of black flats – wear comfortable shoes on a city break)
Beauty Products
- Hairbrush/ Tangle Teaser
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel (in travel containers)
- Makeup (essentials only)
- Mini Deodorant
- Travel Perfume Bottle
Autumn Capsule Packing List
White Top (similar) // Black Shirt (similar) // Patterned Shirt (similar) // Grey Top (similar) // Black Bodysuit (similar) // Green Dress (similar) // White Jeans // Blue Jeans // Leather Jacket (similar) // Black Shoes (similar) // White Trainers
Packing Tips
Be sure to mix and max your, tops, bottoms and shoes to create multiple outfits with as few items as possible for packing minimally and to fit all your items in your packing cubes.
To be a minimalist packer, lead with neutral and staple items that can be dressed up or dressed down but are also comfortable for a walk around a city.
Take a jacket/ coat you can wear every day if it is cold weather. I wear a leather jacket in autumn as a minimalist traveller as it protects you from rain and keeps you warm and stylish both day and night.
For alternative items to wear and additional packing tips, Bella from The Every Girl has some great outfit combinations.
For more packing tips, check out how to pack for a Summer Weekend Away.
Outfit Combinations
Check out your weekend capsule wardrobe with these outfit ideas based on 4 days and 3 nights:
Day 1
Blue Jeans + White Trainers + White Top (+ Leather Jacket)
I always like a comfortable outfit on day one, whether you’re travelling in a train, bus or airplane. These blue mom jeans are my go-to comfy outfit. Check out more ways to style them here.
Evening 1
Patterned Shirt + Black Flats + White Jeans + Leather Jacket
I would recommend this outfit with gold earrings, a low bun and brown lipstick for a chic look.
Day 2
White Jeans + White Trainers + Grey Top (+ Leather Jacket)
This neutral outfit is a classic look. Pop on a pair of black sunglasses for a simple, effortless style.
Evening 2
Dress + Black Flats + Leather Jacket
I would recommend this outfit with silver or rose gold earrings, a high ponytail hair and pink lipstick.
Day 3
Blue Jeans + White Trainers + Black Bodysuit (+ leather jacket)
You can’t go wrong with a flattering bodysuit and mom jeans for modern, stylish look.
Evening 3
White Jeans + Black Shirt + Black Flats + Leather Jacket
The pointed toe on these black flats smartens up and elevates the look.
Day 4
Green Dress + White Trainers
Style your dress again with trainers for a dressed-down, comfortable travel look.
