My Packing List for a 3-Day Getaway

I used to be the person who packed five outfits for a two-day trip. Just in case. And then spent half the time annoyed at how my suitcase became a shapeshifting closet of things I didn’t wear. This time, I promised myself I’d pack like I actually knew my own style — intentional pieces, repeatable outfits, and a carry-on that zipped without a struggle.

This 3-day getaway wasn’t anything wild — a mix of casual city wandering, dinner plans, and one scenic detour I definitely over-romanticized. But it turned out to be the perfect test of what I actually reach for when space is limited and every piece has to earn its spot.

So here it is: what made the cut, what didn’t, and the small things that made a big difference. Because packing light doesn’t mean losing style — it just means getting clearer about what really works for you.

What Actually Made It Into My Bag

Before we get into formulas or overthinking outfits, here’s the real list — the edited-down version of what I actually packed (and used). No just-in-case heels. No “maybe I’ll wear this” pieces that never made it out of the hotel closet. Just the essentials that pulled their weight.

The Core Outfits I Planned Around

I built everything around one pair of wide-leg trousers and a soft cotton tank I could dress up or down. Those two alone carried me through a casual breakfast, an afternoon museum stop, and a semi-fancy dinner — I just changed the shoes and added earrings.

The pair I brought? Madewell’s The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant. They drape like a dream, hit just right at the ankle, and didn’t lose shape after hours of walking. I’ve worn other wide-leg styles before, but these felt polished without trying too hard.

I also brought a linen button-down, which doubled as a beach cover-up and later, a tucked-in top with jeans. The quiet hero of the trip was a midi slip skirt that refused to wrinkle and magically worked with both sneakers and sandals. These were the pieces that felt good, looked like me, and didn’t need fussing.

Shoes I Didn’t Regret Bringing

I gave myself permission to pack three pairs — one reliable, one versatile, and one that made me feel pulled together. My white sneakers were on rotation the whole time and still felt great after all the walking. A pair of tan sandals played nice with every outfit. And yes, I wore the low block heels just once, but they earned their place for the way they made a simple outfit feel complete.

Beauty Essentials I Repacked From My Top Shelf

I used to bring a mini Sephora with me. Now, I travel with what I actually use. A travel-size cleansing balm handled sunscreen and mascara without drama.

Specifically, ELEMIS’s Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm came through again. It smells faintly of spa days and melts off makeup without making my skin feel stripped. I’ve repurchased it more than once — which says a lot for someone who used to hoard samples.

My gel moisturizer stayed put and didn’t leave me shiny. And that SPF stick I nearly forgot? Total lifesaver on day two.

Makeup-wise, it was all about the multitaskers: brow gel, skin tint, and cream blush that doubled as lip color. Simple, reliable, and — honestly — more than enough.

The Outfit Math That Helped Me Pack Less

It took me a while to figure this out, but packing light doesn’t mean dressing boring — it just means being honest about what I’ll actually wear. This trip was the first time I didn’t overpack, and that came down to a little outfit math I’ve slowly refined: everything has to work twice, or it doesn’t come.

Daytime Layers That Flex With Weather

The weather was doing that indecisive early spring thing — chilly mornings, warm afternoons, breezy nights. I packed one lightweight cropped jacket and a cotton cardigan that I could toss into my tote or drape over a dress. Both pieces worked across all three days, layered differently depending on the hour. The fabrics? Breathable and low-maintenance. Nothing needed steaming, which felt like a tiny win.

Pieces That Rewear Well

Here’s the trick: I keep my color palette tight. This time, I stuck with neutrals, soft blues, and one olive green wildcard — which meant everything mixed and matched without looking too same-same. I rewore the same top twice, changed up the bottom, added earrings, and honestly, no one noticed (or cared). That’s the power of picking pieces that hold up and still feel fresh the second time around.

The Secret Sauce: One Wildcard

I always pack one piece that feels a little extra — not impractical, just a little more fun than necessary. This time, it was a structured blouse with balloon sleeves I almost left behind. But it ended up being the thing I wore to dinner and felt most like myself in. It didn’t wrinkle, didn’t take up much space, and made me feel like I’d packed with purpose. That’s the wildcard magic — intentional, not impulsive.

The Non-Clothing Things I’m Glad I Didn’t Skip

Clothes might be the main event, but it’s always the small, behind-the-scenes items that make or break a trip. I’ve had getaways where I forgot the charger, packed too many products, or skipped the one thing I swore I wouldn’t need. This time, I got it right — mostly.

My Travel Pouch MVPs

My pouch game is strong now, thanks to trial and (honestly, expensive) error. I used one small bag to keep all my daily essentials in one place — think hair ties, lip balm, hand cream, and a foldable brush. Everything I needed was exactly where I expected it, which made mornings feel smoother. Also, I finally stopped over-decanting: I brought full-size sunscreen and travel-size everything else, and it was the right call.

Tech and Chargers I Always Forget — But Didn’t This Time

Usually, I’m the person borrowing a phone cable from the front desk. Not this time. I packed the Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station, and it handled my phone, earbuds, and Kindle all at once without breaking a sweat. No cable swapping, no unplugging lamps in the hotel room. It seems small, but having a fully charged phone every morning just made everything easier — from checking maps to capturing the only golden hour I’ve been awake for in months.

One Item I Always Pack But Never Use

Okay, confession time: I always bring a “just-in-case” hat — you know, the dramatic wide-brimmed one that I imagine wearing to brunch. I didn’t wear it. I never do. It took up space, got slightly crushed, and stared at me from the corner of my suitcase like a passive-aggressive reminder. Next trip, it’s staying home. Sometimes editing is the most personal form of style.

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

Even with a well-packed bag and zero overstuffed zippers, there are always those little “mental notes” I tuck away mid-trip. This section is me jotting them down — so future me (and maybe you) remembers what actually mattered.

The Overpacked Item I Didn’t Touch

Let’s start with the denim jacket I thought I’d layer over everything. I wore it once — briefly — and then it lived at the bottom of my tote. Turns out, a cotton cardigan and cropped jacket were more versatile and easier to fold. The denim felt too bulky, too casual, and not quite right with the rest of my outfits. Next time, I’ll leave it behind and reclaim that space for something that doesn’t weigh down my shoulder.

What I Wish I’d Thrown In Last-Minute

On the second night, I wanted a dress — something effortless that still felt like I tried. But I didn’t pack one. I had skirts, I had tops, but I missed having a one-and-done outfit that could go from dinner to late drinks without overthinking. Next trip, I’m reserving space for a soft, packable dress that can handle day and night. The kind that doesn’t wrinkle, doesn’t require Spanx, and just works.

How This Trip Reinforced My “3-Day Formula”

The biggest win? Realizing that three bottoms, four tops, and two outer layers is my sweet spot. I didn’t miss anything, didn’t repeat out of necessity, and felt like myself in everything I wore. Having a loose color palette and one statement piece tied everything together without feeling too “planned.” It’s not about getting it perfect — it’s about packing like you already know who you are.

A Packing List That Feels Like Me

Three days. One carry-on. No outfit meltdowns. That’s a win in my book.

The biggest shift wasn’t just packing less — it was packing better. Every piece I brought had a purpose, even the one I only wore once (looking at you, block heels). It wasn’t about nailing the perfect capsule or being ultra-minimal. It was about choosing pieces that feel good, fit the trip, and still feel like me — even after a long travel day or one too many croissants.

I used to pack with the fantasy version of myself in mind — the girl who might suddenly want to wear stilettos to a bakery. This time, I packed for the actual version: the one who wants to look pulled together but also reach for comfy trousers, easy layers, and a blush that does double duty.So here’s to packing like you know yourself. To skipping the fluff and giving your favorite pieces the spotlight they deserve. Because style is personal, but good taste speaks loud — even from a carry-on.

Style is personal, but good taste speaks loud.