How to Pack the Perfect Bag for a Long Weekend Away

This is the most important tool in your arsenal. The best thing to do is stick with a duffel or weekender—something that can fit enough clothes for a couple of days, but that doesn't look like you're going to basketball practice. A classic canvas-and-leather one like this duffel from Filson is perfect for any short getaway.

$319, filson.com

That's right, you're going to need two bags for a weekend trip: the bag that will carry your clothes, and the bag that will keep your clothes from getting covered in toothpaste and cologne. And a dopp kit is a far more elegant solution for hauling toiletries than a Ziploc bag. Try something clean and stylish like this toiletry kit from Jack Spade.

$88, jackspade.com

Obviously the key to traveling light is to not bring a lot. But then, you don't want to walk around for an entire weekend in the same T-shirt and shorts. The best way to look like you brought half your closet without actually doing so is to pack clothes that can serve double duty. Think pivot pieces, like a pair of chinos that can be worn casually during the day, and then paired with a simple cotton or linen blazer for a dressier look at night. The next day, pair that blazer the next day with shorts and a tee. Another way to minimize what you bring is to stick to neutral colors—white, black, khaki, navy—so that you can mix and match everything in your bag. Also, if you plan on running or working out, don't pack extra workout gear, just use your swim trunks and a (preferably already worn) T-shirt.

Blazer ($325) by Kapital, mrporter.com; sunglasses ($160) by Ray-Ban, mrporter.com; T-shirt ($28) by Buck Mason, buckmason.com; swim trunks ($85) by Saturdays NYC, saturdaysnyc.com; sneakers ($245) by Epaulet, epauletnewyork.com; chinos ($75) by J. Crew, mrporter.com.

Bring the basics of course—deodorant, soap, toothpaste, etc. But also think about Burt's Bees face towelettes and an easy-to-travel-with fragrance, like Juniper Ridge's backpacker cologne. Just because you're in a foreign place doesn't mean you shouldn't smell nice. And if you have medium to long hair, bring a dry shampoo. These are small easy-to-pack items that can help you freshen up quickly, especially after a long trip.

Facial towelettes ($6) by Burt's Bees, burtsbees.com; Big Sur backpacker cologne ($60) by Juniper Ridge, juniperridge.com.

Sticking with a neutral color palette and your pivot pieces, make sure to also pack clothes that are versatile for changing weather. And pick fabrics look good wrinkled, like linen or light cotton.

Think of this as your checklist: chinos that can be dressed up or down, a couple of cotton tees (white or black for versatility), a button-down linen shirt, a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt, a pair of cotton or linen shorts, swim trunks, and an unstructured cotton or linen blazer. Also bring flip-flops and a pair of sneakers that can look casual during the day but dressed up at night. Something to shield your eyes from the sun is also useful—preferably something more stylish than a beat up baseball cap, like a panama hat and a pair of classic sunglasses. Oh, and don't forget sunscreen.

The trick to keeping things interesting, from a style perspective, is to mix it all up. Try an open linen button-down over a T-shirt, or a blazer with shorts and sneakers. Try any combo you like, really—you're in a place where no one knows you; why not get a little adventurous? You already did the hard part, now all you have left to do is enjoy your trip.

Hat ($225) by JJ Hat Center, jjhatcenter.com; Sweater ($285) by Todd Snyder, toddsnyder.com; shirt ($132) by Gant, gant.com; sandals ($51) by Rainbow, rainbowsandals.com; T-shirt ($35) by Everlane, everlane.com; shorts ($175) by Rag & Bone, mrporter.com.