What to wear on a city break
Struggling to pack for your city break? We’ve got fail-safe outfit formulas for everything from sightseeing to nights out!
The flights are booked, the itinerary is meticulously designed, but the bags aren’t quite packed… Curating fashionable and practical city break outfits that you’ll actually want to wear when you reach your destination is no mean feat. Especially when you’re also factoring in suitcase size and baggage allowance!
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City break capsule wardrobe pieces
Packing for a weekend away goes hand-in-hand with a capsule wardrobe mindset, no matter the time of year — but what is a capsule wardrobe? Simply put, it’s a small number of key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.
Winter city break outfits
The colder temperatures call for heavy-duty outerwear, but with limited packing space, it’s all about 1-2 key pieces that work for day and night. Enter: faux fur coats and jackets. Granted, you’ll likely be wearing these on the plane, but a faux fur jacket provides warmth for the daytime and still leaves your evening and party outfits looking polished. From full faux fur hooded options to our cropped faux leather jackets with faux fur trim, we’ve got a style to suit.
Don’t forget our Heat IQ range, available across mens, womens and kids. Perfect for layering under your outfits when thicker fabrics are too heavy and bulky!
Casual city break outfits for sightseeing
Visiting a new city means seeing the sights, right? This is where the practical part of outfit planning is crucial. It’s likely that you’ll be covering a fair distance, so make sure you’re wearing footwear that can keep up! Trainers or flats are our go-to styles, but we know that a kitten-heeled boot can also be a great option for those who like a dressier look, day or night.
Night out city break looks
Whatever your night out aesthetic, we’ve got city break evening outfit inspiration in abundance. Use matching co-ord sets in lightweight fabrics like mesh and satin to give you multiple outfit options, without impacting your luggage kgs! Managed to secure a last-minute reservation at one of the hottest places in town? Grab the faux leather trousers and jeans you’ve packed for daytime and swap in embellished baby tees or a satin vest top to dress them up. Don’t forget a spritz of perfume, a statement earring and a bag!
Summer city break outfits
Summer city break outfits are often the easiest to pack as we gravitate towards lighter fabrics and minimal layers. Cotton and linen trousers paired with bikinis and swimsuits are a given, but don’t forget the versatility of a matching set, either. For the evening, we’d opt for a failsafe LBD and chic summer footwear, like a pair of square-toe flip-flops or mules, to give your outfit a luxe feel.
City break checklist
For autumn/winter city break outfits:
Outerwear – One thick jacket or coat (wear to the airport!) and one lightweight option like a blazer or denim jacket
Knitwear / Leisurewear - Knitted jumper, vest or cardigan and then a sweatshirt or hoodie
Thermal clothing – Tops, vests, leggings to layer underneath your outfits as needed
Footwear – One pair of trainers, one pair of flats or boots and one pair of heels
Tops – Basics like T-shirts and vests to layer
Nightwear – Boyfriend pyjamas? Short set? Oversized night shirt?
Accessories – Hats/scarf/gloves/jewellery (and an umbrella!)
Bags – One tote bag or backpack and one shoulder bag or crossbody bag
Underwear – essential!
Trousers/Jeans - One pair of tailored trousers, one pair of jeans
Night out outfits – One co-ord, one dress, one nice top/bodysuit
FAQs:
What are the essential items to pack for a city break?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a compact umbrella, a phone charger, travel-sized toiletries, and a reusable water bottle are essentials.
How many outfits should I bring for a 3-day city break?
Bring 2-3 versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched, including day-to-night pieces and layers for changing weather.
What kind of bag is best for a city break?
A small to medium-sized backpack or crossbody bag is ideal for keeping essentials close by while exploring the city.
How can I pack light for a city break?
Choose versatile clothing, pack travel-sized toiletries, and use packing cubes to organise efficiently.
What is the best way to plan outfits for a city break?
Check the weather forecast, plan outfits around key pieces, and consider packing layers for unpredictable conditions.