A collage of various city break looks, jeans, bag, sunglasses, jacket, vest, earrings and a sneaker

Styling & Looks

What to wear on a city break

Struggling to pack for your city break? We have foolproof outfit formulas for everything from sightseeing to nights out.

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The flights are booked, the itinerary is designed in detail, but the bags aren’t quite packed… Curating on-trend practical city break looks you’ll actually want to wear when you get there is no mean feat. Especially when you’re also factoring in suitcase size and baggage allowance!

Shop everything from clothing, shoes and accessories to beauty travel minis, packing cubes and suitcases in store now.

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.

Summer city break looks

Summer city break outfits are often the easiest to pack as we gravitate towards lighter fabrics and minimal layers. Cotton and linen pants paired with bikinis and bathing suits are a given, but don’t forget the versatility of a matching set, either. Not sure how to get multiple looks from one co-ord? Our 7 days, 7 ways guide is here to help! 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 luxury feel.

Winter city break looks

Start by layering pieces like our knitted vest, which can be worn on its own, with basics, or styled underneath a jacket. Add casual tailored pants or a mini skirt, a great bag and shoes and that work with your plans, and you’re good to go. Neutral colors like black, white and grey are guaranteed to work with most of your wardrobe, so stick to these and add fun pops of color as needed.

Casual city break looksutfits for sightseeing

Visiting a new city means seeing the sights, right? This is where practical outfit planning is crucial. You’ll be getting your steps in for sure, so make sure you’re wearing footwear that can keep up! Sneakers or flats are our go-to styles, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Buckle straps? Strong colors? How about a pointed toe? Whatever you choose, remember that they can double up as part of your going out looks too!

Night out city break looks

Whatever your night out vibe, we have city break evening style inspo for days. Remember that pair of tailored pants you’ve been wearing with all of your basics? It’s part of a co-ord that looks oh-so chic when worn together! Or perhaps your friend has managed to secure a last-minute reservation at one of the hottest places in town? Embrace day to night dressing by swapping flats for heels, shopper totes for sparkly off-the-shoulder bag and mix-and-match jewelry, and you’ll be ready in seconds. Don’t forget a spritz of perfume!

The other sightseeing staple?  A practical bag. Designated mom of the group? Our oversized shopper comes in chic faux-croc and has wide shoulder straps for extra comfort. Seeking a smaller city break bag? Our crossbody and clasp-front picks are a great way to make sure your essentials are handy and safe.

City break packing list

City Break Checklist

For fall/winter city break looks:

  • Outerwear One thick jacket or coat (wear to the airport!) and one lightweight option like a blazer or denim jacket.

  • Knitwear / Leisurewear  - Knitted sweater, vest or cardigan and then a sweatshirt or hoodie.

  • Footwear One pair of sneakers, one pair of flats or boots and one pair of heels.

  • Tops Basics like T-shirts and vests to layer,

  • Nightwear Boyfriend pajamas? Shorts set? Oversized sleep tee?

  • Accessories Hats/scarf/gloves/jewelry (and an umbrella!)

  • Bags One tote bag or backpack and one shoulder bag or crossbody bag

  • Underwear essential!

  • Pants/ Jeans  - One pair of tailored pants, one pair of jeans.

  • Night out outfits – One co-ord, one dress, one nice top/bodysuit

FAQs:

What's the essential pack list for a city break?

How many outfits should I bring for a 3-day city break?

  • Bring 2-3 versatile looks you can mix and match, like 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 perfect for keeping essentials handy while exploring the city.

How can I pack light on my city break?

  • Choose versatile clothing, pack travel-sized toiletries, and use packing cubes to organize efficiently.

What's the best way to plan looks for my city break?

  • Plan outfits around key versatile pieces, check the weather and consider packing layers for unpredictable conditions.

 

Packing Primark pieces for your city break? Snap, tag and share your looks using #Primania or @Primark for a chance to be featured online!