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After years of near-constant travel, I like to think I’m a pretty good packer. And one thing I’ve really nailed is how to pack light. It’s all about layering, and making each item in your luggage work twice when possible. This is my perfect spring city break packing list – twelve items that can be used to make four different outfits. Perfect if you’re travelling hand luggage only for a short break somewhere this season.
Read more: Check out the best carry on luggage here to help you pack light for your next city break.
To create this post I teamed up with MandM Direct – a fab online retailer who offer big brands at amazingly low prices. I wanted to show how easy it is to put together a lightweight city break packing list on a budget and they were a great choice. Some (not all) of the items featured below were gifted, but all of the opinions are 100% my own.
READ MORE: 16 of the Best Carry On Bags for Women
Spring City Break Packing List
Build 4 Outfits from 12 Items:
- Black Skinny Jeans
- Top One
- Top Two
- Denim Jacket
- Scarf
- Black Backpack
- Casual Dress
- Smart Dress
- Leggings
- Sunglasses
- Black Heels
- Comfy flats or trainers
Looks One and Two – Sightseeing
All you really need is a great pair of jeans, and you can pair two or three outfits around that. When it comes to sightseeing you can’t go wrong with a pair of black skinny jeans. I love these Lola ripped knee skinnies from Brave Soul (£12.99, MandM Direct). I always thought high-waisted jeans would be unflattering on me but they’re a great fit and so comfy! Perfect for wearing all day.
Whack on a casual white t-shirt, denim jacket, and some white pump trainers like these gorgeous ones from Onfire (£12.99, MandM Direct) and you’re good to go. Although – if you’re going to be walking all day and want to be super comfortable, I love my Skechers GoWalk pumps (£39.99, MandM Direct). The soles are memory foam, and I’ve honestly never worn a comfier pair of shoes. I’ve had a pair for two years now and only recently had to replace them. Genuinely the most comfy shoes I own, so they’re always my go-to for city tours.
I’ll also never ever stop loving my little black backpack from Barbour (read the review) – it’s small, stylish, and perfect for sightseeing. Add in some fab sunnies (I’m loving these rose gold retro sunglasses from New Look at the moment) and maybe a scarf and you’ve got a perfect sightseeing outfit for your city break.
Then, if you’re heading out in the evening you can just spruce the same outfit up with some black heels and funky accessories. And for day two, just wear basically the same outfit with a different top (and maybe some clean undies!). It’s all about making everything work twice if you can.
Look Three – Casual Dress
This is a really great casual look to throw into your spring city break packing list – and it’ll hardly take up any space or weight in your luggage. A simple cotton dress like this grey Jacqueline de Yong twist dress (£8.99, MandM Direct) with leggings is perfect for a comfy but smart day look. You can dress it up with heels or down with comfy flats or trainers. Whack on a denim jacket and a stylish backpack and you have the perfect aeroplane outfit!
Look Four – Smart Dress
Black jeans are fab for dinner out or touring the local bars, but if you want a slightly more glam look then it’s good to have a classic LBD on your city break packing list. I’m curvy (and top heavy) so I love a simple wrap dress that’s cut short enough to show off my legs! This Only wrap dress (£12.99, MandM Direct) is ideal for me, and it’s so flattering.
Just choose the best dress for your size, and throw on a pair of sunnies to create a simple but sexy look for sunset cocktails by the pool. If you need it, chuck on a colourful scarf or that same denim jacket to keep
Want more great packing tips? Check out my eBags packing cubes review to see how these babies can take the headache out of packing for you!
I’d love to know what’s on your spring city break packing list. Share your must-pack items in the comments below!
