The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall

Blogger Alicia Tenise styles a Yellow Trench Coat from Chicwish, raw hem skinny jeans and patent leather booties. - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise
Washington D.C. blogger Alicia Tenise shares some packing tips for a fall weekend getaway - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise
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I’m not quite sure why, but this fall, in particular, has been super busy with weekend trips and outings. I’m not complaining, but typically in the past, summer has been my busy travel season — now, that’s not the case!

As I type this weekend packing list post, I should be packing for my next 5-day trip. My train leaves at 8:54 AM tomorrow. Whoops. And truth be told, I’m a last-minute packer. I’ll show you how I get away with that in this post, and some tips and tricks I’ve learned for those ladies who want to maximize the space in their luggage and get as many outfit options in as possible.
 
Vera Bradley Weekender Bag in Winter Berry Print - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise

Weekend Packing List – Keep a Travel Toiletry Bag

Want to know how I get away with packing at the last minute so much? One reason is that I have a separate travel toiletry bag. If I use a product every day on my skin, I always buy a travel size of it so that I don’t have to worry about packing any of my skincare/beauty products (other than makeup). In my bag, I have deodorant, a face cleanser and toner, a travel-sized mask, setting spray, primer, contact lens solution/case, lotion, sunscreen and eye cream. I keep everything travel sized so that I can stow the bag in my carry on as well if I’m flying! 

Vera Bradley Iconic Grand Weekender in Winter Berry Holiday 2017 - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise

Weekend Packing List – Narrow It Down to 2-3 Pairs of Shoes

I try to travel with a pair of flat ankle booties during the fall, just because that will go with pretty much any outfit you pack. As for other shoes, I might pack a pair of foldable over the knee boots and one pair of heels, and then call it a day. Sneakers are also a great option to travel in if you plan on doing hikes/a ton of outdoor activities on your trip!

Affordable Weekender Bags - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise

Weekend Packing List – Leather Jackets are your Friend

Let’s face it: outerwear can be incredibly bulky! I like to travel with one lightweight jacket and then a leather jacket if I unexpectedly need more warmth. Trust me, I love me some outerwear, but you really can’t bring your entire closet with you! I’ll usually wear whichever jacket takes up the most space to the airport/on the train/in the car to free up some space in my suitcase or weekender. 

Fall Casual Outfit Idea - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise

Weekend Packing List – It’s All In A Bag

While I love my carry on suitcase, sometimes I need a little more room. I don’t want to bring on my largest suitcase just for a 2-3 day trip, so for those times I need a bit more room, I pack up my new Grand Weekender bag from Vera Bradley. Personally, I prefer the shape to a duffel bag — there are more compartments for me to organize all of my belongings, and I can still get away with using it as a carry on while flying. 

How to Pack for a Quick Weekend Getaway - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise

Weekend Packing List – Focus on What You’ll Need

Every vacation is different, but in general, I’ll pack 2-3 casual outfits for daytime, I pack at least one nice(r) dress for dinner/going out, and I like to throw in layers such as cardigans since fall weather can always be a little unpredictable. I’m very indecisive, so I’ll pack a couple of thinner tops to pair with denim if I just can’t decide what look I’m trying to go for (this top I’m wearing packs well!) I’ll also stick in a pair of yoga pants, sports bra and a t-shirt if I plan on doing any hikes/hitting up the gym. Don’t forget your pajamas!

Fall Outfit Layering Inspiration - The Ultimate Weekend Packing List for Fall by Washington DC travel blogger Alice Tenise

Weekend Packing List – Limit the Electronics

I’m a workaholic since I’m my own boss, but if it’s the weekend and I’m headed out of town, I leave my laptop and bulky DSLR camera at home to save room when I’m packing. Instead, I’ll bring a book or my Amazon Kindle along with me if I have a long plane or train ride to kill time! I also picked up this awesome pair of Skullcandy Hesh 3 headphones that do an amazing job at canceling out any noise that a screaming toddler that might be in the row behind you on a plane… 

Jacket: ℅ Chicwish | Top: Free People | Jeans: A Gold E | Boots: Dolce Vita | Belt: Topshop | Weekender Bags: ℅ Vera Bradley

Photos by Tom McGovern

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7 Comments

  1. Dana Mannarino wrote:

    Love your tips! I am THE WORST packer ever!

    Pink Champagne Problems

    Posted 10.24.17 Reply
  2. I have been big on fall trips recently too and it’s so much harder to pack for than summer because everything is so much bulkier. But YES you are so right – the leather jacket and limiting shoes is the key

    littlewhytebook.com

    Posted 10.24.17 Reply
  3. Natalie Barletta wrote:

    Great advice — especially about the sneakers. I live in CT, so fall is a great time to go hiking.

    Posted 10.24.17 Reply
  4. Ayana Pitterson wrote:

    LOVEEEEEEEEE this blog post! That bag is definitely something I need. Fall is certainly a harder time to pack as everything is so bulky, but this bag looks like it can hold a trunk..lol. Great tips.

    Thrifting Diva
    http://www.thriftingdiva.com

    Posted 10.24.17 Reply
  5. Christine wrote:

    I love the Vera Bradley Weekender. I would really to have that. I tend to always over pack whenever I go away. Your tips were also helpful.

    Posted 10.24.17 Reply
  6. Love the weekender bag, it’s so fun! And that yellow coat of yours is amazing!

    Belle | http://www.OneAwesomeMomma.com

    Posted 10.25.17 Reply
  7. Oh I love the print on those weekender bags. I love traveling light so this is so me.

    Posted 10.25.17 Reply