Summer is the queen of weekend getaways. From road trips to beach trips, shopping trips, or weekends at the casino, Summer seems to be the host of people wanting to get out of the house (or the state.)

The most daunting thing about the weekend trip is deciding what to pack! Of course, you want to keep your bag small and easy, but you want to look great as well. I’ve put together a quick guide to the basics of packing for a weekend getaway!

• Basics- Think multi-tasking items that you can layer and mix!
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 pair of black leggings
  • 1 simple dress
  • 1 cardigan or kimono
  • A few solid camis/t-shirts

• A Scarf- Make it weather appropriate, but a scarf can transform an outfit in a cinch! It can also provide a layer of warmth if need be…or acts like a little blanket for the car ride.

• Nice Jewelry- Read: Not costume jewelry. Not that I have anything wrong with costume jewelry, because it’s basically all I own, but for the sake of simplicity and gorgeousness- bring on the real stuff!
  • I like to bring diamonds. They’re a girl’s best friend, right? I suggest customizing a piece to be exactly what you need for every day wear that is exactly how you want it at a great price. (Like the piece above from Anjolee.com! Another awesome option is their diamond eternity band– it’s WOW.)

• Big Sunglasses- If you don’t want to spend all morning on your makeup and piss of your husband, then big sunglasses are a great mask for naked eyes. Plus if they are big and fancy enough, you will look instantly glam and kind of like a celeb. (Which is the look I’m always going for anyway.)

• Sensible Black Flats- I say sensible because you never know where you will end up on a weekend getaway! If you are walking a lot or if you are just relaxing, black flats are never offensive.

• Dry Shampoo- You can make a good hairdo last all weekend if you treat it right! A good dry shampoo is hard to come by, but my suggestion is DEFINITELY the Volumizing Dry Shampoo by Big Sexy Hair.

• Skin Care- Don’t skimp! You may think that it’s only a few days, so you can skip the moisture or mask, but you can’t!

• Minimal Makeup Kit- Don’t bring too much stuff! It will make the application process longer than it needs to be! Bring the basics, and you will spend less time in the mirror and more time with your loved ones exploring!
  • Tinted Moisturizer
  • Concealer
  • Mascara
  • Bronzer
  • Cream Eyeshadow
  • Eye Liner
  • Lip gloss

• Phone Charger- This is the only non-accessory or clothing item I’m including…but it’s VERY important. Your phone can be your camera, your ebook reader, your MP3 player, your map and SO much more. You’re not going to forget it, but you better not forget the charger!

Did I leave anything out you can’t live without on a weekend getaway? I would love to hear your essentials below, or start a conversation with me on Twitter!