Spring has sprung, T-shirt weather is imminent, and lately I’ve been spending more time on SkyScanner than any other website. Except maybe Airbnb. Even after months of longing, as soon as it starts getting brighter and milder in the UK, I’m already imagining greener pastures. “If it’s this bright and mild here, just think how bright and mild it must be in Lisbon or Rome,” I’ll say to whichever friend I’m trying to rope into my plans.
It’s this kind of thinking that leads to me booking a springtime city break almost every year, even if it’s just for one night and UK based. Looking around, it seems I’m not the only one experiencing these jet-setting urges. After all, we’re one step closer to summer, so why not prolong the holiday vibes and start right away? Plus, most destinations have a distinctly positive feel at this time of year, as everyone emerges from hibernation and rediscovers all their city has to offer.
Exciting as they may be, short breaks are often the hardest to pack for, as they usually involve trying to squeeze all your outfits into just one carry-on. So to save you from that struggle, we’ve created your essential city starter pack ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. Mastering a two or three day city getaway is all about having a robust capsule wardrobe, and the below four outfits, or fifteen pieces including accessories, will work whether you’re escaping to Rome or Edinburgh, Budapest or Barcelona. Keep scrolling to shop our city break starter pack.
Style Notes: On the first day of your city sojourn, you’ll most likely want to hop on an open-top bus or tag onto a walking tour. With hours of sightseeing ahead, comfortable footwear is key, as are easy layers that you can take off and add on as the temperature changes throughout the day.
A slightly-oversized trench coat is my go-to outerwear choice for city breaks; it’s lightweight enough for balmy climes, leaving room to layer a jumper underneath if necessary.
No need to worry about your top constantly becoming untucked with this nifty body—that shoulder cut-out is so current.
I steer clear from skinny jeans when I have miles of walking in store.
Just enough space for your phone, wallet, passport and AirPods.
This French-style staple will take up virtually no space in your case, but it holds the power to completely transform an outfit.
Insert your comfiest trainers here.
Style Notes: It wouldn’t be a holiday without a riverside meal and either after-dinner drinks or a show (Moulin Rouge, anyone?). Swap your sneakers for slingback heels and your jeans for a slinky slip skirt to achieve easy elegance.
This beautiful skirt comes in eight rich shades.
Oh-so special.
Stay away from heels any higher than this if you expect to be navigating cobbled streets.
Style Notes: No city break is complete without an afternoon spent browsing the best shopping haunts. Pull your sneakers back out, and opt for a knit instead of your coat since you’ll be spending a lot of time indoors. The goal here is to feel and look care-free, especially if you’re known to take the occasional mirror selfie.
This breathable cotton jumper will work in a range of temperatures.
Always be prepared for some sun with a stylish set of shades.
My gold-toned & Other Stories hoops come with me wherever I go.
You’ll be grateful for this layer when you’re trying on clothes.
Style Notes: Whether your journey home is a long or a short one, make comfort a priority. Think stretchy leggings, thick socks and a soft sweater. Oh, and some sunnies to conceal your tired eyes. City breaks can be pretty exhausting, right? All the more reason to set yourself up for a cosy sleep on the plane…
The closest things to PJs you can get away with wearing.
A pair of snug socks is essential for a long journey.
