For a long weekend in a warm city you can pack compactly with a few well-combinable tops, two pairs of trousers and comfortable shoes. Keep the palette small, choose light colours and make sure everything combines with everything. That way you keep your luggage small and can use the same base for different moments.
Start with the palette, not the suitcase
The biggest difference between a packing list that works and a suitcase full of loose pieces is a colour palette chosen in advance. For a summer city trip choose three colours: a light base (cream or white), a mid colour (light blue or khaki) and a dark accent colour (navy). With a limited colour palette, combining is easier.
Also keep in mind that in a city you walk a lot, that the temperature rises during the day and that in the evening you often go inside, to a restaurant or bar with air conditioning. So your clothes need to be airy and at the same time keep their polished fit. Also see our polos for Men and trousers.
The packing list for a long weekend
Plan for four days and three nights. With the pieces below you can make different combinations.
- Polo in cotton, silk and linen: Julian in ivory cream is knitted from 84.3% cotton, 10.9% silk, 4.8% linen. Wear it during the day in the sun or in the evening with trousers.
- Striped polo: Atticus is a cotton polo with buttons in navy, made of 70% cotton, 25% polyester and 5% elastane. The stripe gives a sporty accent to a calm outfit.
- Shirt: Hamilton is a 100% cotton shirt with Italian collar in light blue. Worn open with rolled-up sleeves it is casual, buttoned up it is dinner-worthy.
- Slim-fit trousers: Vincent in khaki works with every top on this list.
- Light trousers: Winston is a pair of light high-waist trousers in cream, ideal for the warmest afternoon.
- Shoes: one pair of loafers or leather sneakers that are already broken in. New shoes are less practical on a trip where you walk a lot.
- Extras: a belt in a neutral colour, sunglasses and a light bag for the day.
Seven combinations from five pieces
A table gives the overview. Each row is a moment on the trip, with the matching combination.
| Moment | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival and walking | Atticus polo | Vincent in khaki |
| Lunch on a terrace | Julian polo | Winston in cream |
| Museum or gallery | Hamilton shirt, sleeves rolled up | Vincent in khaki |
| Dinner | Hamilton shirt, buttoned up | Winston in cream |
| Second day, morning | Julian polo | Vincent in khaki |
| Second day, evening | Atticus polo | Winston in cream |
| Journey home | Hamilton shirt, open | Vincent in khaki |
Clothing that travels well
A city trip wardrobe needs above all to be practical and combinable. Roll or fold clothing in a way that suits the material and your bag. Put crease-prone pieces on top. Hang clothes up on arrival. Only use steam if the care label allows it.
Also choose materials that can cope with a journey. Cotton, silk and linen can be pleasant in warm weather, depending on weave and fit. Read more about cotton and about how to care for the pieces at home afterwards in our care instructions.
Dress code in the city: what is too casual?
In many cities restaurants are more informal than you think, but a good dinner still asks for a bit more than a T-shirt and shorts. A shirt or knitted polo with trousers works at many restaurants and bars, but check the dress code at more formal venues. That way you are welcome in a bistro, a wine bar and a small museum café, without having to change.
If you expect an evening with a higher dress code, add a dark jacket or a smart loafer. You can read more about that in our guide to Signature Occasions for Men.
What you leave at home
Most men take too much. Leave these things at home:
- a second coat or jacket, unless the weather forecast really calls for something extra;
- more than two pairs of shoes;
- a shirt in a colour that only goes with one pair of trousers;
- pieces that only work with a tie, unless you have a business appointment.
Small choices that make a difference
Choose your trousers in a light shade. In sunny weather, light trousers can feel less warm than dark ones, depending on fabric and fit. A cream or khaki pair stays pleasant during the day and looks just as good in the evening with a dark top. Also look at the length: trousers that fall to just above the ankle show your shoes and feel more summery.
If you want more inspiration for combinations with light trousers, look at the City Life collection for Men. There you will find pieces made precisely for days in the city.
Finally: do not skip the last day when planning. The journey home is often the moment when men climb into an old T-shirt. Wear the polo from the first day instead and take the suitcase home with a good feeling. Let worn clothing air at home first and then judge what really needs washing.
Shop the look
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, ivory cream
Atticus: striped cotton polo, navy
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, khaki
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Frequently asked questions
How much clothing do I need for a long weekend?
How much you need depends on climate, programme and whether you can wash in between. If you choose them in the same three colours, you combine everything with everything.
Which colours work best in summer?
Light shades such as cream, white and light blue stay pleasant in the heat. A dark accent colour such as navy gives a more formal evening look.
What is best to fold in hand luggage?
Roll polos and fold shirts lengthwise. Lay trousers double over the edge, so there is no hard crease at the knee.
Can I order and return if the size does not fit?
Yes. Before ordering, always check the current return conditions on the returns page.
