A holiday weekend away can include a little of everything: the drive to see family, shopping in town, a casual breakfast, and Christmas dinner. Packing gets easier when the pieces work together. Start with a simple palette, then add one festive outfit that makes the weekend feel special.

Start with this practical checklist

• One holiday dress for dinner or a celebration
• One festive sweater and one simple knit
• One pair of polished trousers or dark jeans
• One outer layer suited to the forecast
• Comfortable walking shoes and one dressier pair if needed
• A small selection of jewelry and a versatile bag

Adjust the list for your trip length, activities, and access to laundry. Try the outfits on before packing so every piece has a purpose.

The travel-day outfit

Wear your simple knit with your trousers or jeans and the shoes you plan to walk in. Browse our Sweaters for inspiration, then choose your outer layer from Jackets. Wearing the bulkiest layer can leave more room in your bag.

The Christmas-shopping outfit

Change into a Christmas sweater with the same bottoms for an easy festive switch. A hat and a practical bag finish the look. If you will be outside for long stretches, plan your layers around the weather rather than the photo opportunity.

The dinner outfit

Bring out your dress, change your shoes if the occasion calls for it, and add a favorite pair of earrings. The J. Marie Hollin Midi Dress in Red Plaid is one festive style to explore in our Holiday Dresses collection. Check the product page before choosing your size.

The next-morning outfit

Return to your simple knit and comfortable bottoms, or wear the festive sweater again with different jewelry. Keeping the colors coordinated makes repeating pieces feel intentional.

Before you close the suitcase

Check garment care labels, pack jewelry separately to help prevent tangling, and decide how you will transport your dress to limit creasing. Leave a little space for gifts and unexpected shopping finds. A few versatile choices can take you through the weekend without a separate outfit for every hour.

Start your packing list with our holiday dresses, Christmas sweaters, and hats.