A weekend away should begin the moment you leave the house, not after an hour of packing. Two nights is the easiest trip to pack for and the easiest to overpack. The trick is a short list you can repeat every time.

The Formula

Two outfits for the day, one for the evening, one set of something comfortable for the room. Travel in one of the day outfits. Everything else fits in a single weekender or a soft duffel.

The List

• One pair of trousers or jeans to wear twice, plus what you travel in.
• Two tops or knits.
• One evening outfit: a dress, or a better shirt and jacket.
• One pair of shoes in the bag, plus what you wear.
• Sleepwear and something for the hotel spa or gym.
• Underthings and socks for each day, plus one spare.
• A compact toiletry bag, kept permanently packed.

Keep a Bag Ready

The most useful habit is a toiletry kit that lives in the weekender: travel-size versions of everything you use, a phone charger, earplugs and a few bandages. It turns packing into a ten-minute job.

Choosing the Bag

A soft leather or canvas weekender that fits in an overhead bin and a car trunk is more versatile than a wheeled case for a short trip. Look for a separate compartment for shoes, a strap that sits comfortably, and a size that stops you from bringing things you do not need.

What to Leave Out

The just-in-case outfit, the third pair of shoes and the book you did not finish last time. If you need something, a weekend destination worth visiting will have a shop.

Shop the Edit

• Dagne Dover Landon Carryall, Dagne Dover
• Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag, Dagne Dover
• Khaite Danielle Straight-Leg Jeans, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Theory Slim-Fit Wool Blazer in Deep Navy, Saks Fifth Avenue