When it comes to packing for a weekend trip away, it’s hard to strike that perfect balance. Underpack, and you’ll feel sheepish rocking up to an impromptu fancy dinner in beaten-up trainers. Overpack, and you’ll curse yourself as you lug home a suitcase of unworn clothes.
We think we’ve struck on the perfect solution for a well-stocked but not overpacked holdall: shoes, bag and a selection of jewellery pieces that can complete any and every outfit. Whether you’re planning to party, gallery hop, explore the side streets or all of the above, these items should hold you in good stead.
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And that’s where CHARLES & KEITH come in. As longtime fans, we can vouch for the one-piece-fits-all-outfits effect of their trend-led footwear and accessories. To prove it we called in three members of the Refinery29 team to share their plans for an upcoming weekend escape, and asked them to style three outfits using what we’ve come to realise is the holy trinity of packing – just one pair of CHARLES & KEITH shoes, a bag and jewellery pieces – in every look.
Read on to find out what looks they created...
Eni Subair, Editorial Assistant
Weekend Escape: Visiting mates in Manchester. Long dinners, nights out and late breakfasts.
Having had (many) situations where I’ve either packed too light and forgotten all my tops (true story) or as if I’m preparing for a round-the-world trip, I think I’ve finally managed to find a balance between the two.
Nights out in Manchester include a visit to Eden, where these stacked, white heels by CHARLES & KEITH will come in handy. Their fashion-forward shape complements every outfit in my wardrobe, not just the outfits packed for this weekend.
Pre-nightclub antics, an overdue catch-up meal will be on the cards, giving me the perfect opportunity to sport this dreamy mock-croc bag. Cute but deceptively roomy, it can fit my ID, purse and the spare pair of flats I’ll inevitably need, and I can whip it out the next day without worrying about what to sacrifice because I stupidly decided to pack a micro bag so small it can barely be spotted. A win-win situation.
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Whereas once I would embark on a trip away with a clutch full of jewellery I'll inevitably forget to wear, this dainty layered necklace and matching ring is a mainstay of the weekend – the blue cherry atop each look.
Who knows what the night will hold on a weekend to Manchester... But at least I can rely on this trio of CHARLES & KEITH accessories to complement every vivid outfit I pack.
Ellen Miles, Strategy Manager
Weekend escape: A birthday trip with friends staying down the road in a luxe seaside townhouse on the south coast.
From the outside, packing light exudes effortless chic. But like a gliding swan kicking frantically beneath the surface, curating the perfect capsule wardrobe can be hard work. We’ve all quizzed the group chat – "Are we bringing swimming caps?" "How many neck scarves will I need?" – while relentlessly refreshing four contradictory weather forecasts.
To avoid sartorial angst, I’ve learned to anchor holiday outfits around a set of core accessories from CHARLES & KEITH, a Refinery29 office favourite for curated and experimental pieces. For Margate, this means shoes comfy enough for running around the beachfront but stylish enough for dinner. I can dress these buckled slip-ons up or down, and the muted colourway means they go with everything. I’ve chosen this simple yet architectural tote bag so I can quickly whip out my camera (yes, I’m that friend who suddenly thinks they’re Martin Parr at the seaside). It’s lightweight but roomy, perfect for a day of souvenir scouting and I haven't spotted anything like it recently – a true unique. With jewellery, I’m Team Gold all the way, and – at the risk of sounding 5 years old – my favourite colour is green, so I’ll be wearing this elegant CHARLES & KEITH set all weekend.
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Back home, I’m striving for a more minimal wardrobe in general. These versatile accessories will help streamline my cupboard as well as my suitcase. As they say, less is more.
Georgia Murray, Junior Fashion Editor
Weekend escape: A Friday-Monday extended trip to Copenhagen, spent in galleries, coffee shops and bars.
Many seasons of travelling for fashion month have taught me to pack stealthily, especially for weekends away. The trick is to pack basics and go hard on killer accessories that change up the look for every occasion, from city strolling (sandals, oversized bags, sunnies) to late dinners (red lipstick, statement earrings, heeled boots).
These CHARLES & KEITH accessories do just that: I’ll pair the croc-effect boots (I love that French heel!) with ‘70s flares for gallery hopping, silk dresses for long lunches and denim skirts for more relaxed days out. Just add a snake-effect CHARLES & KEITH holdall (perfect for on-flight carry-on and everyday travel essentials like a charger, umbrella and snacks) and some statement gold jewellery and I’m good to head out and explore Copenhagen like a local.
For the colder months I’ll be wearing the boots and bag with opaque tights and leather mini skirts for a thoroughly ‘60s vibe.
For the colder months I’ll be wearing the boots and bag with opaque tights and leather mini skirts for a thoroughly ‘60s vibe.
CHARLES & KEITH are the international designer brand of accessories, offering curated, experimental and desirable pieces from shoes to bags, jewellery and more.
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