What to wear on a winter weekend away: How to pack light without sacrificing style

Packing clothes for a weekend away can be difficult to consolidate at the best of times, but when it coincides with the colder months, squeezing bulky knitwear, heavy coats and the inevitable extra pair of shoes into a weekend bag without sacrificing anything can feel impossible.

The trends for autumn/winter 2026 bring an abundance of maximalist textures from faux fur to fringe, meaning the season’s most fashionable pieces aren’t necessarily the easiest to pack.

Marks and Spencer’s head of creative styling Francesca Zedda says the secret to a stylish winter weekend wardrobe isn’t about how much you bring, but how well everything works together.

“The best weekend wardrobe isn’t about packing lots of statement pieces. It’s about choosing well-cut, hardworking styles that feel current but can be worn in several different ways,” she tells the Press Association.

So, whether you’re heading off for a countryside retreat or a European city break, here’s what to pack for a winter weekend away – and how to make the most of limited suitcase space.

1. Build your wardrobe around a few versatile basics

Before thinking about individual outfits, starting with a handful of pieces that can be worn in different combinations is what Zedda recommends.

“Start with a great pair of straight-leg jeans or a barrel-leg cargo – two key trouser silhouettes of the season,” she explains.

“Pair with a simple T-shirt layered underneath another seasonal staple [the] a funnel-neck knit.”

While jeans might not be the most exciting item in your suitcase, they’re one of the easiest pieces to dress up or down, whether paired with boots and a jumper during the day, or a smarter blouse and heels for dinner.

Colour is equally important when packing light – so opt for pieces of the same colour family, “building around rich neutrals such as taupe, charcoal grey, navy or khaki”, says Zedda.

“They work particularly well with [this season’s] heritage palette, so you can introduce flashes of oxblood red, amber or olive through tartan, accessories or knitwear without making the wardrobe difficult to mix and match.”

The idea is to create a small, coordinated wardrobe rather than packing individual outfits that can’t be worn with anything else.

Mango Mid-Rise Balloon Jeans in Dark Blue, £39.99

2. Choose one coat that works for day and night

What coat you bring is possibly the most important decision when packing for a winter weekend away, especially when you’re unlikely to have room for more than one coat.

“Wool, faux fur, lightweight padding and funnel-neck silhouettes are all key trends this season,” says Zedda, but if she could only pick one, “I’d choose a longline wool style,” she says.

“It can be layered over casual denim and knitwear during the day but still feels sophisticated enough for evenings.”

A tailored wool coat in a dark neutral like aubergine, navy, grey or black is particularly versatile, working just as well over jeans and boots as it does with a dress.

However, if your weekend involves plenty of walking, a shorter jacket might be the more practical option, “such as a funnel-neck jacket, bomber or lightweight padded style, which feels contemporary while still being practical.”

Whistles Navy Long Wool Car Coat, £329

Zara ZW Collection Short Coat with Frog Fastening, £159

3. Master layering without being bulky

The most difficult thing about dressing in the winter is staying warm outside without overheating the moment you step into a restaurant, museum or shop.

Layering is the obvious solution, but the key to perfecting it without looking bulky is “to build your look from the lightest pieces outwards, keeping heavier, chunkier knits for your outer layers,” Zedda explains.

“I’d stick to around three core layers […] start with a tight-fitting cotton or jersey t-shirt, long-sleeved top or fine knit, before introducing one of the season’s more textural layers.”

When Zedda says texture she means boucle tweed coats, cable-knit jumpers or chunky cardigans that can be worn over thinner tops and removed when necessary, she also recommends paying attention to the lengths of different garments.

To avoid bulkiness, “pay attention to the hems on your clothing. Look at the length of the items you want to layer and make sure the shortest hem is closest to your skin.”

A thin top or thermal beneath a slightly longer cardigan, finished with a roomy coat, is a straightforward way to create a layered outfit without having unnecessary volume.

And Other Stories Mock-Neck Wool Jersey Top, £67

Hush Mossy Brushed Wool Argyle Jumper in Light Grey Marl, £150

4. Don’t rule out packing a dress

When suitcase space is limited, trousers can seem like the sensible option if you’re planning to spend most of the weekend outdoors, but Zedda says a dress can actually be one of the most useful pieces to bring.

“Dresses are certainly not a no-go for a winter weekend away, in fact, they’re one of the most versatile pieces you can pack for effortless day-to-night dressing.”

A knitted midi dress or simple long-sleeved style can be worn with tights and boots during the day, then dressed up with a few small changes if you’re going out.

“For daytime, style with tights, leather ankle boots and a classic wool coat.

“Then, rather than changing the whole outfit for the evening, simply switch up your layers and accessories.”

She suggests swapping the wool coat for a statement faux-fur jacket and the practical daytime boots for a heel.

Of course, if you’re only taking one coat, the same effect can be achieved by changing your shoes, jewellery and bag. The key is choosing a dress that doesn’t require an entirely separate outfit to make it work for different plans.

M&S Crepe High Neck Draped Midi Waisted Dress, £36 (was £45)

5. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes

Shoes are often the biggest obstacle to packing light, particularly in winter when boots can take up a considerable amount of space.

Restricting yourself to two pairs maybe the solution, says Zedda, one comfortable pair for walking and a smarter option for evenings.

“A leather or suede ankle boot is ideal for daytime – it has comfort, warmth and practicality while still feeling elegant,” she says.

A flat or low-heeled ankle boot is particularly useful for city breaks, although it’s worth considering a grippy sole and weather-resistant finish if you’re expecting rain or icy pavements.

For evenings, Zedda says heels aren’t a must. “High-vamp ballet flats are a key style to look to this autumn/winter, particularly if you prefer a flat.”

Unlike traditional ballet flats, high-vamp styles cover more of the top of the foot, giving them a slightly more substantial silhouette and perfect for days where you’re doing more than 10k steps.

And if you’re travelling with limited luggage, wearing your heavier boots for the journey will leave more room in your bag.

Zara Combined Riding Boots, £59.99

Dune London Highway Brown Leather Ballet Flats, £89

6. Let your accessories do the work

When you’re wearing the same few outfits throughout a weekend, accessories are one of the easiest ways to make them feel different.

Zedda says you should start with a practical bag that works for both daytime and evening plans: “A suede or leather crossbody bag is a great day-to-night option, particularly in rich brown, black or red.

“A belt is another great accessory to pack,” she says, “particularly if you’re planning to wear lots of layered looks as belts can cinch the waist and give heavier winter pieces a more defined silhouette.”

Then if you want to lean into trends more than timeless, opt for a bonnet over a hat and stole over a scarf.

And rather than packing several different pieces of clothing, Zedda suggests bringing a few pieces of jewellery.

“Be sure to pack a few versatile pieces of jewellery, such as hoop earrings or a simple layering necklace, to quickly dress up your daytime look for evening plans.”

Arctic Fox and Co The Cocoon Everyday Bonnet in Dark Brown, £32