How to pack for a winter weekend away: bring lots of layers but very few shoes

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Fashion workers and a flight attendant share their strategies for fitting warm clothes into small bags – and looking good at your destination In winter, escaping the city for afternoon walks, outdoor fires and red wine poured well ahead of dinner helps soften the sting of chill in the air. But bulky clothes appropriate for all those activities can be tricky to fit into an overnight bag. Here, a flight attendant, a boutique owner, a stylist and a designer explain how they pack for cold-weather weekends away. In her five years as an international flight attendant, Emma Shepardson has become something of an expert in packing. “When it comes to weekend getaways, my biggest tips are to stick to one colour palette, focus on layers rather than bulky pieces and remember to roll, don’t fold,” she says. “It’s easier to compact everything and saves a lot of room.” Shepardson wears her coat and boots on the plane since they take up the most luggage space and have the added benefit of being warm. “Domestic flights don’t have the luxury of blankets and planes are always cold,” she

Jul 8, 2026 → Jul 8, 2026