What to pack if you're heading off for a city break

The following fashion tick list might not sound ground-breaking, but we have all fallen prey to poor packing while on a long weekend away.To avoid any sartorial faux pas - or worse, blisters - try streamlining the contents of your suitcase and limiting yourself to a selection of versatile pieces that tick off all eventualities, that you will actually want to wear.

A no brainer, right?Regardless of common sense, it???s always tempting to pack that shiny, new pair of shoes that will inevitably give you sore toes.Save yourself the emergency plaster run, and stick to shoes you know are comfortable.If you???re worried your Converse won???t go with the dresses you have packed for dinner dates, then pack a pair of slimline embellished flats too.And avoid sandals.They look sweet while stationary, but won"t hold up for a day spent traversing cobbled streets.

Espadrille with jewelled toe cap, ??85,Uterq??e; sneakers with bow, ??19.99,Zara

A spring-suitable cover-up that will look smart during the day, evening and whatever special occasion the trip might throw at you is a must (think lightweight trench coats, structured khaki jackets and printed oversize blazers).A savvy packer will include a coat with enough versatility to ensure that it looks appropriate whenever it is worn, and that it light enough to sling over the crook of your arm should you need to.

Cotton twill trench, ??225,Toast; Nautic coat, ??355,Essential Antwerp

Airlines are really cracking the whip on what you can and can"t take on board with you.To avoid the dreaded last minute fines or being forced to condense your belongings in front of the 200 other people waiting to check-in (because really, who needs that when you"re en route to Paris?) research your flight allowance.

Easy Jet now only permit you to take one bag on board with you if you"ve opted for hand luggage only, so to make the most of this, choosefor a case with a hard exterior - they"re roomier and prevent your belongings being crushed when in the bun fight for overhead room.

Toni wheeled suitcase, ??199,French Connection; Globe TrotterCandy 21" leather-trimmed fiberboard travel trolley, ??1045,Net-a-porter

Stick to small cross-body styles to avoid the inevitable shoulder ache that ensues when you lug your whole life around all day.You can count the absolute essentials you needon one hand (phone, bank and travel cards, keys) so think about whether you really need the disposable cameras, books, extra sunglassesbefore you try to ramthem into your petite arm-candy.Your posture will thank you for it.(This is also the best option for travelling as you can tuck it into your suitcase when need be).

Grainy cross-body bag, ??280,Mon Purse by Laura Brown; small Lottie bag, ??425,Aspinal

Think thin cashmere knits over slinky silk camisoles, or long-sleeved tops under printed dresses.Light layers are ideal for a spring city breaknot only because they can be stacked in a suitcase with limited space, but their mixing and matching properties mean they give you multiple outfits with the minimum number of pieces.

Elmira silk dress, ??190,Ganni; top with rounded sleeves, ??59,COS

Accessories take up far less space than another piece of knitwear or pair of shoes, but will give your basics extra oomph.Try adding a pair of trophy earrings to you look - these are a good option for both day and night.Or tie a silk neck scarf around your neck to pep up a white T-shirt.A brooch on your jacket lapel will be to similar effect.

Leather-backed sequin earrings, ??65,J.Crew; embroidered silk foulard, ??175,Dorothee Schumacher; black lightening bolt pin, ??50,Astley Clarke

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