Build the bag around a few pieces you can wear more than once. Lululemon's black ribbed Hold Tight T-shirt, Isabel Marant's red Daya straight-leg jeans, Nili Lotan's light blue Silvie cable-knit cashmere sweater and Anya Hindmarch's chocolate Travel weekend bag are a solid start.

Travel in the outfit you will wear the most. Tibi's burgundy jersey T-shirt and Khaite's blue Kerrie straight-leg jeans are comfortable for hours, and Gianvito Rossi's brown suede Gravel sneakers are easy to walk in. Gucci's brown Borsetto shoulder bag keeps your essentials close.

For dinner, swap the jeans for trousers and add one special detail. La DoubleJ's dark brown turtleneck with feather-trimmed cuffs and Alaïa's gray pleated Capri trousers look polished with Khaite's navy Zoe loafers. Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen's gold Shooting Stars earring adds a little sparkle.

A cable knit is the most useful thing you can pack for a fall weekend. Polo Ralph Lauren's cream cable-knit polo sweater and Ralph Lauren Collection's cream cashmere sweater are true classics. Proenza Schouler's mustard mohair Joelle sweater is softer, and Tove's Pierra sweater fades through several shades.

Pack something soft for evenings in. Skims' gray jersey sleep set and Eres' burgundy striped Sir pajama shirt are comfortable and pretty enough to wear around the house. Acne Studios' gray fringed wool scarf and MFPEN's checked wool scarf double as a wrap on chilly mornings.

The secret to packing light is choosing a colour palette before you choose the clothes. If you take one thing away, let it be that every piece should work with at least two others. Here, brown, gray, navy and cream all mix, with one pair of red jeans as the fun piece. Wear the bulkiest items, like the jeans and a cable knit, on the journey to save space. We would skip packing a separate outfit for every plan; a good pair of trousers and one special top cover most dinners. Leave room for a wool scarf, which works as a wrap, a blanket and an accessory.