What would you pack for a four day city break in Spain?

[GreenShady]

But of travel, sightseeing, not too much call for going out clothes.

I have one pair of shorts, some linen trousers, maxi skirt, vest tops and a couple of dresses.

I have walking sandals (that look nice) and comfy trainers.

How many outfits/combos do I need?

Don't seem to have anything suitable for the plane unless it's linen trousers but then they'll be creased before I'm even there 😂

What's your capsule wardrobe formula? 😬

I quite like the crepe style trousers for the airport and a T-shirt, you can put a vest style top on when you arrive to freshen up.

My general rule of thumb is one less set of bottoms and two more tops than you think. Looking at what you're planning

one pair of shorts (1), some (2?) linen trousers, maxi skirt (1), vest tops and a couple (2?) of dresses

That's 6 sets of bottoms, which for 4 days, especially if you're not changing to go out in the evening, probably won't all get worn.

Don't forget hat, light jacket and umbrella just in case (packs smaller than rain jacket).

Where are you going?

I would say that is far too much. More tops, less bottoms.

It is earth shatteringly hot at the moment but worse... the humidity. (Dependant on where you are going...) You will NOT need an umberella or a jacket of any sort.😅You probably will not be walking far in the daytime. Too, too hot.

We did a 4 night northern Spain break 2 weeks ago
wore jeans/tshirt/canvas jacket/sandals going.
took 1 shorts, 4 t-shirts, 1 dress. 1 swimsuit, Pjys, 1 extra pair sandals
weather was mixed, wore all items - only hand luggage. wore everything and needed nothing extra.

A lot depends on when you are going. Is it imminent or are you travelling later in the year?

Ooh this is all very useful input thank you!

Moderately north and then moderately south - it will be up to 30º for second 2 days. I'm not thinking in terms of umbrellas, I think it's safe to say. Oh and it's imminent!

I like this: My general rule of thumb is one less set of bottoms and two more tops than you think. Looking at what you're planning

I have gathered all the possible items together to then cull down - I find it so hard to decide though 😂
My wardrobe also leans towards the black - which is fine here but I may regret there!

White maxi skirt yay or nay? I also have green.

White maxi skirt perfect.

Less black!

The weather turned hot on East coast 10 days ago. Madrid is stifling.

@BlackStrayCat thank you!

Have fun!

I'd avoid all black outfits for sure. If you're going somewhere with high humidity then things that are short in the leg / sleeve/ are sleeveless are the best bet. Plenty of exposed skin for evaporation purposes! Plus lots of sunblock and staying out of the midday sun, of course.

Swimwear?
Cap or hat
One or two warmer layers in case the air con is very cold, like a shawl or thin cardigan

Write down a plan for each day, what you will be doing and what you will wear...

Day 1 - Travel + Dinner out.
Trousers and t-shirt with trainers/pumps for plane. Change to black vest top on arrival. Dress and sandals for dinner. Sunglasses and jacket/cardigan for plane.

Day 2 - Sightseeing + Dinner
Shorts and vest top with trainers.
Maxi skirt and top for dinner with sandals

Day 3 - Beach + Dinner
Swimwear, beach dress and flip flops
Dress and sandals for dinner (repeat of Day 1)

Day 4 - Repeat Day 2 with a clean vest top and maybe a change for dinner.

Once you have a plan maybe add a spare top/change of underwear but try not to add too many 'just in case' clothes.

Wear linen trousers and trainers on the plane, bring 1 other bottom or dress. 3-4 tops, 1 pair of sandals, 1 bathing suit, 1 hat, 1 crossbody, 1 totebag. When it's very hot wrinkles fall out so no worries there.

When I was slimmer and had more choice of things to wear in a city break, I would have taken four dresses for a four night stay. And bits to change the look like a pair of wedges, a belt and some massive earrings. Maybe a jacket if I thought I might need it. I find dresses really versatile and don’t need to think about what goes with what.

White skirt tricky as they show the dirt easily. I had a lovely white dress once that I loved but couldn't go anywhere without getting dirty marks on it. I'd take the green. Maybe I'm over messy tho....

I always take too much as I conjure up every possible calamity up ahead, but never need to use everything - so don't over do it, especially if you know what you're going to be doing. Take a hoodie or jacket though, as I always think I might need it for travelling, if not when I'm there. Umbrella- no. Will you just stand in the (mythical) rain - I think not!

Green skirt if you are hoping to wear it more than once, in case it stains. Leave the trainers and take 2 pair of comfy sandals. Are you sure you won't need swimwear? I'd take a bikini just in case, sunglasses, a hat or thin scarf/shawl to cover from the sun and also doubles up as extra warmth if needed on plane/journey.

For 4 days I'd pack an outfit per day (presumably 3 as you'll be dressed in one already on the first /travelling day) one layer (jumper cardi etc), wear trainers and pack pair of sandals, pack a lightweight waterproof. If you want to change in the evenings take 1 outfit and wear it all 3 evenings.

You don't need anything special for the plane, you'll be on it for 2 hours max, just wear what you want to be wearing when you get there. Special outfits are for long haul flights!

I'm with a pp, I'm a big fan of dresses (or playsuits) for ease.

I'm not long back from a 3 night/4 day trip to Mallorca. I took:

Days x 4

• Two shorts playsuits
• Two casual summer dresses
• Walking sandals, flip flops

Nights x 3

• Three slightly dressier dresses for evenings
• Cork wedges as they go with everything
• A denim jacket just in case (didn't need it!)

Then just swimsuit, a pool cover up and underwear.

We had a 7am flight out and I just wore my first 'day dress' to travel in. I hate dressing for the UK and then being boiling on arrival in leggings, or having a hoodie to carry or whatnot, then having to change. I'd rather leave home at 4am dressed like I'm in Spain and just deal with the cold on the run from the car to the airport and airport to the plane 😂

I like longish , looseish dresses that are patterned, with pockets, to travel in, and in fact for most things.this kind of thing.
I'd take 2 or 3 dresses, chub rub shorts, trainers to travel and walk around in, flipflops, sandals, swimming costume and spaghetti strapped loose shorter dress to double up as nightdress.
If it's hot, then nothing tight around the middle.

These are SUCH helpful answers, thank you all so much!

I'd got my brain do confuddled by thinking through endless permutations I was totally fed up with it!

Have stuck a swimsuit in just in case although chances are slim.

I'm a sun avoider and have spent a lot of time in Spain so I'm good with knowing when to be out and when not. My brain just seemed to grind to a halt when trying to think about what to bring today!

I'm liking the green skirt v white skirt debate - jury is still out!

Last time I went away I forgot my prescription sunglasses which was really annoying! Wondering what I will forget this time - the other thread made me laugh!

Also, as I only have had luggage. This time - how do people fit all their toiletries in one little bag? Even with mini sizes etc it's a struggle! Anyway, that's a whole other story 😂

I take an outfit a day plus one outfit and one extra top just in case, for longer trips i don't bother with the extras because there's scope for washing just in case. I often wear the same daytime outfit twice then the same evening outfit twice.

I'd stick to dresses probably as take up less space, I take cycling shorts for underneath

A UV umbrella (I prefer purse size) is great for sun avoiders, what a lifesaver. They work as regular umbrellas too.

I’ve just done 4 days in Barcelona. I took
2 pairs of shorts
3 tops (didn’t wear one)
2 dresses
2 evening dresses (only wore one)
bikini
enough pants
pyjamas
I wore a cardigan and a jumper on the way out (4am departure) and reused the cardigan one morning and one evening. Wore them both again on the way home (1am flight). Why are planes so cold??

Found I could fit plenty in the liquids bag
suncream
toothpaste
tinted facial suncream
primer
moisturiser
serum
night cream
cleanser
toner
lipbalm
mascara
conditioner.

I have some teeny tiny pots and bottles that I decant my own facial products into, each one is good for about 4-5 days worth.

Took solid deodorant, solid foundation and disposable contacts, none of which need to go in liquids bag (I was surprised at the contacts but that’s what they said). Bar shampoo and soap.

I do handluggage only. Start with thinking about shoes for everything you will be doing, then what will look good with them and be appropriate. Wear the heaviest (say trainers) and pack as few others as possible, including pair of flip flops, preferably dressy, for in the hotel. Wear a denim or canvas jacket, take a very thin lightweight sweater in case evenings cold, one dress, one trouser to travel in and one other, vest tops, couple of tee shirts, pair of shorts and bikini. Eating out is late - think10.30pm. The Spanish dress smart - I think dress is better than maxi skirt there, one that can do day and be dressed up as well. One or two scarves to vary the looks. Have a great time.

Im another under seat luggage traveller to cities for 4 nights - luggage usually costs more then flights :)

I wear my heavy shoes , be them trainers or walking boots ( depending on season and destination ) heaviest trousers and jacket for the flight out and home ( live in NI, its always cold coming home ) Luggage takes nice sandals /shoes and flip flops ( double as slippers)

We are sightseers , early dinners and back to base pretty early so no wild nights out or fancy restaurants which cuts the luggage down

Im like a PP - less bottoms, more tops. And jewellery. Jewellery and sunglasses can really lift basic shorts and t shirts into smart enough to eat out in ( tea time, later might be harder )

Im not a style junky , this is more me on holiday https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc144096427 and variations of, loose fitting bottoms, various tops but usually vests. They roll up so tiny in a small bag, minimal if any creasing .