Style monitor: spring city-break packing tips

With the long-weekend season nearly upon us, and by way of acknowledging the fashion grand tour that is the ’shows’ this month, we bring you spring’s hottest weekend-wardrobe essentials, whether you’re frolicking in Florence, pirouetting in Paris or nipping off to New York.

These packing suggestions should ensure there’s a little less to worry about; after all, your weekends away are meant to be 100% wooing, 0% wardrobe crisis.

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MRS SMITH’S STYLISH CITY-BREAK PACKING LIST

THE SEPARATES
To boldly go… Weekend wardobes that work involve as little packing as possible, and this cute little combo ticks off more trends than should be allowed in one outfit: colour blocking and neon brights (à la Gucci, top right), Yves Klein blue, androgyny, and nude hues. Phew. It’s all by London-based Belle & Bunty – bookmark it now: the spring range will be flying off virtual shelves as of Monday.
Riding trousers, £125; shirt, £105; tux jacket, £255; all Belle & Bunty (+44 (0)20 7267 3322).

THE ARM CANDY
Cuff love… No, we’re not talking about Mr Smith, but this must-have bracelet by next-big-thing jeweller Bex Rox. With citrine gold chains interwoven with cream suede ribbon, it’s the perfect way to add a little louche luxury to your look.
Citrine and Champagne bracelet, £220, Bex Rox (+44 (0) 20 77929671).

THE SHOES
Ballet school… Squish a pair of butter-soft ballet flats into your bag for days when only the most comfortable footwear will do – guaranteed to put spring in your steps.
Lamb-leather pumps, £168, Tory Burch at Matches (+44 (0)845 602 5612).

PACK IT IN!
Scent from heaven… Leave your mega-flacon of fragrance at home – with these travel purse sprays, you can pack not one but four perfumes to bewitch your betrothed with. Ormonde Jayne uses only the finest natural ingredients to create its signature scents: buy a set of four, or buy a full-size bottle of perfume until the end of March and you’ll get a matching purse spray for free.
Travel perfume set, £56, Ormonde Jayne (+44 (0)20 7499 1100).

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MR SMITH’S STYLISH CITY-BREAK PACKING LIST

THE JACKET
Messing about on the Riviera… This go-anywhere jacket is perfect for spring getaways: sling it over some superfine knitwear or a crisp shirt and you’re ready.
Lightweight cotton jacket, £288, Mr Rick Taylor at Matches (+44 (0)845 602 5612).

THE MAN BAG
What a carry on… Big enough and man enough for all your city-break essentials, this classic weekend bag blends city smarts with country casual. Tough cotton twill and a waxy hide trim will keep conveyor-belt catastophes to a minimum.
Hurlingham bag, £416, Ettinger of London (+44 (0)20 8877 1616).

THE SHOES
Tie me up… You can’t go far wrong with a classic lace-up, and these beautifully crafted Lodger shoes will add life to your look and last a lifetime. (Mr Smiths also get a discount…)
Hoxton shoes in Olive, £425, Lodger (+44 (0)20 7287 5455).

PACK IT IN!
Keep it clean… For the closest, most precise shave and soft skin, shaving oil’s a must. L’Occitane’s smells great, and takes up minimal space in your wash bag: this tiny bottle will give you about 50 fresh faces.
Organic Shaving Oil, £14, L’Occitane (+44 (0)20 7907 0301).