Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone and summer has officially begun! Temps soared over the weekend, leaving everyone based in the city gasping for air. We all know how humid NYC becomes as the temperatures rise. Many New Yorkers will now start heading out on Fridays for long weekend trips to a summer home in the gorgeous Hamptons or even Fire Island.

So what should be packed in your weekend bag? What are the essentials you need to get you through days at the beach and cozy, intimate dinners as the sunsets? My key essential items to pack for a weekend ensure that you will have a capsule wardrobe, which caters for every occasion. Feel free to use this as a guide when packing your bag:

• Beach Towel
• Sarong
• 2 cotton T-Shirts (Black & White)
• 1 bikini/ swimsuit
• 1 Pair jeans
• 1 black dress
• 1 button down sweater (in a bright color)
• 1 pair of strappy sandals (in neutral color)
• 1 pair flip flops/ ballet slippers
• 2 cotton button down shirts
• 1 pair Capri pants
• 1 clutch bag
• 1 belt (to cinch in waist with little black dress and change the look)
• Selection of underwear
• Travel size versions of Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer, Eye Cream
• Travel size version laundry detergent (to wash swimwear)
• Full size sun cream / SPF
• Brush, comb, toothbrush/toothpaste
• Shampoo & Conditioner

And you are all set. The perfect combo of items to take with you, to ensure all bases are covered. Whether it be a dinner, lunch or trip to the beach, you will always look stylish and chic!