Remember in early 2020 when I started a column about what to pack for weekend trips and then, a global pandemic showed up and none of us traveled for a year-plus?  Yeah, good times.

But now that the CDC guidelines say fully vaccinated people can travel safely (and I didn’t suffer through a week of flu-like symptoms for nothing), I’m hitting the road.  This weekend, we headed down to the Andaz Scottsdale to take a break poolside with some friends from college and celebrate turning 39.  Let’s talk about what to pack for a short weekend getaway.

Arrival. Banana Republic Jumpsuit // Madewell Denim Jacket // Express Slouchy Tote // Kendra Scott Bead Hoops // Amazon Essentials Mule

I took a simple approach to my first time on an airplane in 15-months — jersey jumpsuit, easy flats, denim jacket for warmth, slouchy tote.  If you want a shoe that will be comfortable for large amounts of walking, I recommend these Birdies Starling flats or you could try a pair of Veja sneakers.

Also, this tote from Express is a fabulous travel bag.  It’s big, it’s not heavy, and if you ruin it, you can replace it for under-$100.

Saturday Pooltime.  Summersalt Cover Up // J.Crew Bandeau Swimsuit // Brixton Joanna Straw Hat // Kendra Scott Bead Hoops // Gucci 57mm Square Frame Glasses // Dolce Vita Dexla Sandal

As I’ve mentioned, I’m not feeling great about my post-pandemic body.  And my first instinct was to hide it under a big caftan and call it a day.  But that felt like an overreaction.

Instead, I bought a bright yellow bandeau one-piece and a cool pair of sunglasses and decided to embrace it.  This J.Crew suit is the one I wanted (but it was backordered in my size), so I picked up this ruched, yellow one-piece from Amazon.  Plus-size?  I couldn’t find a yellow suit, but Anne Cole makes a pretty coral suit that’s similar.  (I also bought this high neck halter from Anne Cole to wear to the pool — the print and seersucker fabric were super flattering.)

Also, these Gucci sunglasses were my birthday present to myself.  They have a nose piece, so unlike every other tortoise pair I’ve ever owned, I don’t have to push them up all the time.

Saturday Dinner. Ralph Lauren Floral Dress // Dolce Vita Dexla Sandal // Universal Thread Semi-Precious Earrings // Anne Klein Bow Clutch

Floral prints and ruffled necklines are back, and I’m 15-years-old again.  But this Ralph Lauren dress works the trend without being unwearable next summer.  I loved the print with it’s mix of blues and pinky-reds.  It was also a nice option for dressing up or dressing down.  I could have easily brought my go-to block heel sandals to give it more pep.

I added the blue accessories to give the print some pop.  The earrings have since sold out, I recommend this pair as a replacement.

Plus-size?  This Gabby Skye dress is nice.  I also like this Plenty by Tracy Reese dress.

Sunday Brunch/Departure. Treasure & Bond T-Shirt Dress // Madewell Denim Jacket // Lucky Brand Necklace // Amazon Essentials Mule // Express Slouchy Tote

For a quick breakfast before you head to the airport, I chose a simple t-shirt dress and recycled a lot of the pieces from the arrival look.  But let’s talk about this dress for a moment.  This t-shirt dress is something I own in multiple colors because it’s that fabulous.  The ruching makes it more flattering than a shapeless t-shirt dress.  And it comes in a ton of colors.

If you love the dress, order one (or two) now, because they will sell out.  Just like last summer.

I added this great necklace from Lucky that has both white and gold metal.  And just called it a day on this outfit.  There’s no reason to over think it.  Sometimes (like when you’re flight is delayed for more than two hours on the way home) ease is more important than style.

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