The long weekend is the perfect opportunity to get away, just make sure you pack a few essentials to ensure you’re suitably attired, without being under, or over, dressed.

The foundation pieces

Start with a pair of chinos; they’re as relaxed as jeans but easier to dress up if you need to look respectable for dinner at the best restaurant in town.

Pack at least one white tee. Nothing beats a classic. 

Leave the business shirts at home and pack at least one great casual shirt, wear it untucked or unbuttoned over a tee during the day, tuck it in and throw your jacket over the top in the evening.

Layering pieces   

Pick your favourite piece of knitwear; just make sure it’s light enough to layer over your shirt and under your jacket.

Speaking of which, your choice of coat depends very much on your destination; a smart raincoat if it’ll be warm but wet (Auckland, most of the time) or a wool overcoat if it’ll be cold (anywhere from Wellington south, from now until spring).

Dress up with a Blazer

Top it off with a blazer, it’ll look perfectly casual worn over a tee and suitably dressed-up with a shirt underneath.

Adding the final touch

Then bring it all together with a casual belt and some great trainers. Pop it all in a leather weekend bag, and you're ready to go.

The great thing about packing light (and smart) is that you'll still have room in your overnight bag for; notebook (to jot down the revolutionary business idea that "just comes to you" after your second beer) and to pass the time, some light reading.