The Weekend Getaway Carry-On: Packable Pieces as Seen in Charleston Magazine
You know that feeling when you're staring at an open suitcase the night before a weekend trip, trying to figure out how to pack for the beach, dinner, sightseeing, and everything in between — without checking a bag? We've been there. And we're here to tell you that you can pack a complete weekend getaway wardrobe in a single carry-on with just eleven pieces from JuJu Loves.
The inspiration for this capsule actually came from Charleston Magazine. When their editors selected our Packable Raffia Sun Hat ($98) as the cover image for their "Top It Off" Style File, it clicked: the whole point of this hat is that it folds flat and fits in your bag. So what else folds flat, packs light, and works for an entire weekend away? Turns out, quite a lot.
Featuring the packable sun hat from the cover of Charleston Magazine's Style File
Here are eleven pieces that fit in one carry-on and cover every moment of a weekend getaway — from the pool to the restaurant to the morning coffee walk and back again.
Quick Picks: The Weekend Carry-On Capsule
The sun hat that packs flat: Packable Raffia Sun Hat, Multicolor Stripe — $98 — as seen on the cover of Charleston Magazine, folds flat in your suitcase
The neutral sun hat option: Packable Raffia Sun Hat, Coffee Swirl — $98 — goes with everything you pack
The beach-to-dinner dress: Metallic Chevron Halter Maxi Dress — $328 — one dress, every evening covered
The coverup that doubles as a dress: Lilac Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim — $158 — add a slip underneath and it's a mini dress
The salty hair fix: Floral Knotted Headband in Indigo — $78 — tames post-beach hair instantly
The one cuff you need: Gold Enamel Flower Cuff Bracelet — $124 — stainless steel base won't tarnish in the heat
The Charleston Magazine Sun Hat That Inspired This Whole Capsule
SHOP Packable Raffia Sun Hat, Multicolor Stripe — $98
When Charleston Magazine needed a hat to anchor their entire Style File spring hat roundup, they chose our Packable Raffia Sun Hat in Multicolor Stripe ($98). Not just as an item in the lineup — as the cover image. And the reason is simple: this hat is made from hand-dyed natural raffia palm fibers, hand-loomed in Madagascar, with a 7-inch wide brim that gives you serious sun protection — and it folds completely flat.
That last part is what matters for a carry-on trip. Most beautiful sun hats are structured, rigid, and impossible to pack without destroying them. This one? Fold it, slide it along the side of your carry-on or tuck it between layers of clothes, and it bounces right back to shape when you pull it out at your destination. The bell-shaped malleable brim reshapes with your hands in seconds. The vivid multicolor bands make it a statement piece on its own — you'll be the most interesting person at the pool. This is JuJu Loves' fourth feature in Charleston Magazine, alongside our "On the Wild Side" leopard roundup, our Valentine's Style File, and the March Style Issue.
The Neutral Option: Packable Raffia Sun Hat, Coffee Swirl
SHOP Packable Raffia Sun Hat, Coffee Swirl — $98
If bold color isn't your thing, the Coffee Swirl ($98) is the same hat — same hand-loomed raffia, same 7-inch brim, same fold-flat packability — in a warm neutral palette that goes with absolutely everything. The swirled brown and cream tones disappear into any outfit, which is exactly what you want from a travel hat. Pack one bold, one neutral, and you're covered for every mood and every outfit all weekend. Both fit flat in the same suitcase without adding bulk.
Coverups That Double as Mini Dresses (With One Simple Trick)
Here's the packing hack that changes everything: a swimsuit coverup isn't just a coverup. Add a simple slip underneath and it becomes a mini dress you can wear to lunch, to afternoon shopping, or to a casual dinner on the boardwalk. That's two outfits from one piece — and it's the single best way to maximize a carry-on.
Lilac Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim
SHOP Lilac Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim — $158
The Lilac Coverup ($158) is gorgeous over a swimsuit at the pool — the pom pom and shell trim details give it a playful, resort-ready feel that's way more interesting than a basic white coverup. But here's where it earns its spot in this capsule: throw a slip on underneath and it transforms into a perfectly wearable mini dress. The lilac tone is soft enough for daytime but interesting enough for dinner. Slide on your Indigo Floral Headband ($78) and your Gold Enamel Flower Cuff ($124) and you've gone from pool to restaurant without changing your outfit — just adding layers. For more coverup styling ideas, check out our complete coverup styling guide.
Pink Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim
SHOP Pink Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim — $158
The Pink Coverup ($158) is the same design in a warmer, bolder tone — perfect if lilac feels too cool for your skin tone or you just love pink. The same slip-underneath trick works here: coverup at the beach, mini dress with a slip for dinner. Packing both colorways gives you two pool looks AND two dinner options from pieces that take up almost no space in your bag. They're lightweight, packable, and wrinkle-forgiving — everything a carry-on piece should be.
Pro tip: Pack one neutral slip in a nude tone. It works under both coverups and takes up almost zero space. This one addition turns two coverups into two mini dresses and gives you four outfit options from three pieces.
The One Dress That Handles Every Evening
Metallic Chevron Halter Maxi Dress
SHOP Metallic Chevron Halter Maxi Dress — $328
Every carry-on capsule needs one dress that handles the nice dinner, the sunset cocktails, and the "we got last-minute reservations at that place" moment. The Metallic Chevron Halter Maxi Dress ($328) is that dress. The metallic thread in the chevron pattern catches light beautifully in the evening, the halter neckline shows just enough skin for a warm night, and the maxi length makes it feel dressy without being fussy. It goes from beach boardwalk to rooftop bar without missing a beat. Pair it with the Black Pearl Crystal Headband ($78), the Gold Butterfly Charm Necklace ($112), and the Gold Flower Crystal Stud Earrings ($88) and you look like you packed an entire evening wardrobe — but really, it's one dress and three small pieces of jewelry. For more on dresses that transition from day to night, read our vacation dresses guide.
Headbands: The Secret Weapon for Travel Hair
Let's talk about what actually happens to your hair on a beach weekend. Salt water, humidity, hat hair, wind — by Saturday afternoon, your carefully styled look is a distant memory. Headbands fix all of it in three seconds. No dry shampoo, no hot tools, no thirty minutes in front of a mirror. Just slide one on and your hair goes from "I've been at the beach all day" to "I meant to look this effortlessly chic."
Floral Knotted Headband in Indigo
SHOP Floral Knotted Headband, Indigo — $78
The Floral Knotted Headband in Indigo ($78) is your daytime headband. The deep indigo blue pairs beautifully with both the lilac and pink coverups, and the floral knotted detail with crystal accents makes it look intentional rather than "I'm hiding my hair." Wear it poolside after you take your sun hat off, wear it to lunch with a coverup-turned-dress, or wear it on the morning coffee walk when you don't feel like doing your hair at all. The knotted style stays put even in wind and humidity. For more headband styling ideas, our ultimate headband guide covers every technique, and our headband hairstyles post shows easy looks you can do in minutes.
Black Pearl Crystal Headband
SHOP Black Pearl Crystal Headband — $78
The Black Pearl Crystal Headband ($78) is your evening headband. The pearl and crystal embellishments catch light and add a dressed-up quality that elevates the metallic chevron maxi dress from beautiful to stunning. This headband solves the "I don't have time to style my hair for dinner" problem instantly — slide it on, let your hair fall naturally, and the headband does all the work. The black base pairs with everything and the pearl details add just enough sparkle for evening. It's one of our best embellished headbands and it weighs almost nothing in your bag.
Travel Jewelry That Does Double Duty
The key to packing jewelry for a weekend getaway: bring pieces that work with every outfit, day and night, pool and dinner. Skip the statement necklace that only goes with one dress. Instead, pack three gold pieces that tie the whole capsule together.
Gold Enamel Flower Cuff Bracelet
SHOP Gold Enamel Flower Cuff Bracelet — $124
The Gold Enamel Flower Cuff ($124) is the hero piece of this jewelry trio. It has a stainless steel base, which means it won't tarnish in humidity, sweat, sunscreen, or salt air — all the things that destroy regular jewelry on vacation. The enamel flower detail adds color and personality, and the cuff silhouette slides on and off easily (no fiddling with clasps when your hands are wet from the pool). Wear it at the beach with your coverup, keep it on for dinner with the maxi dress — it never comes off all weekend. For more about jewelry that survives summer conditions, read our sweat-proof summer jewelry guide.
Gold Butterfly Charm Necklace
SHOP Gold Butterfly Charm Necklace — $112
The Gold Butterfly Charm Necklace ($112) is the one necklace that works with every piece in this capsule. The butterfly charm sits beautifully against the halter neckline of the maxi dress and adds a delicate detail above the neckline of the coverup dresses. It's substantial enough to wear alone but not so bold that it competes with the embellished headbands. The gold tone ties it to the cuff and the earrings, giving your whole weekend a cohesive, curated look without looking like you planned it. Take it off for the pool if you want, but honestly, gold on sun-kissed skin is one of the best looks in fashion.
Gold Flower Crystal Stud Earrings
SHOP Gold Flower Crystal Stud Earrings — $88
The Gold Flower Crystal Stud Earrings ($88) are the ultimate travel earrings because they're studs — nothing to catch on hats, headbands, or pillows. They're comfortable enough to sleep in if you're too tired to take them off after dinner (no judgment), and the crystal detail adds just enough sparkle to read as dressy in the evening while being subtle enough for daytime. The flower motif echoes the enamel flower cuff, giving your accessories that collected, intentional feel. Put them on when you arrive Friday and take them off when you leave Sunday. Done.
The Sunglasses: Because Obviously
SHOP Oversized Round Sunglasses, Caramel — $78
The Oversized Round Sunglasses in Caramel ($78) are the finishing piece. The warm caramel tone picks up the natural tones in the raffia sun hats, complements the gold jewelry, and works with every outfit in the capsule. The oversized round shape looks beautiful under a wide brim hat and flattering on most face shapes. At $78, they're affordable enough that you won't have a panic attack if they fall in the ocean.
How to Pack It All in a Carry-On
Here's exactly how this capsule fits in one bag:
Bottom of the bag: The maxi dress, rolled (not folded) to minimize wrinkles. The slip, rolled on top of it.
Middle layer: Both coverups, folded flat. They're lightweight and wrinkle-forgiving.
Side of the bag: Both packable sun hats, folded flat and slid along the edge. This is the move that makes the whole capsule work — structured hats can't do this.
Small pouch or zippered pocket: Sunglasses in a soft case, both headbands (they barely take up space), and all three jewelry pieces. A small jewelry pouch keeps everything tangle-free.
That's it. Your entire weekend wardrobe in a carry-on with room to spare for sandals, toiletries, and a book.
Your Weekend Getaway Outfit Plan
Friday evening arrival → dinner: Metallic Chevron Halter Maxi ($328) + Black Pearl Crystal Headband ($78) + all three gold jewelry pieces + Caramel Sunglasses ($78) pushed up on your head as you arrive. You look like you've been on vacation for days.
Saturday morning → pool: Swimsuit + Lilac Coverup ($158) + Multicolor Stripe Packable Hat ($98) + sunglasses + Gold Flower Cuff ($124). Magazine-cover pool energy.
Saturday lunch → exploring: Swap the swimsuit for a slip under the lilac coverup. Add the Indigo Floral Headband ($78) to tame post-pool hair. Keep the cuff and sunglasses. You just went from pool to restaurant without going back to the room.
Saturday evening → nice dinner: Chevron Maxi again (nobody saw you in it — different crowd) or the Pink Coverup ($158) with a slip for a more casual dinner. Black Pearl Headband + Gold Butterfly Necklace ($112) + Gold Flower Studs ($88).
Sunday morning → brunch and departure: Pink Coverup with a slip + Coffee Swirl Packable Hat ($98) + sunglasses + gold jewelry. Effortless and beautiful for the last morning. Pack up the hats flat, toss everything in the carry-on, and head home looking as good as you did when you arrived.
The Math: What This Capsule Costs
If you bought every single piece in this capsule, the total comes to $1,148. That's eleven pieces covering every outfit for an entire weekend. But here's the reality: you probably already own some of these categories. Maybe you already have gold studs, or you already have sunglasses you love. The pieces that make this capsule special — and that you probably don't already own — are the packable sun hats ($98 each) and the coverups that double as dresses ($158 each). Start there. Those four pieces alone transform how you pack for weekend trips.
And remember: JuJu Loves offers free ground shipping on orders over $99, and our Shop More/Save More event means you save $20 when you spend $150 or $50 when you spend $250.
Want to see these pieces in person? Select JuJu Loves accessories are available at Maris DeHart, a curated boutique at 32 Vendue Range in Charleston, SC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for a Weekend Getaway
Can you really pack a sun hat in a carry-on?
Yes — if it's the right hat. Our Packable Raffia Sun Hats ($98) are made from natural raffia that folds completely flat without cracking or losing shape. Slide them along the side of your suitcase and they bounce back to their original shape when you unpack. This is the feature that landed them on the cover of Charleston Magazine's Style File. Most structured straw hats can't do this — the straw will crack. Raffia is flexible and resilient.
What's the best packable sun hat for travel?
Our two packable raffia sun hats are specifically designed for travel. The Multicolor Stripe ($98) is the bold, statement option (and the one Charleston Magazine featured), while the Coffee Swirl ($98) is a warm neutral that goes with everything. Both feature 7-inch wide brims for serious sun protection and fold flat for packing.
Can I really wear a coverup as a dress?
Absolutely — with one essential step: wear a slip underneath. Most coverups are sheer or semi-sheer by design, so a simple nude or black slip gives you the coverage you need to wear it off the beach. Our Lilac and Pink Coverups ($158 each) with pom pom shell trim are designed to look beautiful both ways.
How do I deal with beach hair on vacation?
Headbands are the fastest fix for post-beach hair. A knotted or embellished headband like our Indigo Floral Headband ($78) or Black Pearl Crystal Headband ($78) instantly transforms messy hair into a styled look. No hot tools, no dry shampoo, no mirror required. Our headband guide covers every technique.
What jewelry should I pack for a weekend trip?
Pack three gold pieces that work with everything: one cuff or bracelet, one necklace, one pair of studs. Look for tarnish-resistant options with stainless steel bases if you'll be near water. Our Gold Enamel Flower Cuff ($124), Gold Butterfly Charm Necklace ($112), and Gold Flower Crystal Studs ($88) cover pool to dinner without switching anything out.
Will gold jewelry tarnish at the beach?
Salt water, sunscreen, and sweat can all affect jewelry. The safest travel pieces have stainless steel bases — our Gold Enamel Flower Cuff ($124) is built this way. For all your travel jewelry, wipe pieces down at the end of each day and remove them before swimming. Our summer jewelry care guide has detailed tips.
What kind of sun hat works with headbands?
Wide brim hats and headbands serve different moments of the same day. Wear the packable sun hat at the pool for protection, then switch to a headband when you transition to lunch or exploring. They're not competing — they're tag-teaming your hair all weekend.
How many outfits can I make from this capsule?
With 11 pieces, you can create at least 6-8 distinct outfits — more than enough for a Friday-to-Sunday weekend trip. The coverups alone give you 4 looks (2 as coverups over swimsuits, 2 as mini dresses with a slip), the maxi dress handles every evening, and the accessories mix and match across all of them.
Was JuJu Loves featured in Charleston Magazine?
Several times! Our packable raffia sun hat was the cover image for the "Top It Off" Style File. We've also been featured in their "On the Wild Side" leopard roundup, their Valentine's Style File, and the March Style Issue.
What else should I pack for a beach weekend?
Beyond this capsule, our beach vacation packing list covers every accessory you might need, and our resort accessories guide helps you choose the right jewelry for warm-weather trips.
More Style Inspiration
Beach Vacation Packing List: The Accessories You'll Actually Wear
Best Coverups for the Pool and Beach
Vacation Dresses That Go From Beach to Dinner
Resort Accessories: What to Pack for Any Warm-Weather Trip
Summer Jewelry That Won't Tarnish
How to Wear Headbands: The Ultimate Guide
Accessories That Make Any Outfit Look Expensive
As Seen in Charleston Magazine: JuJu Loves in The Style Issue