How to Pack for: a Cottage Weekend

To help you plan for your upcoming weekend, we’ve compiled a list of the essential items you simply can’t afford to forget at home. <br> **The Perfect Polo** <br> There’s almost no other piece of clothing more synonymous with a laid-back cottage weekend than a <a href="/en/shop/polos" style="color:black";">polo</a> – bar maybe a swimsuit, of course. <br> This might be because of the polo’s rich historical ties to nautical culture – just think of all those vintage images of JFK sporting polos on his sailboats – or it might be because their rough-and-tumble nature means they always seem to look good no matter what outdoor adventures they’re put through. <br> Whether you’re lakeside during the day or tableside during dinner, a classic polo is always up to the task and for that reason should be in every cottage goer's suitcase.

**Some Comfort-Forward Slides** <br> No matter the season, a pair of reliable <a href="/en/shop/footwear?style%5B0%5D=Slipper&style%5B1%5D=Sandal" style="color:black";">slides</a> always seem to heavily feature throughout a cottage weekend. From spring through fall, there’s little else we wear on-feet around the cottage than slides almost purely because of their practicality. <br> Slipping in and out of a pair of slides couldn’t be easier, and when you’ve worn yours in well enough, they feel more like slippers than actual outdoor shoes. Whether you’re out on the dock, in the boat, or taking a stroll around the grounds, these are your go-to option when it comes to footwear.

**A S’more-Toasting Sweatsuit** <br> When day turns to night in cottage country, the beloved tradition of gathering around the campfire never goes out of style. Between toasting marshmallows for s’mores and telling ghost stories, sitting by the fire pit is a cottage ritual everybody enjoys. But, if you don’t have the proper gear with you, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on all the action. <br> The best way to prepare for a nighttime session around the fire pit is to suit up in sweats, both top and bottom. These will not only help to keep you warm during those cool cottage nights, but will also protect most of your skin from any interested mosquitos flying about.

**A Lake-Ready Swimsuit** <br> For all those moments spent outside the house, there’s an excellent chance you’ll find yourself reaching for swimwear rather than sleepwear. Of course, a sturdy pair of swim shorts are absolutely necessary when taking a dip in the lake, but they’re also optimal for catching rays on the dock, catching fishing on the boat, and knocking back a few drinks come cocktail hour. <br> The secret here is to find a swimsuit that dries quickly and bears resemblance to a pair of simple-yet-stylish shorts. This way, you can traverse between dryland and aquatic activities without needing to put too much thought into your outfit – not to mention dripping all over that nice hardwood cottage floor.

**Speed Boat-Approved Sunglasses** <br> One of the most popular pastimes at the cottage is getting into the boat and out on the water. However, no matter if you’re driving, riding, or being pulled along behind in an inflatable tube, bright sunlight reflecting off the shimmering lake below you can be a little overwhelming for the eyes. <br> The obvious fix is a polarized pair of sunnies, but when you’re zipping across the lake at speed, the high winds and intermittent bumps along the way mean your best pair is far from your best option. Instead, we recommend <a href="/en/shop/eyewear" style="color:black";">sunglasses</a> that come equipped with either a tasteful string for around your neck or some extra-strong arms that hold on tight.

**A Water-Resistant Watch** <br> On the topic of boats and inflatable tubes, hearing the phrase ‘man overboard’ is quite a common occurrence during a standard cottage stay. In fact, you can pretty much bank on getting wet or splashed in some capacity at any given moment. However, keeping an eye on the time isn’t any less important when weekending at a cottage – I mean, how else would you know when Beer O’clock swings around? For those reasons, wearing a <a href="/en/shop/watches?fabric=Rubber" style="color:black";">water-resistant timepiece</a> while at the cottage is always a good idea. Whether you’re hanging out by the dock, in the hot tub, on the boat, or even just hosing down in the outdoor shower, feel confident your watch won’t come out worse for wear after your weekend away with something more suited to your surroundings.