How many times do we hear people say ‘I always take far too many clothes on holiday and only wear about half!’? With a few simple, tips it really doesn’t have to be this complicated.
To begin with it’s a good idea to consider your destination, length of stay and luggage allowance. With this information it’s easier to plan your wardrobe.
Luggage
Once you’ve checked your baggage and weight allowance, think about the style of cases/bags that you’d like to take. I love luggage that gives me the holiday feeling and compliments my outfits. I have my eye on a set of matching cases in an antique gold colour - unusual cases certainly makes it easier to spot when they’re going around the carousel at the airport.
Think about how practical you need your baggage to be. With small children a backpack can be useful and many fashionable styles are now available. On journeys involving several flights or different forms of transport, lighter cases will certainly be more convenient.
Capsule Wardrobe
With a holiday wear it’s easier to have a capsule wardrobe where everything will mix and match. A couple of pairs of trousers in lighter colours along with a patterned pair, tone beautifully with tops in brighter shades. Two or three dresses which can be dressed up or down gives versatility and a neutral pashmina enhances them all on a cool evening.
A top tip is to roll up clothes for packing as it keeps the volume down.
Shoes
I just take three pairs of shoes in a metallic colour - flip flops for the pool, sandals to walk around in the day and heels for the evening. Gold, silver or bronze tend to go with most colours preventing the need to take several pairs to match with each outfit. A pair of trainers is useful if the trip involves a lot of walking or sports. I also pack shoes separately in bags to prevents clothes being soiled.
Bags
A small handbag can be popped into a larger bag for the journey. I also take a soft bag for the beach which is packed into my case and a clutch for the evening.
Accessories
It’s easier to keep accessories to a minimum with a simple necklace for the day and a sparkly one and dangly earrings for the evening. I put them in a small soft bag and keep them in my handbag on the plane for safety.
It’s a good idea to have a couple of pairs of sunglasses, one for the beach and a second pair for going out. This way the second pair remain in good condition.
Don’t forget a hat as it will protect both your complexion and your hair. I have a collapsible sun hat that pops easily into my case and helps to prevent my hair from becoming like straw.
Underwear
Nude coloured underwear doesn’t tend to show under light clothes. A couple of bras along with a strapless one and several pairs of knickers can be washed and dried overnight. Don’t forget to put your washing liquid into a travel sized bottle and with a label so that you don’t think it’s shampoo!
Swimwear
I take one floral tankini/bikini and one plain one in a colour that will blend, enabling the tops and bottoms to be swapped over so that it appears as though it’s more than two sets. A large plain pashmina will work as a sarong and then doubles up as a wrap in the evening.
Toiletries
I take great pleasure in browsing the mini toiletries in stores like Boots and Superdrug which sell a huge range for holidays. I also buy small bottles and pots to decant my skincare and hair products, saving on volume and weight.
Final check
Along with ensuring that you have all your necessary documents, don’t forget to weigh your cases. Any scales with a long wire could be confiscated from hand luggage by security at the airport so pack them away in your case all ready to be used for the return journey.
Happy Holidays
Here’s wishing you all a fabulous holiday and if you’d like help to compile a holiday wardrobe, I’d love to build a personal style board for you.
Just send a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll book a chat.
Suzanne x
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