Holiday packing can be a real challenge, especially if you’ve only got limited baggage allowance. It’s tempting to try and cram in your whole wardrobe but, with a bit of smart shopping, you can get a set of complete looks to take you from beach to bar without breaking your suitcase! Here are the key items to put on your holiday list this year…
Mix and match Bikinis
Choose two bikinis that work well as separates to mix and match, one patterned and one plain bikini in a contrasting colour and you’ll actually have four swimsuits!
A great Wrap
Pashmina might sound like the name of someone from Made in Chelsea, but actually it’s what we call a simple wrap of fabric. This can be worn as a sarong over your bikini on the beach, or as a scarf on the plane, and if you learn the right technique, you can even wrap it into a halter top to wear over shorts. Multi-purpose chic for every occasion!
Block Heels
If you’ve only got room for one pair of dressy shoes, make it a block heel. This season is all about the 70s trend, and block heels are a comfortable and chic way to style up your maxi dresses and LBDs for the evening.
Maxi Dress
A maxi dress is your holiday wardrobe’s best friend, since it can be flung over your bikini with a pair of flats in the day, or styled with a statement necklace and heels in the evening.
Trilby
Trilbys can be worn with every outfit combination imaginable, from maxi dresses, to shorts and T-shirts. This is a great holiday staple that’ll keep the sun off and mix well with all your outfits.
Denim Separates
Denim shorts and a denim jacket are both great things to have in your holiday suitcase, since they work well with lots of items and, because this season is all about double denim, you can now wear them together too.
Plain White Tee
A simple white t shirt in a good cotton fabric is a holiday must-have. Ideally choose one with slightly sheer fabric, which will look great when flung over a bikini with denim shorts in the day, but could equally be dressed up in the evening too with a statement necklace.
Monochrome Magic
Making sure you have a good selection of black and white separates means you’ll always have things that can be mixed and matched together. In particular, a black dress is indispensable on holiday.
Kimono
This season’s must-have cover up is a kimono. Wear it over a bikini and shorts in the day, or on top of a simple dress in the evening for added ‘wow’ factor.
Jewelled Flat Sandals
If you really want to make the most of your baggage allowance, your second shoe in the case should be a super comfortable pair of jewelled flats. They’re a fabulous day-to-night shoe and will go with just about any outfit you can think of.
Beach bag
You might think you need 100 handbags but in actual fact, the one you’ll probably wear for most of the holiday is your beach bag, so why not invest in a pretty one that works as a handbag as well? Waterproof fabric is a must-have, and leather handles will make it look less ‘beachy’ and more handbag-like when you do want to wear it in town.
Evening clutch
As well as your beach bag, you’ll need something smaller for the evening. We suggest a metallic clutch – it’s small, easy to pack and will work with lots of different colours, so you’ll only ever need one.
Statement Sunnies
One pair of really fabulous sunglasses can transform a holiday outfit. Find a patterned or coloured pair that you love and work it, baby!
Finally, remember that you’re not going away forever! Less is more when it comes to holiday packing, so try to only include items that you can think of three different ways of wearing and you’ll find the whole experience much easier.
