The ultimate holiday packing list
Wondering how to not overpack? Here's everything you need for a stress-free getaway
Whether you’re getting ready for a summer holiday, staycation, hen do, honeymoon, mini-break or mini-moon, you may find yourself wondering, how do I pack a suitcase?
The secret to making the contents of your carry-on work hard for you is multi-use buys that take you from day to night. Here’s how to pack the expert way…
5 experts tips on how to pack properly
- Pick a 3-shade palette. Perhaps black+white+grey or bronze+cream+green.
- Choose accessories you can repeat with multiple outfits.
- Rolling up clothes is the ultimate space saver.
- Pack a steamer (a small one).
- Photograph outfits before you pack so you know how many combinations you can create.
One-and-done items
The best all-in-one outfits take up minimal suitcase (and head) space. Make a beeline for cooling fabrics (cotton, linen, jersey, silk) and crease-resistant cheesecloth styles.
- Departure lounge: whatever the destination, nothing brings travel comfort quite like a joyful jersey jumpsuit. They’re multitasking must-haves.
- The ‘do-it-all’ dress: invest in a frock you can dress up or down. This gingham head-turner packs a punch for evening outings, but the fact it’s 100 per cent cotton also ensures daytime breeziness.
- The AM/PM jumpsuit: worn relaxed and wafty for daytime wandering, or belted by night. Simply switch up your shoes and add accessories.
Boden Floral V-Neck Pure Linen Jumpsuit, Ivory/Multi
£176.00£105.60
The cover-ups
- Linen shirt: don’t underestimate the power of this piece for travel days and chilly nights alike. Shout out to those clever natural fibres for helping regulate body temperature.
- Cool waistcoat: every stylist’s secret weapon – throw over a white tee for daytime, add heels and stacks of jewellery for aperitivo hour.
- The kaftan: the perfect poolside plus-one, taking you from beach to bar quicker than you can say piña col…
John Lewis Guipure Kaftan
£55.00£46.75
Shoes: the rule of 3
The swimwear
The ultimate accessories
The real secret to taking looks from AM to PM? Choose smart, multi-use accessories.
- Bags: this joyful design has got you covered from beach to bar.
- Sunglasses: for when the sun has got her hat on.
- Necklaces: gold, silver, rose gold… nothing will dress up your decollétage faster.