The ultimate holiday packing list

Holiday packing outfit tips
Editorial Team

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

  1. Pick a 3-shade palette. Perhaps black+white+grey or bronze+cream+green.
  2. Choose accessories you can repeat with multiple outfits.
  3. Rolling up clothes is the ultimate space saver.
  4. Pack a steamer (a small one).
  5. 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.  

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…

Shoes: the rule of 3

Ask any fashion expert and they’ll advise packing no more than three pairs of shoes: trainers, heels and sandals. Travel in your weightiest footwear (aka the trainers) to lighten your luggage.

The swimwear

Carry-on luggage only? One-piece all the way. If you can carve out space for multiple bikinis, though, try to go for sets you can mix ’n’ match to multiply your poolside looks.

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.

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