Everything you need to pack for a stylish summer holiday… kitchen sink not included
Hands up if you’re terrible at packing for a holiday? Yep, us too. Whether it’s under-packing so you run out of pants on day five or over-packing with 10 pairs of shoes for a weekend break, getting your holiday wardrobe right is no mean feat.
It can be done, though. The key to a successfully packed suitcase and a stylish selection of summer clothes is easy – you’ve gotta go capsule. Luckily, we’ve picked out a 10-piece holiday capsule wardrobe to suit all shapes and sizes – now all you have to do is get shopping!
1. The floral maxi
This beautiful floral maxi dress is a must-have for your suitcase – dress it down with flats and a straw hat for the day, then swap for heels and a messy up-do come dinnertime. It even works as a beach cover-up to take you from beach to bar. A total winner!
You can’t go wrong with a classic white cami. This cotton version will keep you cool in the midday sun, and we love the adjustable shoestring straps.
Is there a more summery shoe than the espadrille? We think not. This rope sole pair is comfy enough for daytime sightseeing, while the delicate ankle strap makes them great for an evening out, too.
Bermuda shorts have a bit of a bad rep for being uncool (remember your dad in a Hawaiian shirt and a pair of Bermudas back in 1994?) but we think they’re making a comeback. The longer length is very chic, and this mustard yellow pair can be teamed with everything from a simple white cami (see above!) to an oversized linen shirt (see below!).
An oversized linen shirt will fast become the most essential piece in your holiday wardrobe – trust us, nothing is more versatile. Wear it loose as a beach or pool cover up, open over a vest on cloudy days, with a belt and tailored shorts for a night out or buttoned up and tied at the waist as a cute top. Top tip: go for a men’s version for ultimate slouch.
For covering up sandy hair, protecting your head from the sun, shading your face and generally just looking cool – yeah, a straw hat is awkward to pack but you’ll miss it if you leave it behind. We recommend wearing it to the airport and getting your holiday started early!
If you only pack one pair of shoes for your holiday, make it this one. These flat black sandals will go with everything from dresses to shorts to your bikini, the cushioned sole means they’re super comfy and the simple style will show off your holiday pedicure to perfection. A must-have.
For those holiday days when a kaftan thrown over your bikini won’t quite cut it, this cropped jumpsuit is just the ticket. We love the nipped in waist and culotte-style legs – perfect for a spot of city sightseeing.
This cute spotty bikini also comes as a tankini, so you can mix and match your styles each day. We love the longer-line top and supportive shape.
We couldn’t give you a holiday capsule wardrobe without including a woven beach bag – it’s the Instagram trend that’s still going strong, and this roomy bag is actually very handy for carrying your stuff down to the beach or pool. Plus, it’ll look great in your pics!
