My top 10 tips for Summer Holiday packing
(cos for most of us it’s a bit of a stressful nightmare!)
1. Do not pack in a panic
PLAN what you’re going to take ideally a week before hand (I have to MAKE myself do this as I was always a last minute panic packer in my 20’s & 30’s & always over packed lots of random things so it is doable believe me) & think functional, versatile & stress-free. Packing light is always the best way, particularly with luggage allowances getting smaller, & forward planning will avoid panic buying on location. You want everything you pack to be worn right!
2. Pick the right suitcase
I go for a soft shell case ( mainly because it’s lighter), a case that will roll & one without any built in compartments (they reduce the available space & personally I find them bloody annoying). Don’t go for cheap, pay as much as you can afford ..... no one wants to be the person whose case has exploded for all to see their knickers going round on the conveyor belt.
Source: Pinterest
3. Create a small “on-the-go” capsule wardrobe
By that I mean pack outfits, rather than a disorderly random selection of clothes where nothing really works with each other & you’ve not thought about how you are actually going to wear them. Start by planning: what activities you are going to be doing, the weather, do you need comfortable (but of course stylish) footwear, are you heading out dancing (always in my plan) etc. Also select those holiday “must haves” that you always love to take, but make sure they go with the other items in your holiday capsule wardrobe.
4. Plan daytime & night time outfits for every day
And if something doesn’t go with at least a few other styles, leave it at home!
Sources: Pinterest
5. Have a rough plan
Create a checklist, take photos of the outfits you’ve planned, have a folder on your phone cos you don’t want to forget what you’d planned
6. Allow time to try on EVERYTHING before you go
iImagine throwing in your trusty bikini to find that the elastic has perished & it no longer stays up, or you’d forgotten last time you went away you’d got a rip in your favourite summer dress
7. Don’t forget the accessories
The simplest way to take an outfit from day - to - night, to add pop of colour, or to transform an outfit multiple ways! A scarf which can double as a top, headband & belt would be perfect if you don’t have a lot of space in your suitcase, or wear on the plane to style up your travel look. Plus never forget a sunhat or your Raybans (that’s me) to protect your face from the suns rays
© The Charlotte Edit
8. Which shoes? Now this is my Achilles heel...
I’ve always been a panicked when it comes to shoes so I’ve got myself to this: wear trainers or high tops on the plane, pack a block heel sandal which is comfortable & works for day /night ( and versatile with what clothing you’ve packed) & a pair of flip flops or bright / textured woven slider. I usually don’t go wrong with this, and if space I’ll pop in a leather flat sandals too
9. Unpacking your suitcase on arrival
I know you’re desperate to jump in the pool or grab your first mojito BUT it’s the best way to ensure you wear everything you’ve bought, to allow creases to naturally fall PLUS your holiday time is precious so you don’t want to be messing around looking for items when there is relaxing or exploring to do.
10. Take a small steamer with you!
It can be a nightmare when you’ve planned to wear your favourite summer dresses & when you arrive they look like they’ve be screwed up into a ball. Plus it is so much easier to use a steamer than iron items such as skirts, dresses, floaty tops you’ll use it so much
Next week, my summer holiday essential items to build my mini capsule wardrobe .......