My Top 12 items to Pack for your Summer Holidays (without packing everything you own, we’ve all been there)
Before we dive right into the fun bit, just a heads up that this is based around a hot beach-style holiday (although some ideas would work perfectly for a warm city break too). I’m not going to give you precise numbers of each item as we all have our preferences, I’m a dress girl for sure so would take a couple more dresses than trousers for example, but it’s a great guide.
Packing for your summer holiday should be an easy task right? But on the contrary, for many of us, instead it is a mass of style conundrums, weather app consultations & those last minute panics (ASOS next day anyone?) Next thing you know you end up with a crammed suitcase & potential being charged for excess baggage allowance (on items you may not even wear) or at the airport putting on as many excess items you can ….. AKA Joey Tribbiani.
My ultimate top tip before packing is to think in terms of outfits, not individual items (no matter how much you love them, always check if they work with at least two other pieces to create whole outfits before making that final suitcase cut). I create outfits either across my bed or hanging from my wardrobe, try it it’s actually really fun.
So, what makes packing that suitcase easier….the secret is actually fewer, multi-functional, pieces that create multiple outfits to suit all the occasions you are going to come across.
Here are my TOP 12 items everyone ‘needs’ to ease that packing anxiety on their summer holiday:
1. The ‘Do-It-All’ sandal; If you can manage with one that works for day-to-night great, however I always go for a water-safe pair of flip flops along with a leather pair of the “do-it-all” sandal / leather sliders
2. The versatile shorts (denim, linen, and a printed pair for fun)
3. Throw on shirt (white, chambray or striped) to be worn both as a beach cover up & to cover your shoulders in the heat of the sun
4. Dress up/Dress down versatile maxi dress
5. Raffia tote bag, ideally with a zipped inner pocket for your valuables
6. Swimsuits (that double up as tops; go for one plain but with interest e.g. scalloping or one-shoulder & one in a colour you love)
7. Statement accessories including a wide brimmed hat, day-to-night belt & a colourful statement necklace
8. Playsuit / Jumpsuit for AM-PM dressing
9. Scarf (which has numerous uses: headscarf, headband, bracelet, bag strap, bandeau or belt)
10. Quality basics (striped tee/vest, colour pop tee, clean white vest)
11. Loose trouser ( linen & printed)
12. Sunglasses, but of course!
My top holiday packing tips:
Pack in outfits
Travel in a clean white trainer so you don’t have to include in your packing as they are bulky
Use jewellery / accessories to change-up your looks
Only 1-2 swimwear options are needed, unless you’re insta famous of course
Printed trousers or shorts will style up easier for day-to-night dressing / styling
Jumpsuits / Playsuits are all-in-one outfits so save you space in your packing
If you really ‘need’ a heel go for a mid-block sandal, but ensure you’ll be wearing more than once before adding to the suitcase
Use your beach bag as your carry on or pack with your ‘uncreasable’ items inside it so that it will maintain its shape during the journey
Roll your clothes instead of folding
Go for neutral based items with pops of colour accessories
Balance prints & plains for easier mix-n-match
Think about the fabrications, you don’t want to be ironing in 25+ degrees when you could be sipping a cocktail by the bar; linen, Rame, cotton, textured cheesecloth are everywhere this year
Remember all that prep time means that you have more time to enjoy that hard-earned holiday. Happy packing & don’t forget the SPF, that should be top of everyone’s lists!
