I’ll confess – I hate packing. Although I’ve got the folding and rolling down to a fine art (eat your heart out Marie Kondo), it’s the luggage limitations that stress me out. Nowadays so many people opt for carry-on cases only, which is great – until you realise just how many items you need to cram in.
But, there are also lots of pieces you can pack which double or triple up, and so many versatile items that won’t make you feel like your holiday wardrobe is restricted at all, even if you are on a 10kg limit.
Here, I’ve put together a guide to those must-pack pieces, which will work for beach breaks, sightseeing city escapes and all kinds of summer trips. And, saving you space in your case means there’s more room for duty free Toblerones. You’re welcome!
White trainers
The white trainer trend is still with us – and for good reason. Not only can you wear them with pretty much any outfit imaginable, they also add a level of comfort. Plus, you can wear them to and from the airport so you don’t have to squeeze them into your suitcase! Great for city breaks if you’re likely to be doing a lot of walking but want to still stay on-trend. If you buy one thing this summer, make it white trainers. Collection trainer, £45, Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com)
A plain t-shirt
This may not sound like the most exciting item you’ll buy this summer but trust me, it’ll be one of your best investments. A lot of people tend to buy the bright, patterned tops but then struggle to make them work with their wardrobe. Keep your top half fairly simple, then choose bolder, brighter prints for skirts, shorts and trousers. There are plenty of textures and fabrics. Opt for broderie anglaise or a peplum style to keep things interesting.
Cotton slub tee, £27, Hush (www.hush-uk.com)
A headband
Fabric headbands and scarves are big news – and they’re a holiday essential. They instantly lift an outfit and give it a cool twist, and they are also a great alternative to a hat, which be cumbersome and quite often end up squashed. Palm print headband, £9, Accessorize (www.accessorize.com)
A cami dress
One of the keys to packing effectively,is making sure the items you take are versatile and work hard for you – and the cami dress is a great example. Wear on its own for an evening look, pop a plain crew neck T-shirt underneath for a more casual daytime vibe, or throw a jumper or oversized top over and voilà – you have a skirt! When it comes to length, opt for whatever you feel most comfortable in. Floral frill dress, £45, Oasis (www.oasis-stores.com)
Platform sandals
When the 90s fashion revival began I was sceptical – but not when it comes to platform shoes. Choosing shoes to take away is always tricky but these are comfortable, they work with the clothes you’re bringing – and they don’t take up all the room and weight allowance in your case. Plus they make your legs look a little longer. Lilybeth stacked wedge sandals, £75,
Dune London (www.dunelondon.com)
A kimono
A kimono is a holiday must because it’s one of the most versatile pieces you can pack. Not only are they extremely lightweight, which is great for packing in the suitcase, they can also be worn for so many different occasions while you’re away. Use it as a beach cover-up, layer over a maxi dress in the evenings instead of a jacket, team with T-shirts and shorts for a stylish daytime look. These are a great investment, and this year there’s some gorgeous patterns in the shops.
Osterly satin back kimono, £65, Laura Ashley (www.lauraashley.com)
A swimsuit
Swimsuits are not just for wearing at the beach and the pool. Body suits are everywhere right now but if you’re savvy about your swimwear you can double up and use a swimsuit in place of a vest or cami top. Choose a simple design, like one bold colour or a subtle print, and it’ll work under shorts and skirts without looking like it belongs on a lilo. Black gold circle swimsuit, £35, Miss Selfridge (www.missselfridge.com)
