How to Pack for a Summer Holiday:
Holiday expenses usually start with dinner and cocktails; due to an overweight suitcase mine would usually start at the check-in. But practice makes perfect and like any good stylist, I have finally mastered the art to clean and simple packing. Follow this like a recipe. Start with a base of shoes, followed by your clothing rolled instead of folded to avoid creasing.
Travel in:
1 x Jeans
A pair of white jeans such as the Rag & Bone skinny will look effortlessly chic. If you are notoriously clumsy, opt for a coloured jean such as the J Brand 811 in Neon.
1 x Belt
Belts are huge for this season; I particularly love styles B-Low The Belt, Twisted and Royal Republiq. It’s always great to have one with you so you can belt a dress or shorts. I have a great plaited tan belt that works with everything in the Summer.
1 x Cashmere Sweater
Feel the Piece has some beautiful knits this season. Perfect for evenings while you’re away as it can get chilly, especially if you are off to cooler climes.
1 x Blazer
Smythe blazers are well cut and incredibly smart, I particularly like the Tuxedo Stripe Blazer. They are always handy to have with you in case you need to smarten up any outfit at the last minute.
1 x Cashmere Shawl
I have to travel with a Minnie Rose ruffle shawl, as I always get cold on the plane. They are great to take with you to dinner in the evenings in case it gets cold or for lounging around the villa.
1 x Straw Hat
I always take mine on the plane so it doesn’t get squashed in my suitcase. Just carrying one gets me excited about my holiday and there are so many great hats around at this time of year.
The base:
1 x Heel/Wedge
I have finally realised that one pair is enough and that any extras are a waste of space and weight. Opt for a tan, nude or metallic heel as these are the most versatile for this time of year.
2 x Flat Sandals
You need one pair to wear on the beach; preferably tan or embellished. The other should be metallic, as they will go with anything especially if you want to wear them in the evening.
1 x Beach Towel
I lay this over the shoes to protect my garments from marks or pulls.
Middle:
Toiletries:
By packing your toiletries, makeup and jewellery in the middle you can guarantee none of your compacts will smash.
Valuables and accessories:
I pack light when it comes to accessories or I tend to wear as many of them when I’m travelling to save on space. If however you do like to accessorise then I suggest you separate them into dust bags so that your necklaces don’t get tangled with your earrings and so on. This will also protect your garments. If you take more than one pair of sunglasses keep them in the middle and layer clothes around for protection.
Topping:
3 x Bikinis
I like to have all different styles in an array of different colours and patterns to minimise white lines - the brighter the better for me.
2 x Pair of Shorts
One pair in white, I love the Current/Elliott Captain Roll Short in Pillow and then another pair in denim, Siwy always does great styles that are perfect for the beach.
2 x Blouses
Pretty blouses are handy to throw on with shorts or white jeans. I’m packing a printed Tucker Blouse and a block colour shirt from Equipment, I love the bright colours that they have done this season.
4 x Tees
This season Splendid has done some great basics in a variety of colours; I usually take one in white, one in grey and the two in bright colours.
4 x Dresses
One cotton dress for the day is essential. I take another three for the evening as you can easily wear them again when you’re on holiday.
1 x Silk Scarf
Scarves are great as they can double up as a shawl for the Summer nights. Printed styles from Becksöndergaard, Rika and Stella McCartney are a great addition.
1 x Patterned Jeans
I am addicted to patterned jeans this season; my favourites are from Siwy, Current/Elliott, Paige and J Brand. If the weather is a little cooler and you need to wear jeans these would be perfect, as you will still feel summery but warm when the skies are grey.
2 x Bags
Thursday/Friday bags are perfect for the beach. They are made from canvas, are a great size and feature a number of different handbag prints on them. I also take a clutch bag with me, to take a casual dress through to the evening.
5 x Hanky Panky
I pack five pairs of Hanky Panky; one in Chai, one in White and then a selection of Summer colours; they have done some amazing neon colours this season. Underwear is always the last thing I pack; I either put it in the pockets of my suitcase or use them to fill in any gaps.
For more tips and ideas on what to pack for this Summer’s holiday email Stylist Jo Pratten on stylist@donnaida.com.