No matter where you're headed this Summer, be it the Maldives, the South of France, South East Asia or your back garden, all holidays share a common denominator. A well thought out packing list that covers all eventualities, but never compromises on style.
No one wants to spend time on holiday faffing over what to wear. We want to spend as much time by the pool (or the poolside bar) as physically possible, so having a hard working holiday closet is vital.
Consider the essentials: a beach bag, a day-to-night dress and sandals that won't cut off the blood supply to your little toes.
The key to perfecting your packing list is by curating a holiday capsule wardrobe. Curb the temptation to overpack. Yes, you might feel like wearing stilettos every night, but if you find them even remotely uncomfortable, leave them out. This is time to employ restraint, be savage with your choices, and prioritise comfort.
How to create a capsule holiday wardrobe
When determining which pieces deserve to make the cut, versatility is the most important thing. Find a swimsuit that looks fantastic splashing about but that can also work as a bodysuit for a dinner date, paired with linen trousers and killer accessories.
Likewise, we really recommend an airy pyjama-style co-ord that can be styled as a set or teamed with alternative separates, meaning you get can three outfits for the effort of packing just one.
READ: 5 Glastonbury inspired fashion trends we love in 2024
MORE: 7 summer outfit ideas you need to add to cart for 2024
In terms of colour, think of your favourite palette, and work your holiday wardrobe around it. Love brights? Go forth with our blessing but pick hues that will compliment or contrast harmoniously. Blue and yellow? Fantastic. Red and pink? Divine!
By and large, it's difficult to go wrong with neutrals - think warm camel, deep tan, crisp white, dusty khaki and soft black.
5 Easy outfits to take on holiday:
The Dress
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: never underestimate how important it is to feel comfy on holiday. Kitri have become our go-to for easy to wear, flattering styles that look gorgeous in the summer sun. We're big fans of the cowl neckline and asymmetric hem on this pastel patchwork number that oozes balmy nights. Top off with a hat and sunglasses (sun protection is no joke kids.)
- DRESS: Roberta Patched Toile De Jouy Mini Dress, £150.00, KITRI
- CAP: Gucci Leather-trimmed cotton-blend canvas-jacquard baseball cap, £340.00, NET-A-PORTER
- BAG: Gina Bag in Pink, £148.00, HAI
- SUNGLASSES: Oliver Peoples x Khaite Cat Eye Sunglasses, £337.00, HARVEY NICHOLS
- EARRINGS: Michaelmas Daisy Stud Earrings, £59.00, DAISY LONDON
READ: Are yellow sunglasses the new It-accessory?
RELATED: 10 fashion trends to try now the sun is finally out
The Sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses have eternal appeal, and this slick cream pair deserve pride of place in your holiday snaps. Team with denim (longer length) shorts and a trusty tee for a day of sightseeing and adventure.
- SUNGLASSES: Le Specs Hypnosis Cat Eye Frame Sunglasses, £55.00, SELFRIDGES
- T-SHIRT: T-shirt With a Motif, £11.99, H&M
- SHORTS: High Rise Baggy Shorts, £60.00, LEVI'S
- BRACELET: Endless Summer Bracelet - White Sands, £52.00, MAYA BRENNER
- MULES: Callie Mule in Fuego Satin, £248.00, DÔEN
The Bag
Leopard print seems to have taken over the world this summer, and counts Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski among its lifelong fans. We'll absolutely be implementing the print into our holiday wardrobe, the key is to think of it as a neutral that will pair with absolutely anything. This Damson Madder kidney shaped bag is the perfect nod, while being roomy enough to stash your holiday essentials (mandatory content includes: SPF, Lip balm and a sense of joie de vivre...)
- BAG: Ruched Kidney Bag In Leopard Print, £50.00, DAMSON MADDER
- TOP: Pointelle Knit Crop Top, £17,99, ZARA
- SKIRT: Low Rise Pleated Solid Mini Skort, £17.90, CIDER
- SUNGLASSES: Hyped Up, £75.00, QUAY
- BRACELET: Emerald 1.01ct And Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Alegria Bracelet, £785, THE DIAMOND STORE
The Swimsuit
A hard working swimsuit is worth its weight in gold on holiday. Block colours can be paired with prints as the sun sets. Team with wide-leg trousers to pop to a restaurant straight from the beach. This robust cobalt number is the perfect combination of striking and flattering. (And this killer beach bag can hold your entire magazine stash and your big bottle of Evian, with room to spare.)
- SWIMSUIT: Electric Blue Iris Swimsuit, £120.00, BALZAC PARIS
- BAG: Spring Festival Tube Tote Bag - Natural, £65.00, SEAFOLLY
- SUNGLASSES: The Coeur, £135.00, JIMMY FAIRLY
- SCRUNCHIE: Oversized Gingham Scrunchie, £18.00, ANTHROPOLOGIE
- SANDALS: Leather Straps Sandals, £35.99, MANGO
The Co-Ord
Airy, pyjama-style co-ords will stand you in excellent stead when it comes to maximising your suitcase space. Opt for shorts with an elasticated waistband for maximum comfort, and a colour palette that ties in with the rest of your suitcase contents for maximum versatility.
- SHIRT: The Weekend: Seersucker, Pink Stripe, £95.00, WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
- SHORTS: The Boxer: Seersucker, Pink Stripe, £60.00, WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
- BAG: Round Mini Crochet Bag, £24.90, UNIQLO
- TRAINERS: Cortez Textile, £79.99, NIKE
- EARRINGS: Color Hoop, £20.00 each, LULU COPENHAGEN
How we chose:
Aesthetic: Holiday wear should be striking (yet comfortable), it's a chance to really show off your personal style and I've tried to pick a range of pieces that will prove sartorially inspiring!
Price: I've selected items from a wide range of price points to try and suit most budgets, without compromising on quality.
Why you should trust me?
Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop, and summer ensembles are my jam. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.