How to Build the Ultimate Holiday Capsule
Achieve packing perfection for your next summer getaway
Are you an over-packer? Do you tend to pack the wrong things? Or do you often feel that things are missing when you arrive at your destination?
Whether your next holiday destination is a laid-back beach resort or an urban escape filled with shopping, culture and plenty of sightseeing – this guide has you covered!
Introduction
My imminent three-week trip to the UK and Europe (for work and play)has had me thinking about packing a LOT. It's led me to research smart packing tips (of which there are many) and also to take a deep dive into easy and stylish holiday outfit formulas to ensure I get the most out of each item I take. I want every piece I take to earn its keep; therefore, repeatable outfits and versatile separates will be key.
You should apply what makes sense for your style and most importantly, your holiday destination. The aim of this guide is to help you pack with more strategy – to ensure you get maximum wear and enjoyment out of the styles you take without overpacking!
Tip
You want to feel like YOU while on holiday, perhaps a more carefree and joyful version of yourself. With this in mind, you should apply the same style principles you would follow at home. Check out our how to find your personal style blog if you need help with this.
“Pack just what you need, nothing you don’t”
How to pack smarter
Step 1:
Where are you heading? This will naturally dictate the fabrics and styles of outfits you’ll pack, but also consider the general feel and vibe of your holiday destination. For example, Paris and Hawaii both have decidedly different 'vibes' (in terms of fashion, culture, language, climate, etc), so try to mentally envision your holiday destination first to tap into the mood and essence of your future environment.
Step 2:
How many days are you going away for? If it’s one week in a tropical place – you can easily do carry-on with some smart multi-purpose pieces. It pays to realistically consider what your needs are at this stage and what the best suitcase or carry bag is for your particular holiday.
Step 3:
Start identifying the high-quality staples that you already own that are suitable for your destination and that you can easily mix and match. Mixing and matching ability is KEY. Allow room for one standout piece, such as a beautiful dress you feel amazing wearing, and that will work for day and evening adventures.
Step 4:
Pull all viable options out – lay them where you can clearly see all items. We want to start creating outfits. You can edit and eliminate as you start putting together cute and functional looks for your summer holiday.
To help get you going...
Some of the essentials you'll need for a beach holiday
- Wide-brim sun hat and/or cap
- Easy slip-on sandals
- Jandals/thongs
- A versatile one-piece swimsuit
- A bikini
- A sarong
- A beach bag that can also double as your flying/travel bag
- A mini dress and/or maxi dress
- Shorts (denim, cotton or linen) 1-2 pairs
- Tank top – one white and/or black
- A sheer white tee
- A relaxed shirt you can throw on with shorts & your swimwear
- A lightweight coverup (denim shirt, or cashmere/cotton cardi, or kimono)
- Sunglasses – make sure these are stylish & comfy (ones you can happily wear all-day long. Lightweight sunnies are key.
- Lightweight sneakers if you're hiking / sightseeing. (Tevas are a fantastic summer alternative – super comfy & lightweight.
- Lounge pants (100% cotton or a linen cotton blend)
Some of the essentials you'll need for a city/urban escape
- Comfy and stylish open-toe shoes (that work with multiple looks)
- Minimalist flip-flops or slides
- An easy mini or shirt dress
- Smart and relaxed midi-dress
- A versatile cardigan or lightweight jacket that you can tie around your waist.
- Linen shorts / Bloomer-style shorts / Bermuda Shorts
- An oversized shirt that you can tie around your waist or throw over your shoulders
- A great tote that’s well structured and can accommodate plenty
- A long-sleeve or ¾ length sleeve cotton tee
- An oversized tee – plain option and a colourful or graphic option.
- Relaxed pants
- Comfy denim that works for cooler days and can be dressed up for evenings
“Think in terms of outfits, not items. You might want to take your favourite (fill the blank). But if you can’t make it work with at least two other pieces, then it doesn’t make the cut”
How to pack light for your summer holiday and still look stylish
The secret to packing light comes down to a clever selection process. There are a few summer holiday essentials that can be worn on rotation and that suit most warm climates.
Versatility is key: as mentioned earlier, you want to pack pieces that have mix and max potential (no random rogues). E.g., you'll want to pack a swimsuit that is flattering and comfortable for swimming and sun lounging, but one that also doubles as a chic bodysuit – one you can pair with denim shorts or linen trousers to take you from beach to bar with ease. In a nutshell – you want most of the pieces (if not all) to be both comfy and versatile – accessories can do some of the heavy lifting for you – more on that below.
Along with a great one-piece swimsuit, I also recommend airy co-ords (think PJ sets or short sets that are instant outfits with zero thinking required, but also work as separates that pair back with other items on your list.
“Pack pieces that will work from sunrise to sunset with little fuss”
(Most of the beach capsule looks are on our sale collection page. Excludes accessories & swimsuit)
Beach holiday outfit ideas
The options and combinations are endless – all of the styles showcased above have mix-and-match potential. Depending on the length of your holiday, you may wish to double up on some tops or bottoms, or, conversely, eliminate some of the options. Here are just a few outfit ideas to try.
Beach to Bar
11 + 12 + 13 + 5 + 1 (flattering one-piece swimsuit with elevated stripe shorts + sandals & beach accessories of choice).
Sightseeing
17 + 14 (tied around waist) + 13 + 1 + 5 (comfy denim mini dress with an oversized white shirt for arm coverage, cute sandals, eyewear, and a raffia beach bag.
Lazy lunch
3 + 6 + 15 + 13 (a midi-length white skirt with a comfy waistband, white cotton tank, a denim shirt to wear open over the top + sandals).
Breakfast and beach walk
7 + 2 + 13 + 10 (Denim shorts and linen/cotton stripe tee, sandals, cap).
Dinner & drinks
4 + 13 + 14 (Black linen mini dress with cute sandals, oversized white shirt to tie around your waist or wear over your shoulders.
Island excursion or airport travel
9 + 8 + 13 + 5 (comfy elevated linen blend pants, relaxed cashmere blend polo, sandals, raffia tote)
OR matching set 12 + 16 (Rowie Tia shorts and Nola shirt both in cactus stripe).
(Excludes accessories)
European summer outfit ideas
As with our beach capsule – the options and combinations here are also endless. The styles featured above have mix-and-match potential, personality and feel effortlessly refined for a sophisticated city escape. Here are just a few outfit ideas you might want to emulate.
Brunch and city stroll
10 + 6 + 7 + 13 (Tencel shorts in beautiful palm green, a stripe cotton long-sleeve tee, black strappy sandals & large mesh tote).
Shopping
3 + 8 + 7 + 13 (Relaxed & versatile black shirt dress, cap in a pop colour, black strappy sandals, oversized mesh tote).
Long lunch or wine tasting
15 + 9 + 7 (Printed pants in a comfy, relaxed silhouette, cotton vest, black sandals for edgy contrast).
Sight seeing
5 + 10 + 2 + 8 (Oversized cotton tee, cute and comfy mini shorts, lightweight bomber jacket – if the weather is looking dodgy), cap and comfy footwear.
Casual dinner
12 + 4 + 7 + 11 (Barrel leg jeans in a vintage blue wash, black lace cami, black studded sandals, oversized pink cotton poplin shirt – optional if arm cover is needed).
Date night
1 + 4 + 7 (White midi skirt with a structured & flattering waist, black lace cami, black studded sandals).
The shoes worth packing
Beach
Sandals, jandals (thongs), comfy wedges or cute espadrilles if your luggage allows, and Tevas OR sneakers. You need very little for the beach!
City side
Low comfy heels for when you need to dress up, sneakers or comfy flats, cute sandals, sexy strappy heels if you know you’ll be dining out lots – it’s nice to feel glam in a beautiful European city. Make sure the heels you choose work back with MULTIPLE outfits.
What accessories to take?
Pick accessories that will help you switch up multiple outfits (but also easy enough to wear on repeat). Personally – I love wearing the same jewellery. I think about my outfit, my makeup, and then I want to get out the door. I rarely switch up jewellery, but being on holiday can be a great opportunity to express a more playful/colourful version of yourself.
You could try something chunky and colourful for the beach, something sleek for the city – stacked bracelets or layered necklaces. My advice is to be open to seeing something new. I usually pick up my most interesting pieces of jewellery overseas. Jewellery makes an excellent ‘souvenir’ as it's lightweight and easy to pack if you’re at capacity.
An easy way to elevate your evening look is by switching up your basic stud earrings for big hoops or statement dangly earrings – something bold, glitzy or fun for cocktails and dinner out.
*Don't forget about headscarves and belts – they can help transform an outfit! Or better yet – let your headscarf serve as your belt and head accessory.
A quick note on beauty
Think about the makeup and skincare you actually use every day. I recommend taking a higher face SPF for summer trips. Add one eyeshadow palette and one or two bold lipsticks to the mix. Buy travel-size in all your skincare wherever possible. This is a must!
Can you let your hair air-dry and opt for natural beachy waves? If you’ll be swimming most days, then take a hair SPF and your regular nourishing shampoo (don’t rely on hotel freebies, as they may damage your hair). That said. Do try to be low-maintenance with your locks, whilst still protecting your colour (especially if blonde). Take your Hinu hair oil to keep your hair nourished.
Your must-have (final) summer holiday checklist
1) An oversized shirt
2) Flattering & versatile swimwear
3) A roomy tote bag
4) A tank Top
5) Easy Shorts
6) Large silk headscarf that doubles as a sarong
8) Versatile sandals
9) Day-to-night dress
10) Lightweight sunglasses
P.S. A note on materials:
for a summer holiday - whether to the beach, the city or anywhere in-between, you should consider the fabrications of the styles you're taking. You want breathable, lightweight, natural fibres, such as linen, cotton, and silk. Tencel (made of wood pulp is also a great warm-weather fabric. Remember to take something warm and lightweight too for chilly nights and airport travel.
