HOW many times have you been away with a suitcase brimming full to the seams, packed with outfits for every eventuality? Each year you get home and say you packed far too much and you didn’t wear half of it. Time to think about that capsule wardrobe – you want to take what you need rather than your total summer wardrobe. Not only will you not wear it all, but airlines are giving less allowance for baggage these days and the last thing you want is have no room for holiday purchases or even worse, have to pay for additional weight. Start with a pen and paper and write a list of possible activities each day, allocate the number of outfits needed and stick to it.
For a seven-day holiday, the maximum number of evenings out is seven and that’s if your flight gets you there early enough. If your evening meals are included at your hotel, check the dress code so you are prepared. Then plan those seven evening outfits, tops can be mixed and matched with skirts or trousers. You can create different looks with four tops and three bottoms. Look out for some of the crinkle styles which you tie in a knot and pop into their own little drawstring bag.
Dresses are big news this summer and are the total outfit all in one – so great news for your holiday. Kaftans are superb for evenings out and as a cover up on the beach or by the pool and they are light for holiday packing. Take only a few pieces of neutral jewellery which will go with all your outfits as it’s often the thing you can buy there. Many places have shops or stores which sell really unusual styles which you may not find in this country. Likewise, many European countries are great for shoes and sandals, so if you think you will be tempted, take the minimum with you.
Ensure you take some shoes for comfort. Wear those on the plane, flip-flops are fabulous and fun and double up for the beach and evenings out and a pair of wedge sandals is the ultimate look this year for dressier evenings. Layers are also key; it is worth taking a couple of tops and cover ups, such as cardigans and a longer skirt – great for sightseeing especially if visiting churches. Pack a couple of bikinis or swimsuits; you can always take some washing powder to rinse them.
Toiletries can easily eat up your baggage allowance and many places abroad sell exactly the same thing and sometimes cheaper. So pack lightly, decant your products into small plastic containers, you really won’t use that much in a couple of weeks. Save the miniature, travel-size toiletries which many brands do as gifts. Look out for multi-use products, such as eye and face cleanser and toner all in one. On holiday the less is more rule applies with make-up, so take only your essentials, many brands do gorgeous little compacts for eyes, lips and cheeks all in one, ideal for a holiday. One thing not to skimp on is sun lotion, although most places are likely to sell it you really need to make sure that you have some ready as soon as you land. Check what facilities are available at the hotel, as many will provide you with a beach towel daily and will have shower products and a hairdryer. Try to avoid throwing everything in last minute and you may just have some room in your case for some holiday purchases!
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