Finally, I think I’ve cracked it. I still have a washbag groaning with products when I only ever use two. And my handbag is a lucky dip: I haven’t seen the bottom of it in over a year.
But when it comes to style, I’ve nailed the all-you-need-for-a-week, five-step holiday wardrobe — and that means happier getaways and more satisfactory shopping.
If you’re anything like me, most of the time you shop sensibly. Then, every so often you veer off track, while telling yourself that if you don’t wear the Lurex halterneck at home, it will be perfect for a holiday.
Well, that’s never happening again. And no more stuffing the case with shoes (two or three pairs are sufficient — a comfy flatbed sandal; something more elevated, like a cork wedge; and flip-flops).
No nests of you-never-know bikinis, just the flattering one-piece and the extra-comfy one you can wear all day. (If you don’t already own the above, try Boden.)
I no longer take shorts or T-shirts because I look better and feel cooler in an A-line dress, and a decent cover-up beats fussy unflattering sarongs and long, linen shirts.
I’m not saying everything I pack is a multi-purpose bullseye, just that my days of take-it-all-and-hope-for-the- best are behind me. So, here goes. You won’t look back.
1. A beach cover-up
The right cover-up looks good on a beach, at lunch and wandering around the local village. It’s light but not sheer, short or kaftan-tastic. The style that works for me is a longish pop-over (as they call them in the U.S.), with a V-neck, no buttons, a tie belt and long sleeves.
Mine is by Nrby, and the label’s current offering, the Chrissie maxi (£170, nrbyclothing.com), is similar. It gives you the coverage you need to keep the sun off and go walkabout, and is dressy enough to wear for lunch in the garden at home.
2. The do-it-all dress
Last year’s do-it-all dress was the tent dress — wide, tiered and long or short. This year, you won’t get style points deducted for wearing it, but you may want to get the prettier version.
Nrby’s Jaclyn dress in cornflower blue cotton (£99, nrbyclothing.com) is a slimmer A-line shape with a frill trim on the elbow sleeves.
If you want to take two on holiday — and why not? — M&S has a cotton, V-neck midi in ivory with a black print (£49.50, marksandspencer.com) that looks fresh for the day, with black sandals.
Then you need something that is easily packable and a doddle to dial-up in the evening, like one of Me+Em’s cheesecloth dresses (from £150, meandem.com). Cheesecloth is light, soft and pre‑crinkled — no need to iron — so perfect for holidays.
NB: You don’t want to take a silk dress: it won’t pack well and you’ll feel overdressed. Far better to embellish something simple with bold, inexpensive jewellery.
3. A jumpsuit
Mosquitoes and cool sea breezes (mainly the former) have made me a big fan of leg coverage at night, but if I just take some elasticated silky trousers and tops I feel I’ve gone to the dowdy side.
The solution is a linen or cheesecloth jumpsuit like Wyse’s woodblock print, wide-legged cap-sleeve one , or a long skirt. The jumpsuit becomes a chic going-out look teamed with cork wedge mules. I’m still a fan, too, of the mid-heel, wedge sole, ankle-strap espadrille. This height rope sole is perfect for trudging cobbled streets at cocktail hour, and with an orange toe and pink strap, they’re fun, too.
4. A maxi skirt
I love maxi dresses and have endlessly tried to wear them on holiday, but always feel like a diplomat’s wife circa 1976 — too stiff and dressed up. For Mamma Mia!-ish vibes, the answer is a maxi skirt.
Zara does a long panelled skirt in different block prints with a smocked waist. Don’t be put off by this, it means you can wear it high, or on your hips, with a crinkle cotton smock top
5. A cardigan/wrap
I take a cashmere wrap, but a cardigan in a bright colour also works for draping or wearing Then all you need is a denim jacket.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
