When it comes to picking what to wear on holiday, I try to pack really light. As a family of six, there are many suitcases and extras to carry as it is, so I keep my options scaled-down, focusing on clothes and accessories that I can wear multiple ways. I’ve not always managed to be so selective, but these days, I enjoy the challenge.
Read more: A Quintessential Summer Capsule Wardrobe Starts With These 12 Essentials
For my recent holiday, I laid everything out on the floor to work out what I could mix and match – on the most part, I didn’t have to try everything on as I mainly packed pieces that I’ve had for a while, so I knew the fit. I returned to basics that I knew I could rely on, like a super-soft Jacquemus bodysuit I got several years ago, a Céline cami top, and a pair of denim Agolde shorts that I’ve been wearing all summer and have been washed so many times, they’ve become a nice mid-blue shade.
I also invested in some versatile, new-season pieces, including a Chanel swimsuit – since I love to wear one-pieces for both the day and night when I’m away – vintage Chanel mini-shorts that I sourced from Blame Lulu, a store in Copenhagen, a woven Magda Butrym hat – which I could scrunch up in my case without losing its shape – a lace-trim skirt, a raffia Saint Laurent bag (that doubles up as a plane carry-on and a beach bag), and a scarf that can be worn as a top or as a bandana.
It’s really easy to overpack shoes, and though I packed several pairs, I actually ended up living in Miu Miu’s cord sandals the whole trip. The soles are made from rubber rather than leather, meaning they’re easy to clean with a baby wipe – the same reason I love Havaianas flip-flops, another tried-and-trusted holiday essential. For evening, I avoided the heels I brought along and instead opted for Alaïa’s orangey-red mesh flats, which are really comfortable. Jewellery-wise, I experimented with statement earrings from Chanel and Khaite X Elhanati, to wear alongside the pieces I never take off.
Scroll on to see some of the foundational holiday items I managed to make maximum use of – and where to buy similar options.
The packable sun hat
The plane-to-beach bag
The lace-trim skirt
The multi-way scarf
The cord sandals
link