WHETHER you’re globetrotting or weekending in Whitby, a well-packed suitcase can make or break your holiday style. Most women (84 per cent) plan to upgrade their vacation wardrobe this year, according to a recent survey by Holiday Hypermarket. But if you’re in any doubt about what to splash out on, use your destination as a guide.
BEACH BOHO
Skip going overboard with daywear options if you’re planning on spending the majority of your time on a sun lounger.
‘‘Pack key swimwear pieces and coverups, as this is what you will be wearing most of the time,’’ says Kate Angliss, head of merchandising at Kaleidoscope. When it comes to eveningwear, bright, statement accessories will completely transform a plain dress or jumpsuit. Pack a print scarf or two to throw over your shoulders at night when temperatures cool.
‘‘A few ‘beach to bar’ dresses will be perfect for this type of holiday,’’ Angliss says. ‘‘Add a pair of wedges and statement necklace and you have a whole new look for evening glamour.’’
CITY BREAK CHIC
Avoid over-packing by limiting yourself to a holdall rather than a big suitcase. Plan out practical outfits for exploring your vacation city. If in doubt, pick out a go-with-everything piece, like a pair of neutral city shorts and plan around it.
‘‘Think carefully about the activities you’re likely to do over the weekend – a trip to a museum, dinner out, stroll round the shops,’’ Angliss says.
Comfortable shoes are an absolute must-have for a city break and layers are essential for switching between air conditioned buildings and outdoor sunshine.
STAYCATION STYLE
Seaside or countryside, the British getaway requires a little more thought to cover every weather eventuality. Think compact umbrella and sunglasses, rain hat and sun hat, mac and bikini.
‘‘Comfortable but stylish basics are key here with plenty of layers too, as we all know how unpredictable the British weather can be,’’ Angliss says.
‘‘Pick key pieces, such as patterned trousers, plain shirts and vest tops, and statement jackets which can be mixed and matched, or styled up or down, depending on the occasion – and temperature.’’ Once you’ve set aside your key pieces, add in the extras, like hats, scarves and jewellery, to inject some personality into your outfits.
Experiment with accessories that you might not be brave enough to wear at home, so that you’re setting apart your vacation wardrobe.
PACKING TIPS
- Check weather forecasts before packing to assess the climate
- Ensure the items you’re packing are versatile and go with other pieces
- Pack a few statement accessories, like jewellery or scarves, to jazz up plain clothing
- Keep fragile items, like sequinned or silk pieces, safe in dry cleaner bags
- Roll, don’t fold, to prevent clothes creasing
- Stuff underwear and smaller items into shoes to save on space
- Place heavier items like bags, shoes and belts in the bottom of the suitcase
- Set aside comfortable, slouchy pieces for your travel outfit
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here