There are two types of traveller in the world: the ones who plan ahead, make multiple lists in Notes and can put a capsule wardrobe together in seconds; and the ones who go on a major shopping splurge two days before and throw in a dozen going-out dresses, 56 grey T-shirts and 23 bikinis 'just in case'.
How do you get the right balance? Here's our interactive guide to packing the ultimate holiday wardrobe.
There are certain summer-ready essentials every holiday needs. We're talking denim cut-offs, bold bikinis and easy-to-wear midi dresses. To help you find your holiday must-haves, we’ve got our ‘swipe to pack’ generator. It's like Tinder but without the dodgy pick-up lines.
Swipe left to leave it behind and right to add it to your case.
As all last-minute packers know, you need those fun, frivolous pieces in your case that are guaranteed to spark joy, whether it's a glam pair of sunnies that you can people watch behind, or a swimsuit that's more for posing than paddling in.
A little organisation goes a long way, especially when you like to travel light *smug face*. Our tips? Pack two tops for every bottom, take as many bikinis as you like (they take up zero space) and pick dresses and playsuits that can do both (day and night) with the help of some glam accessories.
When packing, roll instead of folding to get more in, put the first outfit you’re going to want to wear when you arrive on the top of your suitcase, and, when you’ve worn something, turn it inside out so you know what needs to go in the wash when you get home (a Khloe Kardashian-approved holiday tip. You're welcome.)
Shop your packing list for a stylish summer at Very
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
