There’s nothing like knowing exactly what you need to become the best version of yourself on holiday – it’s life-changing! I’ve always been an anxious packer, known to pace around the night before a holiday, worrying I’ve forgotten something, re-checking things one too many times, or panicking that I’ll need 10 bikinis because ‘everyone else wears a different bikini every day’, when in reality just a couple will do. Since landing on my capsule wardrobe last summer, everything has become easier and requires less shopping and far less worrying – allowing me to get on with having a brilliant holiday.
1. My accessories
Ray-Ban Wayfarers for ever! I’ve always loved them and I’ve owned my red pair for a few years now. The rest of the ingredients here are versions of what I already own – and, yes, I’m that person who’s only comfortable in 35ºC heat in a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a UV-ray-beating parasol. Though, I confess, a Dragon Diffusion bag is still on my wish list. The company makes beautiful woven leather bags that only improve with age, and every time I see someone carrying one, I get a teensy bit jealous.
2. My everyday essentials
I’ve written before about my quest for the most flattering vest top I could find and I stand by those made by Colorful Standard – with their low scoops to front and side, they’re chic and flattering for all body shapes, and are made from organic cotton. Cotton summer shortie pajamas make an easy outfit for pottering around in hot weather, or to wear to and from the beach.
Buy the matching bottoms here.
3. My beach-to-bar dresses
I love a fancy summer holiday dress – one you can scrunch into your bag, shake out, pop on and instantly feel relaxed, stylish and like you’re barely trying. To get that much style magic, though, you need to choose a very good dress in a decent fabric – no polyester! Also: one that doesn’t need ironing, has a pop of colour and is loose and laid-back with pretty details. For me, these two dresses deliver on this. The Free People ‘Plenty of Love’ maxi comes in 11 colours and would suit most body shapes, while Massimo Dutti’s is crinkly elegance you can roll by day and unfurl for evening.
4. My linen suit
Call me old-fashioned, but I love a linen suit. It makes me feel intrepid when travelling in hot countries. Plus, it’s timelessly stylish, and having one at your disposal equals no thought required to pull an outfit together. I haven’t looked at Benetton for an age, but this unlined linen suit is excellent – the jacket comes in 18 colours, and there are shorts and trousers that match many of the jackets.
5. My ride-or-die bikini
Mine is by M&S. It’s khaki, with a high-rise bikini bottom and a bandeau bra with detachable straps. It sold out as quickly as it landed. These two are the closest I can find to match it: one for bigger boobs; the other for smaller. Khaki bikinis – who knew? But they’re flattering on most skin tones and look great with beads and gold and silver jewellery, plus you can pair them with almost any colour of sandal, from bright to brown leather, and feel well put together.
Or, for a fuller bust...
6. My sandals
My sandal requirements have changed since becoming an early riser who loves nothing more than a walk at dawn. No more leather-soled Greek sandals, slip-ons or annoying flip-flops – I need a sandal I can walk in that fastens securely to my feet; a pair I can trust to keep me steady on a beachy path, rocky road or cliff walk. FitFlops do it all for me, especially the hiking-inspired pair here in puffy leather, but any sandal with FitFlop’s Gen-FF sole delivers on the practical side. For evenings, an elegant slip-on is always welcome and I have two pairs by Ancient Greek Sandals I’ve owned for eight years that still deliver. I highly recommend this brand if you’re looking for something to last you a long time.
