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The 10 Key Items You Need In Your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
The art of packing light, nailed.
The way we travel has changed, with more of us jetting away for several quick weekends as apposed to far-flung long-hauls once a year, which means the way we pack for holiday has too. A capsule wardrobe has come to define our revised approach, ready at a moment's notice to dash away to the South of France, or maybe a Greek island.
But what exactly is a capsule wardrobe? The term is lofty and open to interpretation as we all rely on different staples, shades and silhouettes to see us through the seasons. On holiday, however, things tend to align as dress codes relax but temperatures rise to make certain key pieces that speak of long summer nights and days spent exploring, or sitting at a pool (no judgement here) universally appealing.
For summer 2024, it's no secret that it pays to travel light with only hand luggage stowed overhead, which means our holiday capsule wardrobe needs to work harder than our day-to-day wardrobe. Pieces should be multi-functional and multi-use, as happy perusing a city's streets as much as a beach bar, which is what this definitive edit of 10 pieces aims to help towards. Some are investment pieces set to be with you for vacation after vacation, while others are purse-friendly add-ons to jazz up your staples at quick notice.
What's worth remembering is that everyone's approach to a capsule is different. Maybe you're never going to be the girl in the uber-cool Rabanne skirt. No worries, swap that out for a pair of funky shorts. Or, maybe you're the person that would never be seen in a flat. Well, aren't you fortunate the wedge is back this season. And just like that... your flight is boarding. Happy stylish holidays!
A two-piece is the ultimate holiday investment and none come better placed for a week or two away than With Nothing Underneath's seersucker cotton poplin. Wear the shorts with a plain white vest and a chunky gold chain, or fasten the shirt at the waist for a chic beach cover-up.
A statement skirt is this season's must-have, regardless of where you're spending the summer. Shop options like this standout Rabanne slip that will alleviate any sartorial quandaries when worn with simple swimwear for day or a sleek cotton white shirt and cocktail earrings for night. Or, roll it up in your hand luggage and step off the plane in style.
In order to be worthy of a place in your carry-on, sandals need to be multi-functional and as comfortable in a beach stroll scenario as they might a cocktail in the town's fanciest cocktail bar. These from & Other Stories are great options, with their chunky design offsetting the saccharine florals that have long had a chokehold on our vacation wardrobes. Rest assured, these sandals also have legs on homes soil too, whether you wear them with socks and a pleated skirt or roomy linen trousers.
Statement earrings are a holiday must, able to elevate even the most relaxed outfit into smarter, sharper territory. These at H&M are perfect for reflecting off the golden summer sunshine. Top tip? Wear them for your departure journey to detract from tired eyes and keep spirits lifted.
What's in your holiday bag? For me, it's always one, two or maybe three misplaced-and-then found Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mists, a well-loved Smythson notebook and a Uniball pen (the best, hands down) along with a plethora of other holiday pleasantries, hair ties and lip glosses. So, in hiding the mess that lies within, I'll often rely on a holiday bag that's roomy but polished, practical but structured to bring some hands-free fuss to my holiday.
Fasten it on your handbag, tie it in your hair, whip it around your waist and even exchange it out for your evening top: a great silk scarf is your vacation MVP. An Hermès scarf is the dream, of course, but vintage options offer up the opportunity to be extra creative and souvenir silk scarves come into their own when you pick them up along with travel memories.
A hoodie might not seem like the most obvious summer holiday essential, but try telling me it's not the best thing to have on hold should your flight be delayed or a late-night trip to the beach come up? Therefore, it's a must. This fun one from JW Anderson is a tongue-in-cheek option that will move from holiday to hometime with ease.
A great swimsuit is a must and this summer we're championing the return of the sporty one-piece. We might not be Olympians, but who's to tell us we can't look like one? This stealth black and white option from Marks & Spencer dives right in on this approach, just add a swathe of a sarong and chunky sandals or even a pair of low-slung jeans and kitten heels for your next summer adventure.
A great summer dress has to be all of these things: comfortable, easy, cool, able to travel well (aka can roll up into a tiny ball and be pulled on straight away) and, most of all, be stylish. This from Hill House Home is just that. The candy-stripe print might first appear a little twee but offset it with pieces that bring it into a new territory by choosing clashing prints and super-sized proportions. Your holiday love story starts here.
Admittedly, heels on holiday is not for everyone but I can't help but think that if summer dressing is all about ease then there's no easier way to instantly transform an outfit in 30 seconds by slipping into a pair of simple, sensible heels. These from Jimmy Choo are perfect for the job, in a sweet rose pink in a sun-reflecting satin destined to be paired with sundowners.
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