Here we are with my annual holiday-packing blog. I normally keep it a bit more streamlined than this, but because I actually want to wear some of the summer clothes I own, I have bolstered my usual list just slightly. I also don’t know where you’re going and for how long, so this is a rough guide to packing for a summer holiday based on a standard 7- to 10-day trip somewhere reasonably hot in Europe. If you’re off to a tropical rainforest to meet gorillas or on a walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands, then obviously this is not going to work.
I am purely thinking of myself here (as usual), as we’re going to Italy again for 9 days in August. There will be city visits, sightseeing activities, market shopping, poolside lounging and a WHOLE lot of eating massive amounts of pasta in restaurants, so this is more or less what I plan to take with me.
My top tip before packing is to think in terms of outfits, not items. Yes, you might want to take that certain something with you, but if you can’t make it work with at least two other pieces, then leave it be. What I do is lay out all the things I want to take on the bed and then put them into outfits. If I’m doing a city break with hand luggage only, I even go to the trouble of trying it all on so I can be sure everything works. It really does help you curb that excessive packing habit. Let’s have a look at my list…
- 4 x DRESSES: Personally, I’ll be taking four this year instead of my usual three. This is to give me the chance to actually wear some of my nice, lightweight summer dresses as, God knows, there haven’t been many days when I could wear them at home with the rain and the wind and the 18 different weather variations in one day. More dresses here.
- 1 x OVERSIZED SHIRT: To be worn on the beach as a cover-up but also over dresses etc to cover your shoulders in the heat of the sun.
- 2 x SHORTS: Let’s say one denim and one linen pair. See here for more shorts ideas. I’m not including the co-ord pair here, but that’s an extra you can mix in.
- 2 x SWIMWEAR: In case one is wet from the previous day. I’m definitely a one-piece woman here, as you can also wear them as a vest top too, but I will add some bikinis for those who enjoy wearing them.
- 2 x SANDALS: I’d go for a pair suitable for walking around all day in the sun, along with a daintier leather pair for evenings. Don’t bother with heels: you’ll never wear them.
- 1 x TRAINERS: I’d opt for your most comfortable pair that work for walking while you’re out sightseeing.
- 3 x T‑SHIRTS: Just the ones you like the most. More T‑shirts here.
- 2 x VEST TOPS: Because it’s going to be hot, right? Uniqlo do the best ones with a built-in bra – see this post for details.
- 2 x SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRTS: I prefer these to T‑shirts when on holiday, as you can layer them open over a vest or a swimming costume, or wear buttoned up on their own.
- 1 x TROUSERS: I always take my trusty black linen pair.
- 1 x CO-ORD SET: A new addition this year, but I love the look of these while on holiday.
- 2 x BAGS: One large tote for the plane and the beach – I’d go for a basket bag. And one small cross body for sightseeing and evening.
- 1 x LIGHT JACKET: In case of any chilly evenings and for travelling.
- 1 x LIGHT SWEATER: See above
- 1 x HAT: Whether it’s straw or baseball, just something for the beach.
- 2 x SUNGLASSES: Because I like to have options when it comes to eyewear.
AIRPORT & TRAVEL
Fingers crossed this will be the only time you need your jacket and/or your jumper. This is my fail-safe airport outfit. Light layers, always a vest top to air out the armpits as soon as we land. Clear case for toiletries so that you don’t have to decant them into a tiny plastic bag at the airport, although rumour is that rule is soon coming to an end. I’ve not seen it yet, though, and I’ve never had any issue with security when I’ve used this style of clear makeup bag. If you’re doing a hand-luggage-only trip, this case is excellent and conforms to the easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways cabin suitcase policy.
- Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top
- Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
- Prite Clear Makeup Bag Waterproof Cosmetic Case
- Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Premium Linen Pant
- M&S Pure Cotton Utility Jacket
- Vans Classic Checkerboard Slip-On Trainers
- COOLIFE Carry On Hand-Luggage Cabin Suitcase
SWANNING AROUND THE TOWN
Nice dress and sandals – yes please and thank you. I have a stack of dresses waiting to be worn in the sunshine. I feel sad for them. They must have their day in the sun. I know I always include these Amazon sandals, but I can’t fault them for the price and they are actually very comfortable. I always carry this sunscreen with me as it’s easy to spray over your makeup when you need a top up.
- Alexis Amour Cameron soft pink sparkle sunglasses
- Edit Brand Collection ‘It’s a Goodie’ necklace
- Dôen Ischia shirred cotton-blend voile midi dress
- La Roche-Posay anti-shine SPF spray (use code WEARSMYMONEY for discount)
- Chilly’s Insulated Leak-Proof Drinks Bottle
- DeMellier The Santorini Natural Basket Bag
- Amazon Essentials Women’s Casual Strappy Leather Sandals
BEACH OR POOL DAY
Shorts, swimming costume and a shirt, that’s all I need for a beach or pool day. Plus a good book, of course. If anyone has any summer reading recommendations, let me know. I’ve nearly finished Demon Copperhead, which is excellent but I feel like I want something trashy or thrillery next.
- Gucci square frame sunglasses
- Corridor New York New York Cotton-Canvas Baseball Cap
- Hunza G Nancy Striped Seersucker Swimsuit (use code KATE15 for 15% off)
- H&M Oversized linen-blend shirt
- Mango Mom-fit denim shorts
- Teva Women’s Voya Infinity Flat Sandal
- Anine Bing straw logo bag
EVENING DINNER
Maxi dress, some gold accessories, big plate of sliced meats followed by pasta and cheese and lashings of wine in a location that’s not your kitchen counter. Again, yes please. Maybe stop at a bar for an after-dinner cocktail on the way back to your lodgings. I mean, why not? You’re on holiday, after all.
- Sezane Joseph chunky gold charm necklace
- Sezane Mila tortoiseshell sunglasses
- ME + EM cheesecloth maxi dress
- Glossier rose lip balm
- Oliver Bonas Pastel Ombre Card Holder
- Bambi & Rose Pampelonne midi basket bag
- Mango Leather strap sandals
SIGHTSEEING
I know many of you will baulk looking at these Teva sandals, but I discovered how comfortable they were back in 2018 when we first went to Rome – 24k steps and no blisters, with your feet not sweating in trainers. I have sworn by the power of Tevas ever since. THE most comfortable ones (in my opinion) are the Zymic style. I’ve walked up the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco in these bad boys. Others scoffed at my footwear choice, but I had the last laugh.
- Monica Vinader Capri Teardrop Pendant Charm Necklace
- Monsoon Squared Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
- Uniqlo AIRism Sleeveless Bra Top
- COS Botanical-Print short-sleeved linen shirt
- H&M Linen bermuda shorts
- Teva Women’s Zymic Sandals
- M&S Straw Tote Bag
SOME NICE CO-ORDS
For no other reason than I love the look of a matching pair on holiday. Plus you can wear them as separates to mix things up a bit.
- FURTALK Womens Roll Up Wide Brim Straw Sun Hat
- Whistles Swirl Linen Blend Shirt
- Whistles Swirl Linen Blend Shorts
- Celine Oversized cat-eye acetate sunglasses
- Farm Rio Pineapple eyelet blouse
- Farm Rio Pineapple eyelet shorts
- Nike Blazer Low ’77 Jumbo trainers
BONUS SWIMWEAR
A few options here for you if you’re in the market for a new cozzie. Boden always have a good selection, especially for mix and match tops and bottoms. I also like the ‘one size fits all’ Hunza G costumes – quite high cut on the bottom half, but VERY stretchy and comfortable to wear. I think my code KATE15 works on all the styles available at Coggles.
- Boden Rik Rak Bikini
- M&S Neoprene Padded Scallop Plunge Bikini
- John Lewis St Tropez Sling Halter Bikini
- Whistles Double Strap Textured Swimsuit
- John Lewis Nirvana Stripe Bandeau Swimsuit
- Calvin Klein Scoop Back One Piece Swimsuit
If you’re off somewhere hot this week, I wish you well on your travels and please bring the weather back with you. We need it here.
K x