Ah, packing. The torturous preamble to a blissful getaway, the fraught hours spent with a half-packed case, wondering if you really need to pack some items, and the eventual panicked shoving of various items of clothing into a case that may or may not adhere to cabin luggage regulations.
To put it simply, we’ve been there before – and now we know how best to combat packing angst by constructing a holiday capsule wardrobe that ticks all the style boxes, all while being pleasingly portable.
A premium pair of shades
Sure, you could pick up some cheap shades from any high-street shop, but the thing is, you’ll be back in a few weeks after they fall apart in some way. Flimsy sunglasses like these often have poor UV protection as well, so you’re best off investing in some high-quality eye protection that doubles as a fashion statement – opt for a brand that offers both high UV protection and a sought-after look, such as RayBan or Persol.
In terms of packing, make sure you’ve got your designer sunnies well protected in a case, lest they get damaged at any point during transit.
Long-lasting denim
Infinitely styleable and hard-wearing enough to wear most days, a pair of jeans is a rock-solid cornerstone of any on-the-go wardrobe. Just make sure you’re paying for quality, as there is a slew of women’s and men’s jeans brands, such as Levi’s or Wrangler, whose history and pedigree revolve around creating a sturdy, long-lasting product.
If you’re packing light for a springtime city break, a pair of jeans is an evergreen option – as these won’t ever go out of style and can be paired with just about anything. They’re a staple of most fashion looks, so make sure your capsule wardrobe has a well-loved pair either as a prime style choice or an auxiliary option fit for any outfit.
Chill beachwear
Having something that you can easily throw on after a hard day sunning yourself with a cocktail in hand is a near essential. Kaftans in any pattern are a striking beachwear option, with big-time designers such as Dolce and Gabbana and Prada bringing out svelte, high-quality kaftans every season that are well worth a look.
For men, a few high-quality white or lightly coloured linen shirts are utterly timeless beachwear, especially when paired with a bright pair of swim shorts. Make sure these are a permanent fixture of your capsule wardrobe and you’ll always be on trend when you’re flitting between the cafe bars of Saint-Tropez.
Elegant evening clothes
Our advice for elegant holiday evening wear? Keep it simple. A little black dress is easily packable in a capsule wardrobe and can be styled in a number of different ways – with jewellery and different shoes to create a subtle variation on a theme. This simplicity can be extended to men’s fashion, too – think black dress shorts or light-coloured chinos and shirts in a few simple colours, paired with reliable, premium accents such as a designer watch.
The whole point of a capsule wardrobe is to reduce the number of clothes you rely on and provide a timeless selection of outfits. The luxe options above are a step towards creating a signature holiday look for yourself that means fewer packing dilemmas and more time indulging yourself abroad!
