The Summer Holiday Packing List a Stylist Would Actually Approve
Every summer, the same scene plays out. You spend an evening piling clothes onto the bed, trying to cover every possible scenario, and somehow you still end up at the airport with a case that weighs more than it should and nothing that actually goes together. Sound familiar?
As a personal stylist, I help women get dressed with intention every day. And nowhere does that intentional approach matter more than when you are packing for a holiday. A well-packed suitcase means less stress, more outfit options, and the very real pleasure of actually wearing everything you brought.
So here is my stylist-approved summer holiday packing list. Not a random checklist of 68 items, but a thoughtful, considered approach to dressing well on holiday without dragging half your wardrobe across the world.
Start With a Colour Story, Not a Pile of Clothes
The biggest packing mistake I see? Grabbing pieces you love individually that have nothing to do with each other. You end up with six tops and nothing that works with any of your bottoms.
Before you even open the suitcase, choose a colour palette for your trip. Three to four colours that all work together. For summer, this might be sand, white, a warm terracotta, and a pop of cobalt. Every piece you pack should sit within that palette.
If you know your personal colour season (and if you have had a colour analysis, you will), lean into your best summer shades. Warm seasons look radiant in golden tones, corals, and olive. Cool seasons shine in icy pastels, navy, and true white. Dressing in your colours on holiday means you look glowing in every photo, even without a full face of makeup.
Not sure of your colour season? Book a colour analysis session before you travel and let it transform the way you pack.
The Clothing Formula That Actually Works
For a one-week holiday, this is the formula I use with clients:
3 bottoms:
Think two pairs of linen or lightweight trousers and one versatile skirt, or two shorts and a midi skirt. All within your colour palette.
4 to 5 tops:
A mix of vest tops, a lightweight blouse, and one smarter option. If everything works with everything else, you get 15+ outfit combinations.
2 dresses:
One casual day dress and one that can take you to dinner. A dress does the work of two pieces and takes up half the space.
1 swimsuit or bikini (plus a spare)
A spare is worth the space. Nobody wants to wear a damp swimsuit.
1 lightweight layer:
A linen shirt, a light knit, or a denim jacket. Essential for air-conditioned restaurants and cooler evenings.
Shoes: The Three-Pair Rule
Shoes are where suitcases go to die. Here is the rule I follow: pack no more than three pairs, and make sure each one earns its place.
Flat sandals for daytime exploring
A pair of espadrilles or block-heeled mules that work for both smart and casual
One pair of trainers or walking shoes if your trip involves activity
Wear the bulkiest pair on the plane and you immediately free up a significant amount of space.
Accessories Do the Heavy Lifting
This is where a stylist-packed suitcase looks different from everyone else’s. A small selection of the right accessories transforms the same outfit into something fresh each day.
Two or three necklaces in different lengths or styles
A couple of earring options, from casual hoops to something with a little sparkle for evenings
One silk scarf. Wear it as a headband, tie it on your bag, or use it as a wrap. The most versatile item you will ever pack.
One good sun hat. Not only does it look chic, it also protects your skin.
One beach bag and one smaller crossbody
Keep jewellery within your colour palette too. Warm seasons often suit gold; cool seasons tend to look better in silver.
The Capsule Mindset: Wear Everything Twice
The difference between a stuffed suitcase and a capsule holiday wardrobe is intention. A capsule wardrobe is a small, coordinated collection where every piece works with multiple others. That linen shirt goes over your swimsuit, ties into an outfit with your white trousers, and layers over a dress in the evening. Nothing is stranded without a partner.
I help clients build exactly this kind of wardrobe, whether at home or for travel. If you would like a personalised holiday capsule wardrobe, you can find out more about my capsule wardrobe service here. I also offer special travel capsule wardrobe – message me for details.
A Few Final Stylist Tips
Roll, don’t fold. Rolling keeps clothes less creased and lets you see everything at a glance.
Leave a little room. A holiday nearly always involves picking up a beautiful linen top or a ceramic dish you couldn’t resist. Space in your bag is the gift you give yourself.
Take a photo of your outfits before you leave. A quick flat lay of each combination means you never stand in front of an open suitcase wondering what to wear.
Ready to Pack Smarter?
If you would like help building a holiday wardrobe that is truly personal to you, your lifestyle, and your colours, I would love to help. Take a look at my capsule wardrobe service and let’s create something you will actually want to wear, on holiday and long after you get home.
And if you are planning a summer trip soon, do not miss my current offer on a travel capsule wardrobe. It is the most fun you will have preparing for a holiday.
Happy packing!