Picking the perfect summer wardrobe requires a little prep and forward-thinking. So, take the panic out of packing and discover our ultimate vacation must-haves so you look stylish wherever you may be going.
Whether it is linen, denim, or cotton, short or long sleeve, a shirt is not only great for layering, but just pulls an outfit together whether you’re mooching around town or as a cover-up on the beach and of course a relaxed holiday dinner. Short sleeves will be great for those hot summer days, but linen will always keep you cool. If you don’t usually go for printed versions, experiment, and try a neutral colour palette so it won’t seem too ‘out there’.
The ultimate slip-in for shuffling from beach to bar. This everyday pool shoe is easy to wear, and lightweight, and if you pick a not-too-bright pair, they will go with lots of outfits aside from your swim shorts. Probably not the most comfortable for sightseeing, but if you’re not venturing too far from the lounger, these will be just fine.
No holiday capsule wardrobe is complete without a pair or two of lightweight shorts. Go for linen, cotton chino style, and denim as they will go with everything and are perfect for the warmer weather. If you are going to the real heat, linen is always best as they are breathable, lightweight, and perfect for the hot, humid weather. Make sure the shorts you buy are machine washable and pre-washed for long-wearing colour.
A pair of lightweight summer sneaks are always good to take with you on holiday for everything from those strolls around town to spontaneous runs or workouts. Even better is if you wear them to travel in, so then they won’t take up space or weight in your case. Go for white or neutral colours as they will look fresh and go with most outfits. Save the bright sneakers for another time.
Again, this is another item you can wear to the airport as you’ll need it on the plane when the aircon ramps up and more importantly for those chiller evenings. Of course, this depends on where you go, but it's always good to take a sweatshirt as you never know when you’ll need to cover up and keep warm.
By this, we mean shorts that look good in and out of the water. Whether it's for an afternoon hike, gym session, or a quick round of tennis, go for shorts that can double up for a multitude of adventures when you’re on holiday. Plus they are super lightweight so will keep you cool when the temperatures rise.
The key to creating a capsule wardrobe when packing is to keep the overall colour palette neutral so you can mix and match your outfits. The basis for this is a good black, white, grey, beige, or navy T-shirt as they will go with pretty much all your wardrobe. Plain tees are great for layering under shirts and sweatshirts, while polos can be worn anywhere from the golf course to dinner because of the collar which makes them a smarter option.
Don’t forget the extras like a beach towel, a day bag for sightseeing essentials, beauty products, sunglasses, and a sunhat. All the accessories you’ll need to arrive at your holiday destination are ready to go.
