Are you jetting off on a luxury getaway this spring? If you’re the fashion-conscious type then you’re likely already beginning to plan your outfits and think about packing your suitcase – but with so little space to work with, it can be difficult to know what to take, and what to leave behind – particularly if you have a wide range of activities planned for while you’re away.
It’s important to think practically and ensure you have the right attire for the things you’ll be doing – but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Nailing a sophisticated aesthetic on holiday is about striking the right balance between comfort and style, and although it might seem tricky, it’s entirely possible.
Apart from packing the right things for a suitable climate, it’s important to respect the rules and regulations of the country you’ll be visiting in terms of dress code. You’ll want to ensure you have just the right amount of clothes for the trip, as while there’s nothing worse than not having options, overpacking can also lead to a sense of overwhelm, with many clothes ultimately going unworn. And of course, there’s the weight limit to consider, too.
So how do you balance style, comfort, and functionality without under or overpacking? Here are some tips to help ensure you pack perfectly and look chic during your holiday with effortless ease.
Choose versatile clothing
The primary goal when packing your suitcase for travel is to choose garments that can be mixed and matched to create various different outfits – think along the lines of a capsule wardrobe, and you’re on the right track. Wearing a few staple pieces in different combinations will help you to make your travel wardrobe go further, as well as allowing you to transition effortlessly from day to night simply by adding a few accessories.
The kinds of pieces that are the most versatile and exude style and sophistication tend to be classic, timeless pieces like a white linen shirt, white t-shirt, a pair of tailored shorts and a monochrome maxi dress. Pieces like these can be easily dressed up or down by changing up your footwear, throwing on a jacket or adding some jewellery.
Stick to a color palette that works for you
You may well have all the colours of the rainbow in your usual wardrobe, and it’s fair to say that bold hues do have their place on holiday – but when it comes to travel, keeping things simple is the key to less stress, and opting for colours you already know suit you will ensure that you remain looking and feeling like a million dollars throughout.
Just like the types of garments you pack, the practical solution here is to choose a colour palette that you can mix and match easily. Again, doing so will mean you can pack fewer items whilst continuing to look stylish.
Neutrals like black, white, grey, and beige are timeless and versatile and can be combined seamlessly to create a host of different looks, as can monochrome blacks, whites and greys.
Earthy tones like olive green, burnt orange, and mustard yellow also work well, particularly if you’ll be heading off on some excursions or outdoor pursuits – plus, they look great with a tan. For a more feminine feel, opt for some soft pastel hues, or to fully embrace the summer vibe, bring some bold brights in block colours – but avoid patterns, because these tend to be much less versatile.
Choose your shoes wisely
Comfortable shoes are a must for any holiday, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. Choose a pair of flat sandals for casual wandering in your destination of choice, as these remain a major trend for 2023 and look effortlessly stylish worn with everything from maxi dresses to shorts. If you’re planning on doing outdoor activities that require navigating trickier terrain then be sure to pack a pair of trainers – most luxury and designer brands do some incredibly opulent looking pairs that offer comfort and practicality, too.
For evening dinners and drinks, be sure to pack a pair of heeled sandals – choose a colour that will go with all of your outfits, such as white, gold or tan so that you won’t need to pack several pairs.
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise
Accessories will be your secret weapon when it comes to packing well for your trip, and a great selection of jewellery and a couple of different handbags will allow you to create more unique looks from the capsule wardrobe you’ve brought with you.
Layering up some chunky bangles on your arms or adding a statement pair of earrings is a quick and easy way to take any outfit from day to tonight and will add instant glamour to even the simplest of looks, while changing your beach bag for a chic clutch is an easy way to nail the transition without getting changed.
Layering is key
Layering up thin garments adds depth to your look and will also ensure you’re prepared for whatever different weather conditions may come your way. Choose essential pieces like t-shirts, overshirts and light jackets, that can be taken off and put back on again easily and that won’t be a burden to carry when needed, and changeable conditions won’t be a problem.
Layering is also another great way to dress a basic outfit up or down and create different looks throughout the day – whether you’re soaking up some rays on the beach, going to lunch or heading out for an afternoon excursion.
Choose the right bag
The choice between a backpack or crossbody bag for travelling depends on personal preference and the type of travel you’ll be doing. Both types of bag can be comfortable to carry, but while backpacks distribute weight evenly across your back, crossbody bags place the weight on one shoulder.
Backpacks also tend to have a larger capacity than crossbody bags and can therefore carry more items. If you’re traveling light, a crossbody bag might be enough, but a backpack might be a better choice if you need to carry more items. Crossbody bags do, however, tend to be the more stylish of the two. Check out these stylish yet functional bags from Arcteryx for a wide selection of bags to consider when travelling.
