PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - HOW TO PACK FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Summertime is here, and for many of us, the first opportunity for us to get out and enjoy the holidays away from our own home. With this, comes the need to pack!

I have a confession – I went on holiday in spring to see family in Italy – and I didn’t do some of the tips below. It meant that I had to rush out in unexpected high temperatures, to get a whole week’s worth of weather-appropriate outfits. I wanted to make sure you don’t have this problem, and also give some advice on how to pack for your summer holidays so you’re confident every day.

Check the weather forecast

The first tip, and one I will make sure to never forget, is to check the weather forecast! While it isn’t a 100% accuracy, it will help you to see if that rain jacket may just be needed in the Caribbean holiday where you expected no rain. When you know the general weather of the week/s to come, you can then know which wardrobe essentials you need with you, and you can pack just a few “just in case” items.

This also helps with planning outfits for your holiday. If you know the weather requirements, you can plan out the outfits to put together, as well as how much space you may need. If you are expecting colder days you will potentially need to have a bigger bag, due to the thicker jumpers and extra layers.

Know the activities you’ll be enjoying while on holiday

Now we know the weather (and you won’t be rushing around with your family trying desperately to find appropriate clothes!) you can think about the activities. Your outfits will be dramatically different if you are on an active holiday versus a beach break. This will help you know what to pack in terms of footwear, underwear, and full outfits.

If you are planning to lounge by the swimming pool, go on date nights with your partner, and get drinks at the bar, then you will want to pack those essentials. A few bathing suits, and swimwear cover ups are great for by the beach. You may then want to have one or two pieces of jewellery (be mindful though not to take the family jewels!), and your date-night dresses & a pair of heels for the evenings. With beach holidays, you may go on a few excursions, so don’t forget the comfy wide leg linen trousers and a camisole top to go over your bikini or swimsuit for venturing out.

If adventuring around the city is top of your list, then flat comfy shoes, comfortable outfits, and a bag for your essentials will be the things you’ll want to pack. I know when I am heading on a city-break, my bag is filled with flowy midi and maxi dresses, with a pair of comfortable sandals or trainers (or both!). As it is a city break, I do also usually want to head out in the evening, but this will mean needing a few extra layers to keep me warm on the cooler nights. I usually pack one blazer, as well as a few cardigans to throw over my shoulders.

For hiking, skiing and other sports – your athletic wear should be top of the list. Then you’ll need all the essentials to keep you warm/cool, and comfortable!

Plan the outfits before packing them

Too many times do we pack things we love into our suitcases, then unpack them and have nothing to match them with! Take a little time while you are packing your bags to create the outfits and make sure you’ll wear them before packing them. If you have time, you could try them on before packing them into your suitcase for extra knowledge on how to style them. You can then see how many outfits you can make with each garment.

While tops may need to be changed daily (or more depending on your activities), your trousers, shorts and skirts could be worn a few times. So matching them with your tops, your swimwear, and your extra layers before you pack them will help when unpacking and knowing what to wear.

With this understanding of the outfits you’ve packed, it can help you when you are getting and ready to go in the morning, so you’re not fretting about mismatching garments, or not feeling comfortable.

The most important thing to remember when you are packing your outfits is that you feel confident and comfortable! You’re on holiday, so you don’t want to be second guessing the outfits you have in your wardrobe.

Remember the accessories!

While I’m not saying you need to pack your jewellery collection (far from it!), there are some essential accessories to pack for your holiday, depending on where you’re going. Sunglasses, waterproof watches, comfy walking shoes, and flip flops are just a few of the must-haves depending on where you are going. You may also want to pack hair ties, scarves, and bags for the day and the night.

If you are planning a trip and need to get a few essentials, it’s often the accessories that are missing. Think about all the things you’ll be getting up to, and the other tips above, to help you pack the things you’ll need.

Packing for your holiday should be something that means with a little extra time spent on planning, you’ll have items and outfits you’ll feel fabulous in when you arrive. I hope these have helped inspire you for your holiday, if you are having one. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your wardrobe and not sure what to pack, or feel like your style has lost it’s spark, please get in touch – I’d love to help.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - HOW TO PACK SMART

HOW CAN YOU PACK SMART TO BUILD CONFIDENCE ON YOUR HOLIDAY?

With the country coming out of lockdown, and many of us yearning for even a few days away from the day to day lives we have been leading during these uncertain times, you may be thinking of taking a short break. The most important part of making a trip the most enjoyable experience, other than the location and the company, is, in my opinion as a Personal Stylist, a selection of clothes you feel great in.

In this article, I wanted to share a few of my tips to help you pack smart, and make your break the most enjoyable it can be.

Make sure you really need the item/s you are taking

Research is a key element of planning for a holiday, the same goes for packing! Make sure all of the items in your luggage will actually be useful where you are going. What are you planning to get up to during your time away? If you are planning lots of walking and rest, you probably won’t need the stilettos. If you are looking to break by the beach with cocktails and date nights with your loved one, then the walking boots may be taken out, and the stilettos put back!

Really research what you will be expecting from the location you are visiting, the weather that may be expected, and what you are planning to get up to, to help you maximise your luggage space.

Only take items that bring you joy

The clothes you want to take with you are those that really make you feel great. Ask yourself if you will wear the item, and take the first response as your true answer. If there is doubt, then don’t pack it. Make sure that you feel comfortable, confident, and know that the items you are taking are joy-bringers. Don’t pack items you haven’t worn for ages (unless, of course, it’s a bikini that you loved on last year’s holiday!)

Capsules are essential

It’s best to have less in your baggage, than a confusion of items. Making a capsule packing structure will help you to see multiple options of outfits from only minimal items. Bring clothes that work together in palette, and ones that you know you wear together regularly. This will help you maximise space and prevent stress when picking out your clothes.

Plan your outfits

If you have the time, I highly recommend you plan your outfits, especially those that are for fun nights out or special occasions. When you plan ahead, your stress levels will dramatically reduce, and you will find you will feel joyous about what you pick out of your holiday wardrobe for each of the events you have prepared for!

Tissue paper is a great way to prevent creases

The old trick of using tissue paper (the type you wrap with) is actually incredibly beneficial! For some breaks, especially when you are visiting somewhere for only a small amount of time, you will not have access to an iron. You also probably won’t want to spend your valuable time getting those creases out of your beloved items! One way to stop the creases is to use tissue paper when you fold your clothes, especially those that crease easily.

Have fun

After all this time in lockdown, and only just being able to take breaks around the UK, the last thing I recommend for packing smart is to have fun. Embrace the time you have on your holiday, and let your clothes bring confidence, joy, and the ability to truly enjoy your time away.

 What are your tips for packing smart?