How to pack light: these ten essential items will create seven different holiday looks for seven days
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
NO wonder we can never shut our suitcases – our summer holiday survey shows that for a seven-day break one in four of us takes FIVE pairs of shoes and just under half of us pack TEN outfits. And as for all those accessories...
Stylist SARAH-ROSE HARRISON shows how mixing and matching ten items can see you through a week – and make light work of packing.
Five essential items
- Wide-leg trousers, £46 from River Island —
- Swimsuit, £24 from Topshop —
- Floral-print kaftan, £55 from Asos —
- Denim shorts, £22 from Next —
- Polka-dot camisole, £22 from Topshop —
Five essential accessories
- Ciao! clutch bag, £45 from The White Company —
- Sunglasses, £17.99 from Mango —
- Black strappy heels, £22.99 from New Look —
- Straw tote bag, £39.95 from White Stuff —
- Suede sandals, £19.99 from New Look —
This small selection may shock all your over-packer out there - but if you think that these ten items won't serve you for seven days, think again.
Each one has been carefully picked by stylist Sarah-Rose Harrison because it can be worn in a number of different ways.
From a hero pair of heels to a kaftan that doubles as both a dress and a beach coverup, these adaptable pieces were made to be styled up and down.
Stumped for ideas? Scroll down, because we've done the hard work for you.
Airport
SARAH-ROSE SAYS: Wear your heaviest and bulkiest items to the airport to avoid having to pack them.
In this case, it is the wide trousers and chunky sandals.
Souvenir shopping
SARAH-ROSE SAYS: Take your cossie from pool to pavement by wearing it as a top and teamed with denim shorts – these are a summer staple, perfect for festivals, too.
Sightseeing
SARAH-ROSE SAYS: The flat sandals are great when it comes to exploring your location – and the kaftan is a great cover up to avoid sunburn while on the go.
Night on tiles
SARAH-ROSE SAYS: Pack some heels for glamming up outfits while you are away and take a clutch bag to store your essentials.
The shorts and top take you from day to night.
Beach day
SARAH-ROSE SAYS: Catch some rays in a cool one-piece – the clutch bag is the perfect size for sun lotion and doubles up for the evening.
A kaftan is perfect pool party attire, too.
Hotel bar
SARAH-ROSE SAYS: Grab your high heels again for holiday drinks.
The pink swimsuit worn as a body teamed with the wide-leg yellow trousers keeps the proportions right.
Date night
SARAH-ROSE SAYS: Tie up the kaftan and wear it as a dress for a romantic meal with your holiday heart-throb.
Accessorise with the strappy heels and the Ciao! clutch bag.
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
Looking for more holiday style tips?
Here's our guide to finding the perfect swimwear to suit your shape and size.
Or, get some inspiration straight from Holly Willougbhy's wardrobe.