Holiday-Style Tips – And how to Pack!

The holiday season is here! So, in this month’s article, I’m bringing you some holiday-style tips and, more importantly, some valuable info on how to pack!

If you’re off to sunny climes over the coming weeks, lucky you. But before you can relax with something refreshing by the pool, you’ll need to sort your holiday packing.

Now, I’m not too fond of stereotypes, but when it comes to packing for a trip, there are often differences in how the gents and ladies approach it. A survey by Holiday Hypermarket found that men tended to under-pack and left it until the last minute, whereas women over-packed but were more organised by starting to pack at least three days before a trip. But 91% of women admitted to not wearing all the clothes they take away (hands up – this is me!).

With airlines stricter than ever on baggage allowances, getting it right can also save the embarrassment of unpacking at the check-in desks or stumping up for the excess.

Holiday Style Tips and How to Pack!

In this article, I’ve combined some of my top packing tips with holiday-style tips, so your holiday gets off to a flying start!

Plan Ahead:

It may sound over the top but thinking through the activities and type of holiday you’ll be having means you can plan the outfits you’ll need. If you’re likely to deposit yourself by the pool and stay there pretty much all week, then you’ll need plenty of swimwear, cover-ups, t-shirts and shorts, but not much else. If you are an explorer on holiday, you’ll want appropriate shoes and comfy gear to suit your activities. Glamming it up in a posh resort? Then you’ll require chic outfits to waft around the boutiques and bars!

Togo Stretch Shorts are by Fynch-Hatton

Available from stylish Chichester men’s boutique Stephen Lawrence Menswear.

A smart but comfy pair of stretch shorts are an essential holiday staple for the guys. Wear them during the day with a t-shirt and sliders or trainers, and smarten up for a meal out with a linen shirt and leather loafers.

Pick a Colour Theme:

If you would like the elusive ‘capsule wardrobe’ where you take just what you need, and everything mixes and matches, it can be helpful to pick a colour scheme. So, you plan your outfits around these key colours and add neutrals (navy, taupe, khaki etc.) for your basics, meaning everything works together.

On Trend – Broderie Anglaise

Broderie Anglaise is a big womenswear trend this season. Pieces featuring this floaty fabric are also perfect for a summer holiday. Preview Boutique in Crane Street, Chichester has these lovely blouses in various colours (I love the orange!). They are easy to pair with denim shorts or white trousers.

To fold or roll, that is the question!

Using the space effectively is key to maximising what you can take and ensuring your gear arrives in a wearable state. Some items lend themselves to folding – generally those in a more structured fabric. So, jeans, denim shorts, and jackets are probably best folded, whereas t-shirts, jersey dresses and floaty fabrics work well rolled.

Packing Cubes:

My absolute go-to piece of kit! Packing cubes are soft fabric bags in varying sizes and shapes that help organise your clothes and accessories inside the case. They are brilliant for sorting similar items so you can find things easily (all your swimwear together, for example) and for maximising the space. There are loads to choose from – a simple Google search will sort it – most come in a set of 7 or 8 pieces.

Weigh-In:

Clothes are often heavier than you think! It’s worth weighing your case before you leave for the airport. You can buy luggage scales or use the highly scientific method of standing on the scales at home, then picking up your bag and weighing yourself again! The bonus (or downside) is you can work out the impact the ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets and Pina Coladas have had on your return!

Wherever you’re off, have fun! And if you’re struggling to find your holiday style, I offer a range of packages and services that can help. Discover more HERE.