Packing a compact holiday bag is an invaluable skill as airline baggage charges soar higher. There is also the sublime sense of smugness that sailing past baggage reclaim can evoke.
Most of us, however, overpack for our vacations. We spend so much time visualising the bliss of a break that when it comes to our holiday wardrobe, we pack too much.
The perfect capsule wardrobe involves prioritising key pieces, working within a planned colour palette (so pieces can mix seamlessly) and assessing each item for flexibility, wearability, and weight.
If you want to streamline your suitcase, here’s our list of twelve essential items for a sun holiday…
A great swimsuit and/or bikini
Invest in styles that flatter and are genuinely comfortable. This V by Very frill one shoulder shape enhancing bikini top, €16.50 and high-waisted briefs €9.50 are both cut to flatter with generous coverage and contain 20 per cent elastane for a streamlined silhouette.
If you are a one-piece fan then H&M have a light shaping swimsuit, €34.99, which is fully lined, with a compressing fit that has a shaping effect on the waist. Adjustable shoulder straps and cups with removable inserts also provides good support.
Marks and Spencer as always have an extensive range of swimwear and their frill off-the-shoulder swimsuit, €54 could double as a top.
Linen or cotton shorts
Next to your swimwear, these are the item you will wear most so opt for a flattering length and a comfortable fit that won’t chafe in the heat. This year, shorts in general are longer and looser, so a pair of Bermudas with a slouchy fit would be a fashionable pick.
Arket, Massimo Dutti, & Other Stories and Cos all have versions with an easy shape while Penney’s have a linen pair with an elasticated waist for €20. There is a lot of crochet this season and Marks and Spencer’s crochet shorts and vest, €36 each look sweet and will also keep you cool.
A midi or maxi sundress
A flowing sundress in cotton or linen will take you to dinner or on outings by day, while its longer length will hide pale legs.
There are many great dresses this summer across the multiples, but particularly appealing ones are V by Very’s embroidered blue and white midaxi, €90 and their soft yellow ruffle print dress, €78.
H&M’s Studio Resort collection has a graphic print maxi-dress, €149, with a fitted bodice featuring pleated, wrap over panels that create a draped silhouette while Cos has lovely easy cotton sundresses with flattering shirring and gathering at €99.
Dunnes Stores’ Savida range also has a strong edit of boho-inspired dresses with their Bella v neck dress, €35 a great buy.
A cool kaftan
Thanks to the revival of boho, kaftans are back in vogue. Cotton ones are invaluable for going to and from the pool while glamorous silk styles, can also be worn in the evening.
H&M’s White Lotus collection has some attractive prints and colourways like the blue and bitter brown print, €59.99, or the striking red and white graphic version, €49.99.
Nearer to home the Paul Costelloe Studio Living collection has a duo of bright floral print kaftans, at €70 each at Dunnes Stores, while Caroline Duffy’s silk Foxglove kaftan, €460, is beautiful and the fabric will keep you ventilated.
These are vital for popping over a swimsuit to avoid sunburn, pairing with shorts for day trips or layering under a slip dress if it gets cooler.
V necks are always flattering while lightweight cotton or linen are the best fibres to cope with heat. Cos is known for their excellent quality t-shirts in a variety of fits from, €29, while American Vintage offer a kaleidoscope of beautiful colours from €50.
If you are on a budget, then Penney’s Essential Short Sleeve Crew Neck Tee at €3.50, is ideal. Massimo Dutti stock 100% linen short sleeve, crew neck T-shirts, €39.95, in classic shades too.
A ribbed vest top is ultra useful and can be worn by day with shorts or at night with wide linen trousers.
Arket, Cos and H&M all have quality versions ranging from €6.99 to €19, while Uniqlo’s AIRism sleeveless top with an in-built bra (now on offer for €19.90) is a great innovation for when you want support but don’t want to wear a bra in the heat.
Wide linen trousers
Cool, crisp, and easy, they can be worn day or night. Cos, Marks & Spencer, and Arket all have stylish linen pants for summer. Arket’s cropped drawstring trousers, €69, are comfortable and relaxed, so perfect for slipping in and out of beside the pool while Cos offers linen trousers in slim, tailored, and relaxed wide leg styles.
Marks and Spencer have linen/viscose blend trousers at €39 and pure linen palazzos for €65, while Penneys’ The Edit range has a wide leg style with an elasticated waist for €30. Leave your jeans at home – they are too heavy in the heat.
A waistcoat
Waistcoats look great with tanned arms and can be worn with a vest by day or over a sundress by night.
When co-ordinated with matching trousers or shorts as per & Other Stories butter yellow tailored vest, €79 and Bermuda shorts, €89 or Cos’ soft pink linen blend waistcoat, €89, and trousers, €99, it creates a sleek and stylish outfit.
A non-negotiable regardless of where you are travelling. Wearing a hat will protect your skin but also your hair from colour fade and your scalp from burning.
& Other Stories have a smart accent-trim straw sun visor, €29, or a retro straw bucket hat, €39, while Marks and Spencer have everything from sun visors to wide-brim styles.
Sunglasses
Choose an oversized pair to add allure and protect your peepers from the sun. Arket are offering cool styles from Komono while Cos have Seventies influenced pairs by Linda Farrow.
If you love designer labels, then Brown Thomas are currently offering reductions on brands like Celine, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and 20% off if you buy a second pair.
Limit to a pair of super comfortable flat sandals (flip flops, Birkenstocks or similar), white trainers and a pair of ballet pumps.
Leave the heels at home – you won’t wear them. If you really need some height, then a wedge sandal is the only safe way to add some inches – stilettos and cobble stone streets or uneven surface are not a good combination.
Accessories
This season sculptural minimal jewellery is big, so a single statement necklace, bracelet, or earrings to elevate even the simplest styles are all you need.
Something like the chunky gold bangle from Arket, €49, or the mismatched pebble earrings from Cos, €39, will work with everything and still make an impact. Leave your valuable jewellery at home where it will be safe.
Ten Packing Tips
Roll clothes to minimise creasing and maximise space.
Put heavy items like books and shoes at the wheel end of the case.
Pack travel-friendly fabrics like jersey or knits.
Use packing cubes to keep thing organised and easy to find.
Bring a foldable tote for any holiday purchases.
Bring a stain remover and/or dissolvable laundry sheets for quick laundry fixes.
Bring a lightweight scarf for the flight – it can also be useful in the evenings.
Bring your own reusable (empty) water bottle – you can fill after airport security and use when away.
Check that your suitcase isn’t too heavy – some can be 4kg before you pack a thing. Always label it and take a phot of if in case it goes missing.
Keep your meds, documents and valuables with you, never in your case.