Packing for your Holiday Without Losing your Style or your Sanity!
- Blog Post
Summer is calling, the sun is blazing, well somewhere in the world and your well-earned holiday is just round the corner. Whether you’re jetting off to a beachy paradise, exploring sun-drenched city streets, lounging poolside or mixing it all together in between entertaining the children, you deserve to feel great, look great, and pack smart and stylish.
Let’s talk how to pack for two weeks in the heat without overstuffing your suitcase or sacrificing your style. And yes, this guide is for everybody and every body.
The Vibe: Cool, Comfy, and Confident
Hot weather style is all about breathability, ease, and versatility. The key is to mix lightweight pieces that feel as good as they look. Ensuring you’re ready for all the exciting adventures holidays bring. Whether it’s lunch on the beach, after a possible swim in the sea, dinners in beautiful restaurants, day trips around the local towns/villages and everything in between. Oh and not forgetting entertaining the little people!
Your Must-Pack Wardrobe: The Magic 15
Here’s my packing list perfect for hot climates.
Tops (6–9 pieces)
- 2–3 breathable tanks or tees (cotton, linen,materials)
- 2-3 dressy tops or smart shirts for going out
- 1 sleeveless or short-sleeve shirt (great for layering or sun protection)
- 1-2 oversized shirt or light cover-up (doubles as a beach/pool layer!)
Bottoms (4–5 pieces)
- 1 pair of relaxed shorts or culottes
- 2 pairs of light trousers or flowy palazzos in linen, cotton or silk,
- 2 skirts, utility shorts, or wrap pants
- If Needed: bike shorts or cotton undershorts for dresses to stop chaffing
Dresses & One-Pieces (2–3 pieces)
- 1 casual sundress
- 1 dress or jumpsuit that can go from sightseeing to dinner
- 1 breezy kaftan, slip dress, or cover-up
Light Layers (2 max)
- 1 light cardigan or kimono
- 1 denim or linen jacket for airports or cooler evenings
Swimwear (2–3 sets)
- Mix-and-match bikinis, one-pieces, or swim shorts
- Rash vest or swim shirt if you’re sun-sensitive
Undergarments & Sleepwear
- Enough underwear for a week, plus a travel-sized detergent for quick washes
- 2–3 bras or bralettes (if you wear them)
- 1–2 sets of breathable sleepwear
Shoes: The Magic Three
- Comfy walking shoes (trainers, supportive sandals, or fashion sneakers)
- Slides or flip-flops for beach/pool/shower
- Evening or dinner shoes—flat or dressy sandals that will work with multiple outfits
Optional: water shoes or hiking sandals if you’re planning outdoor adventures.
Accessories: Small but Mighty
- Wide-brimmed hat, bucket hat, or cap sun protection
- Sunglasses (with UV protection!)
- Light scarf or sarong (doubles as a wrap, cover-up, or towel) Useful if visiting religious sites
- Simple jewellery, choose your favorites. Often when the weather is boiling hot, high on the neck statement accessories can be more of a nuisance.
- Belt bag, crossbody, or small backpack for day trips. Beach bag and evening bag.
Packing Tips from a Stylist Who’s Been There
- Start with your shoes – place round the edges of the case
- Pick a colour palette – neutrals and 2-3 pop colours or patterns make mixing and matching easy.
- Don’t forget your small items – a hard waisted belt for trousers and a dressier belt for dresses. One statement necklace and smaller casual necklaces, rings and bracelets.
- Go for multi-taskers. The dress that doubles as a beach cover-up
- Don’t panic pack. Start early, lay or hang up all your garments so you can see them clearly to coordinate.
- Be kind to your body. Pack what makes you feel comfortable
Style Is Personal—Pack for You
There’s no “one way” to do holiday style. Whether you’re rocking linen trousers and loafers or floaty dresses and bold prints, what matters the most is that you feel like an elevated version of yourself. Sun + Joy + confidence = unbeatable holiday energy!