Among the many joys of the summer is the ease of short trips – or more precisely, packing for them.
Unlike the cooler months, when multiple layers are needed along with sturdy, warm footwear, rainproof jackets and so on, summer getaways are all about simplicity.
Throw a few T-shirts and pairs of shorts in a bag and you’re ready for a few days away … or so we would like to think. In real life, unless all you’re going to do is sit on a beach, planning outfits can make packing tricky, even in summer, especially if you’re flying and are limited in terms of weight or space.
Here are some ideas for versatile pieces that will fit in a carry-on bag and work across various hot-weather holiday scenarios.
Going coastal
Spending a long weekend by the water? It’s likely you’ll only need casual pieces, but it doesn’t hurt to take a dressier outfit in case of a surprise dinner invitation.
For the majority of the time, bathers, a T-shirt, lightweight bottoms (shorts, pants or a skirt), a hat and sandals may be all you need.
Consider taking pieces in similar colours, such as a pale blue top and shorts in the same hue, as keeping colours minimal creates a considered look that will work just as well at the shops as on the sand. Add a plain or printed long-sleeved shirt to keep the sun off or simply to change up the styling.
There are multitudes of ways to wear shirts: button them all the way up, leave them open, tuck them in, leave the tails out, roll the sleeves up, tie the fronts at the waist – and those are just a few. Flip through fashion magazines or check social media for stylists’ tips.
If you’re travelling very light and don’t need to dress up, these few items will do for outings in town, made slightly more polished with the addition of jewellery or a scarf, a smart sunhat and a compact handbag. For those with the luxury of a little extra luggage space, pack a sundress, a light longline jacket and perhaps a dressier pair of sandals so you have something to change into for evenings out.
City trips
Spending a few days in the big smoke calls for a little more thought when it comes to packing. There may be a fair bit of wandering involved, so comfortable shoes are perhaps the first consideration.
One outfit might consist of supportive sandals or sneakers, linen pants and a linen shirt or tunic, along with a sun-smart hat or parasol, sunglasses and a bag to hold all your essentials. Make sure to throw in a light cardigan or jacket to counteract overenthusiastic air conditioning at shopping centres and eateries.
Wear the same outfit but style it differently to create a new look: add a belt around the waist, tie a scarf around your neck, or if you are wearing a long tunic, you may be able to wear it alone as a dress or tucked into a long skirt to act as a top.
A long, A-line or straight linen dress in a plain colour is an excellent choice for urban adventures as it can easily be styled for casual situations (add colourful contrasting accessories such as a printed tote and a bold necklace) or dressed up with classic gold jewellery and an evening clutch or handbag.
Notes on colour and styling
If you need to travel light, look for tips on creating capsule summer wardrobes as the same advice tends to apply.
Minimalists will have no trouble picking items such as pants, singlets and shirts in one colour so that everything matches everything else. For the rest of us who prefer variety, it’s still possible to follow their lead by sticking to one print or one colour (let’s say cream, for example) and create versatile looks by adding accessories or layering clothing in interesting ways (think wearing a tank top over a long-sleeved shirt or tying the sleeves of a long-sleeved shirt diagonally across the body).
If you really can’t bear limiting your palette, it’s best to do a little homework and try outfits on as you pack – make sure each item you take will work with at least two other pieces, and experiment with rolling sleeves or cuffs, tucking tails into waistbands and other styling hacks to get maximum wearability.
Do you have any go-to items for summer holidays? Share them in the comments section below.
Also read: How to get champagne chic on a beer budget
