If you are about to jet off for a summer break and find the thought of packing your wardrobe rather daunting, you will benefit from our latest style advice.

It isn’t easy to select the ideal clothes for both day and night, and we often pack far too much and regret it!  In fact, we quite often end up using less than 50% of our wardrobe on holiday.

Achieve a stylish capsule holiday wardrobe by taking some of these key pieces and perhaps leave some room in your suitcase to bring some items back!

Footwear

On average we wear a maximum of three pairs of shoes while away – casual, formal and of course comfortable. Be sure to pack a pair of comfy sandals that go with all your outfits. These handmade platinum sandals from Semele have interest with an over-foot cross and they come in a large colour range.

Maxi Dress

Remember to pack your favourite maxi dress and team it up with wedges for an evening look or trainers for some day-time chic. If you are petite, make sure to choose a fitted style with a smaller pattern. We love this waist-defining wrap dress from Anthropologie.

 Straw Bag

Straw bags are the must have accessory this season and they come in all shapes and sizes, from shopper through to basket. A straw bag will look fabulous with a maxi as well as your bikini, and you can fill it with all your beach essentials. We are huge fans of Kayu’s beach bags, exclusive to Net-A-Porter.

Cover Up

Be sure to pack an easy piece to throw over a bikini when you are relaxing on the beach or pool side. A cover up or kimono is ideal, especially if you will be running around with children.

Some ornate styles can double up as evening wear and look great coupled with white linen trousers or capris. Look great in this stylish Sun Temple Kaftan by beachwear designer Seafolly at Beach Cafe.

Sun Hat

The essential sun hat will complete your look and of course protect your face form the sun. Hats can add real style to an outfit, with ribbon detailing, wide brims or weaves. If you have a petit face you can try smaller options without such a wide brim.  Made of resilient paper straw, this hat from J.Crew flattens and folds for easy packing.

Classic shades

We mustn’t forget the all-important shades that will add a touch of chic to your holiday wardrobe. Perhaps you already have a pair, but if you are going to invest in some new sunglasses make sure you go with something timeless that suits your face shape. Ray-Ban Erika sunglasses are the perfect accessory and you can enjoy choosing from a wide variety of lenses and colours to make them personal to your style.

T-shirt

Essential for your capsule holiday wardrobe is the trusty t-shirt, but please avoid lycra in the heat and choose a slub jersey fabric or cotton blend and be sure to invest in quality. T-shirts are great for layering and also look good tucked into bottoms for a smarter look.

The Bandana

We all love a bandana! Whether it’s in your hair, around your neck, or on your bag. Bandanas are versatile and add style to any outfit. You can have fun with a variety prints and colours. This stylish bandana from AMICAL at Claudie Pierlot will accompany you all season long.