What to pack for your summer holiday
Whether you're planning a weekend of countryside pursuits or a relaxing beach break basking in the sun, perfect your holiday packing skills with our top tips...
Your holidays booked, passports are at the ready and theres a mound of summer outfits strewn across the bed waiting patiently for the final fashion verdict. Its an age-old problem deciding what to pack for a week away. Packing for evenings out, beachside lounging and city break exploring means we sometimes over pack or simply make the wrong decisions when choosing outfits for our holidays. To save you from panic packing, weve rounded up some handy holiday packing tips, as well as expert advice from Kate Angliss, the Head of Fashion Merchandising at Kaleidoscope, to help whittle down the perfect holiday wardrobe.
Dont over pack
Its so easy to fill a large suitcase with three or four pairs of jeans, shoes and seven different vest tops. Carefully select outfits that you can mix and match. Shorts with vest tops are perfect for the day and can also be recycled into a glam evening ensemble with a dressy top and statement clutch, that way you can make the most of your packing space. Kate Angliss suggests to plan early: take photos of each outfit, so when it comes to packing, you can simply flick through your photos and pack exactly what you need.
Choose your suitcase wisely
Theres no point in packing a huge holdall that can house more than a weeks worth of outfits if youre only travelling away for a long weekend. Choose a smaller weekend suitcase or a weekend holdall, to avoid packing items that you wont use.
Beach break
If youre planning a week of basking in the sun, the most important part of your summer wardrobe will be your swimwear. The good news is that bikinis and swimsuits dont take up too much room in your suitcase, so you can be less frugal with your packing! Take lightweight items that will keep you cool like shorts, or floaty summer dresses and kaftans, with a pair of sandals or wedges. Dress up a day outfit with a few statement accessories and a pair of killer heels, to take you from day to night with ease.
City break
Trawling the streets of Paris or Barcelona can be tiring, especially in the hot summer weather. Keep it comfortable, with a loose maxi dress or jumpsuit, paired with a super-comfy pair of shoes. Your feet will thank you in the long run! Kate Angliss says: Think carefully about the activities youre likely to do over the weekend a trip to the museum, dinner out, a walk along the beach , planning is essential. Once you plan your time, youll be able to plan your weekend wardrobe easily. Remember to bring a few statement pieces of jewellery. A plain black jumpsuit can be instantly glammed up with a statement necklace and heels.
UK weekend breaks
If youre planning a weekend of romantic country pursuits remember to pack something warm, and something waterproof. The British weather is so unpredictable, so you dont want to be caught short in the rain. Pack a sturdy umbrella. Flimsy ones are more trouble than theyre worth, especially when youre faced with gale force winds! Slim summery jeans, bold patterns and oversized shirts are classic pieces that will keep you comfortably stylish on your weekend away. Accessorise with an oversized bold tote to add a splash of colour to your UK ensemble.
Invest in statement accessories
Accessories are a must on holiday. Whether youre lounging by the pool, or indulging in an action-packed city adventure, statement accessories are a compact and accessible way to add a little drama to a plain outfit. Invest in a few statement necklaces, a patterned scarf and bold clutch or a stylish summer hat, to give your outfit a simple, chic update.
Visit www.kaleidoscope.co.uk for more information and summer buys
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