There’s no doubt about it, whether you’re a frequent flyer or only pull a suitcase from the loft once a year, packing can be a challenge. I’ve packed ALOT of suitcases in my time and now faithfully adhere to a time honoured system of colour co-ordinating outfits worked out on a day-by-day basis. Years ago when I worked on a Sunday supplement, the bulk of the letters were from women desperate for the key to packing the perfect suitcase. Unfortunately there is NO specific key (or padlock code) as all our needs are different, but there are common sense ways to make sure you’re covered for every outcome and don’t ‘over’ or indeed ‘under’ pack. Basically try to enjoy the process and give yourself plenty of time to get it right, somehow when we throw it all in at the last minute, something gets left behind. So without further ado…let’s get packing.
Photo/ Samantha Broderick
Rule 1 – pick a suitcase that works with the luggage allowance on your particular flight. There is absolutely ZERO point in pulling the whopper from the loft if you have an EasyJet allowance of 12kg – alternatively purchase extra baggage allowance. Always ensure the weight of your suitcase is manageable, remember you have to lift it off the luggage carousel.
It’s a lust have but oh so chic, just like a vintage trunk on wheels,the Brics Bellagio
Rule 2 – start small. Yes, the oft most forgotten necessities are underwear, so make sure you’ve put aside knickers and bras. These make for great gap fillers, so roll them into bundles and have them ready to fill spaces.
Lest you forget what day it is. Stella McCartney’s Days of the Week Knickers.
Rule 3 – weigh up your smart / casual needs and assess whether you need a different outfit every evening for dinner of if you can (for example) take one dress, two pairs of trousers and five different tops/camisoles to mix it up.
Rule 4 – if you’re heading beachwards, pack your bikinis in a separate bag alongside a well-sealed travel bottle of hand wash liquid, so you can rinse off the chlorine and salt every night after use. This prolongs the life of your swimwear but also means you can alternate whilst other pieces are drying out on the balcony.
Rule 5 – comfortable shoes. The amount of times I’ve packed four pairs of shoes for a beach holiday where all I’ve worn is a pair of aged flip flops and bare feet. Shoes take up a lot of space and are heavy, so really think through what you need. One great pair for evening that co-ordiantes with all your outfits is a win win scenario, plus one comfortable pair for sightseeing / beaching / walking (tick as appropriate). Make sure you wrap your shoes in dustbags to keep your clothes clean, if you don’t have a separate zippable compartment in your suitcase.
Espadrilles. There’s a reason they’re a holiday favourite. Russell & Bromley.
Rule 6 – make sure you plan your travel outfit to be worn there and back so it doesn’t take up extra space upon your return. Remember to wear all your heavier items to travel – jackets, cardigans, chunkier shoes and jewellery.
Rule 7 – lay it out – my biggest tip is start with the key pieces you want to wear on holiday. Be it a new dress, pair of shorts or beach kaftan. Lay these on the floor and work out your day to night piles. I find colour co-ordianating a really useful tool to fine tuning a week’s worth of wardrobe.
A successfully packed suitcase boasts a tight edit of pieces that can mixed and matched. Picture courtesy of Cox & Cox.
Rule 8 – If in doubt, leave it out. Yes, it’s so easy to pile in all your favourite ‘warmer climate’ pieces but truth is, the bulk will stay hanging in the wardrobe and still need to be washed and ironed upon return. Be brutal, be edited.
Rule 9 – Five key pieces. Possibly the golden rule. Identify 5 versatile, tried and trusted and feel good pieces in your wardrobe and build around them. Truth is you will have one pair of trousers/culottes/shorts that flatter you best and are always a go to for comfort – these should hit the floor first so you can pick different tops to change up the look. Same applies to dresses, kaftans, bikinis, cardigans to keep the evening chill off and if necessary, a jacket.
Mine for example are; a dress, a bohemian blouse, a pair of loose trousers, a camisole and a kaftan. I co-ordiante my shoes and extras around these staples that I KNOW I will wear, then I add in an extra couple of dresses, long skirts and tops that will work with the above in terms of colour. This works for me and helps keep my naturally ‘more is more’ attitude in check.
From top left clockwise; striped dress, ASOS; embroidered scarf Monsoon; bohemian blouse, MesDemoiselles; drop earrings, Accessorise; blush slip dress, Zara; embroidered camisole, New Look; tassel necklace, Accessorise; wide white leg trousers, Great Plains; embroidered kaftan, Melissa Odabash; sandals, Ancient Greek.
Rule 10 – finally – your beauty regime packing can be a NIGHTMARE. I mean, apart from what you actually need, do you decant into little Muji travel bottles? Do you buy miniatures at the airport? How much suncream do you really need and how do you stop the leakages savaging your clothing midst flight? For this I’ve enlisted the help of beauty guru and Woman & Home Beauty Director; Jo Glanville-Blackburn…
Beach ready? You will be.
The Stylish Stuff Beauty, by Guest EditorJo Glanville-Blackburn
“Can I confess I’d rather have a suitcase full of beauty products than a bikini? However in my travels, I’ve finally got my packing down to a fine art in essentials, plus a little pampering thrown in!”
1. Sunscreen: Always take more than you need (the choice ain’t good on a remote beach) and take advantage of summer 3 for 2 deals in Boots and Superdrug. Start high (SPF50) so you skin can acclimatise to the heat, then gradually reduce to an SPF30/20 (depending on your skin type). I’m a skin worshipper, not a sun worshipper: a tan is your body’s clever way to defend itself from intense sun, but it would rather not! So protect it well to keep it softer and younger for longer. Sunscreen fave? For the body, Nivea Protect & Moisture Sun Spray SPF30, £8 is a popular spray with my entire family; for the face, I’m strictly a Sisley kinda gal!
2. Body Lotion: Mine tends to double up as a gradual tanner too, as I like multi-tasking on the body. My favourite no-streak, super soft & faultless colour is Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk Body Moisturiser, £11.99.
3. Daily Skincare: I never decant beauty products. Firstly, I think it’s a bit unhygienic; and plus, I can’t be bothered! I prefer to stock up on mini sizes in favourite brand essentials such as Elemis, Clarins and Aveda. Plus it’s a great way to try out a new range while you’re away without overspending! Shown here Ren Grab & Go Travel Kit, £22.
4. Face Mask: Confession: I always pack at least five different face masks! It’s my one non-essential essential that makes me feel as if I’m doing my skin good while I’m relaxing. Sheet masks are huge right now, plus they come in sealed sachets so there’s no leakage! Just love Origins Plantscription Youth Renewing Sheet Mask, £32 for 6, or the original SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, £60 for 6.
5. Haircare: If you’re prone to frizz, like me, John Frieda Frizz Ease 10 Day Tamer Pre-Wash Treatment, £12.99, is a great way to temporarily seal in moisture, making hair way more manageable in the heat.
6. Tiny essentials: Don’t forget to check in your tweezer: the everything in one Benefit Browzings, £24.50, has had an update with a fab new brush and sturdier compact. And while you’re at it: Foreo Luna Play, £29,is the tiniest, most portable facial cleansing brush there is; and the dinky Gillette Venus Snap Embrace Razor, £4.99, is neat enough to pop in your luggage then throw away before you return.
7. Lip Balm: In flight, on the beach, anytime: opt for one that’s tinted and with an SPF to protect your lips at all times, such as Lanolips Rose Tinted Balm SPF30, £7.99
8. BB Cream: Give your skin a holiday from layers of foundation, primers, pore perfectors, and save space in the case by packing just one skin perfecting makeup multitasker! Most BBs act as skin perfector, primer, moisturiser, sunscreen and foundation in one, and Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35, £27 in eight shades, does it all.
9. Waterproof Mascara: Definitely not leaving home without my mascara, and it’s got to be MAC Extended Play Mascara, £15, that withstands smudging and smearing in all weathers and makes every lash beautifully defined. Love it.
10. Bronzer: OK well this is here because I am monumentally pale, so even on day one, a bit of dewy bronze (nothing matte thanks) blended into cheeks, temples, bridge of the nose (v pretty there) and collarbone, makes me look as if I’ve caught the sun, even when I’ve been hiding in the shade. My favourite is Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer, £51, a rich gel that blends beautifully into the skin and a little goes a long way.
The Stylish Stuff NB. Don’t forget your scotch tape. Aside from ensuring all your product lids are sealed tightly and neatly packed into leak-proof travel bags, sometimes a little scotch tape to seal tops of more fluid based products, can literally save your clothes. Learnt from a well-travelled make up artist after many a mishap…
PS.
The travel savvy must haves;
My new favourite go-to website www.goingonajourney.com stocks US brand Flight001, quirky luggage storage bags that are unisex, washable and quite frankly the perfect way to revolutionise your packing, not to mention reminding you of things you might forget; adaptors, lingerie, power cords etc.
Luggage please…
The Russian dolls of luggage from Radley. Sturdy and definitely easy to spot on the carousel.
Yes this one comes complete with pet monkey. Kipling
DON’T FORGET…
From top left clockwise; to label your luggage (Caroline Gardner tag) to put your beach towel (flamingoes towel John Lewis) on top of your suitcase alongside your bikini if you’re planning to hit the beach the moment you land; your passport! (Aspinal of London passport cover) and of course, your toothbrush. (Foreo Issa toothbrush, ASOS)
Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella
Beauty Editor Jo Glanville Blackburn
Photograph of Lisa Seiffert (model beach shot) by Peter Pedonomou. Art Direction & Styling Shelly Vella. Hair & Make up Lisa Valencia.