Packing for summer holidays is always a nightmare, regardless of whether you start filling your
suitcase weeks in advance or do it all the night before.
While it’s important to research the weather and the activities you’re likely to get up to, there are a number of rules you should follow in order to avoid over packing while still ensuring you’re dressed for all occasions.
Shoes
Starting from the ground up, shoes are always the bulkiest items in a suitcase. Aim to bring no more than three pairs. Wear a pair of white runners when travelling. These will be comfy enough to wear on a day you decide to go hiking or sightseeing but the neutral colour means they can also be worn with a dress or skirt to pull off a sports lux vibe. A pair of flip flops and a comfy pair of heels should make up the other two pairs.
The Bag
Fanny packs have made a major comeback in the SS18 collections of designers such as Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo. Whether you love them or hate them, they are an absolute essential for any summer vacation. Theft is a major problem in many tourist destinations so it is important to keep your valuables close to your person and while handbags can be cumbersome, fanny packs leave your hands free all day long.
The Swimsuit
When shopping for a holiday everyone has a tendency to go overboard purchasing every style bikini in every colour. However, after a couple of days indulging in all your favourite foods and drinks, body confidence is not always at its peak. Packing a tummy control one piece means that you will be able to enjoy your time on the beach throughout your holiday and not ruin the experience worrying about how you look in a barely there two piece.
Hair
When it comes to hair, humidity is not anyone’s friend. With the added pressure to document every aspect of your holiday on social media no one wants to ruin their look with a messy ponytail. The solution? The magic bun maker. This hair styling tool twists and secures your hair into a perfect French twist bun in seconds and can be used in either wet or dry hair, making it ideal by the pool or for an evening on the town.
The Clothes
Skirts and dresses usually account for a large portion of our holiday wardrobe, but a pair of lightweight cropped trousers are also a must. Hours walking around in the heat can lead to friction burn worse than the sunburn and trousers will provide some much needed relief. When packing tops, choose ones with thin straps, preferably in a similar style to your swimsuit so that you avoid unnecessary tan lines. While there is so much to consider when packing for holidays remember to have fun with your wardrobe and experiment with colours. For most of us it is the only time of year these clothes will see the light of day.
Aoife O’Brien
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