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One thing I’ve learned since having children is that any space in the car when packing for a holiday is a real premium! Whenever we pack for holidays it seems that, as they get older, their clothing takes up more space than mine and I’m left with less space to squeeze my outfits into! I’ve become a master at the capsule wardrobe for holiday time these days! I’m not quite sure I understand how they take up so much space; although I guess as my eldest if rapidly catching me up in the height stakes his clothes are getting bulkier!
It does means I need to be a bit more considered about what we are packing, and I’ve become a bit more disciplined in the last year about what I pack and how I plan what to take with us. Here are my top tips for packing the necessities when the suitcase and packing space is at a premium.
Plan for all weather
A UK break means that, even in the summer, we can’t guarantee the weather! I’ve been caught out in the past by only having open shoes or shorts and summer dresses. I now always make sure I have at least one set of clothes that are warm; so I always make sure I pack:
- A light coat
- A sweater/hoodie
- long trousers (jeans or chino style)
As much as I’d love to trust the weather, I don’t, and packing some items such as the above means that, if it does rain or the air cools a little, you won’t be caught out. There’s nothing worse than being away and having to rethink plans because your clothes aren’t going to keep you warm.
Versatility is key
Try and choose items that are versatile; so things that can be dressed up or down or the look can be changed by the addition of some simple accessories.
Tops like the two below are great as they can be dressed up with jeans or denim shorts for a night out or worn underneath a t-shirt for days on the beach.
Tops like this are super comfortable and versatile and easy to mix and match with your favourite jeans and accessories and can be great underneath a sweater or worn as they are.
Plan your outfits
Make sure you plan your outfits out; if you’re going to be hiking up a mountain then you’re going to need different things to if you’re relaxing on the beach. Equally, if you’re relaxing on the beach or doing a woodland walk; the outfit requirements are different. Make sure the outfits you take match up with your plans for whilst you’re away. Look to include items, such as the short jumpsuit below, which can really work in a number of situations from a play in the park with the children to a lazy afternoon on the beach. Versatile outfits are key when space is at a premium!
Don’t forget the LBD
Everyone has a favourite dress; be it the classic staple of the little black dresses or perhaps you’re like me and like an infusion of colour with red and blues? I’m not sure I am brave enough to carry off white dresses but I do always include a dress or two in my suitcase. The one below is lovely and light and perfect for a summer break
I love polka dots and this dress accessorized with a red hairband and a chunky red pendant looks lovely.
Lay Everything Out
Finally, before you pack everything away, lay it all out and work the different combinations together; you’ll be surprised just how many different outfit combinations you can make, as well as thinking about how you can change the look of a t-shirt by fastening it at the front or leaving it loose. Laying everything out gives you a really good overview of everything you have, helps you to plan the shoes you need to take and helps to narrow down accessory choices. I like to have my watch, a hat that goes with most things as well as necklace or two. I’ll probably also pop a belt in to help change up the look of an outfit.
Spare Space?
Once you’ve got everything packed, you might find you have a little spare space so use this to pack a tried and tested favourite outfit! You can’t beat that favorite jumper dress that you probably won’t have the opportunity to wear, but know you’d instantly regret it if you do!
