May 23, 2022

The Holiday Shop | What I’d Recommend Packing In Your Suitcase

Sun, sea and sandals…

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Summer holidays are finally back on the agenda and even though we are still debating whether we have the grit for some fun in the sun with a little one, I just fancied getting in the sunny spirit and putting together a little packing list nonetheless. If it’s a serious packing list you’re after, then I have some handy downloads for you here; but if you’re just in the mood for a virtual window-shop then I have just the ticket…

THE BASICS

If you’re tight on baggage then I’d suggest sticking mostly to the basics. You can’t go wrong with some solid essentials in a simple colour scheme and you will have the knowledge that you will spend your travels looking undoubtedly chic. The ARKET Ribbed Tank Tops* and Ribbed Racer Back Tanks* are favourite of mine, along with the ARKET Crew Neck T-Shirts*. Then I find the ARKET Oversized Linen Shirts* to be an absolute holiday workhorse – great for layering as a jacket on chilly evenings, or wearing over swimwear as a beach cover-up – I 100% recommend throwing some kind of oversized shirt in your suitcase. The Levi’s 501 Originals Shorts* are a classic (I’d always say to size up a little for a slightly baggier fit and a bit more room in the crotch), or for something a little comfier and cooler give the ARKET Linen Shorts* or the ARKET Linen Drawstring Trousers* a go. Pack yourself a simple MANGO Black Cotton Dress*, and with a few pieces of swimwear, shoes and accessories, you’ll be sorted.

SHOP THE BASICS*

THE FUN BITS

Of course the basics will see you through a week or so away, but sprinkling a few party-pieces might be appropriate and will help you to break up your holiday look a little. Being the trouser lover that I am, I do adore these ARKET Crinkle Satin Trousers* – these with a black racer and some strap flat sandals for a dinner date?! Stunning. Fancy tops always come in handy on holiday too for evenings out, but I’d always recommend looking for something that looks just as good back home with a pair of jeans, as it would at a beach bar paired with something more summery. I’d point you in the direction of the ARKET Crochet Halter Top*, Nanushka Ruched Satin Top* (and yes there is a matching skirt!), and the Faithful the Brand Tie-Detailed Linen Top*. Continuing on with the crochet theme I do love an open-needlework dress. Here back in the U.K a slip might needed, but when abroad sling some swimwear on underneath and you’re good to go. Try this MANGO Knit Cotton-Blend Dress*, or their Knit Openwork Dress*. Also I’m never going to say no to an LBD, and this one* is TALKING TO ME right now.

SHOP THE FUN BITS*

THE SHOES

In terms of actual practical holiday shoes you just can’t beat the comfort of the Teva Original Sandals*, or just a simple Haviana Flip Flop* (and lets not forget the Birkenstock EVA Sandals* too). If your holiday is going to involve a lot of walking then stick one of these in your suitcase and you’re sorted. But if a pair for fun evenings out or just something a little fancier is what you’re after, then I have some ideas. MANGO is a great place to head for designer dupes, like these Leather Braided Sandals* that are very similar to some YSL ones, or these Leather Jelly Shoes* that are just like The Row Fisherman Sandals, and their Platform Strap Sandals* that are a good dupe for the Ginza Sandals. I always pack my LOQ Dora Leather Sandals* (I have a pair from an old season that are very similar), and these & Other Stories Strapped Heeled Leather Sandals* are just like a pair from By Far that I have that are great for going out. Finally two pairs that are really sleek and chic and would be great for both night and day are the A Emery Tan Colby Leather Sandals*, and the Porte & Paire Beige Raffia Slides* that are just singing to be put in your bag

SHOP THE SHOES*

THE ACCESSORIES

I’ve just done a pretty extensive round-up of my favourite straw-style tote bags in my last post, so have a read of that or a scroll my edit below for my personal shopping highlights in that category (I do think the MANGO Jute Basket Bag* would be my top pick for how massive it is). I’d recommend a big raffia tote for hand-luggage on the plane and then you’re sorted for a beach bag whilst you’re away, or if you’re really tight on space just go for a tote (MirrorWater are launching one soon that I’ve had a preview of and it’s FAB). But sometimes you want something a little daintier for the evenings right? Again I’m looking for something that squishes well in a case, so here are my picks. Of course the Loewe Small Woven Raffia Tote* is a classic, and MANGO have a great dupe* in for that. Then I do love a little rope bag – they are super practical too as most can be thrown in the wash if needed. I like the look of the ARKET Knitted Mini Tote*, and the Alienina Knot-Detail Shoulder Bag* and Julia Bag in White*. And then I think this Loeffler Randall Willa Raffia Clutch* is such a good all-rounder; from the deck to the dance floor.

SHOP THE ACCESSORIES*

THE SWIMWEAR

I tend to keep it simple with swimwear. I like the idea of classic cuts in neutral tones that I can wear year in, year out and styles that also double-up as vests or extra layers when and as needed. I really love the Slywia Swimsuits – I just find the cut of them so flattering. They show a bit of cheek, but not too much and have a low back with spaghetti straps that make it perfect paired with a pair of denim shorts (their bikinis are great too and are actually what I wore when I gave birth!). For this reason I also love Hunza G*. A one-size-fits-all approach is classically flawed, but I’ve seen so many different friends and peers online wearing them and looking utterly awesome. I like their classic Black Seersucker Swimsuit*, the Chocolate One-Shoulder Swimsuit* and their Sage Green Domino Swimsuit* – that shade will just look great on everyone. Dupes for these are everywhere, but this MANGO Textured Swimsuit with Crossed Straps* looks like a good fit. If you need a little more support then give the ARKET Textured Wire Bikini Top*, and Textured Bikini Bottoms* a go, or I like the sporty-look of this MANGO Seams Bikini Top*.