How To Pack For A Holiday Like A Fashion Editor

Image: Joules

If you're one of those people who can’t seem to tear themselves away from glossy magazines, blogs and Instagram feeds ahead of a getaway, then welcome to the club. However, whilst on our quest for inspiration, it’s easy to become convinced that fashion influencers spend their entire holiday wafting around in unobtainable designer dresses, umpteen outfit changes and supersize accessories that you don’t stand a chance of fitting through airport security scanners successfully. Yes, we too may dream of looking like something out of a magazine spread on our holiday, but don’t be fooled - that level of effortless poolside glamour actually requires some serious effort (and suitcase space). 

That's why, we're looking to the original fashion big wigs for our latest holiday looks: the editors. The ultimate source of street style inspiration before social media turned its attention to super young fast fashion-istas and encouraging us to consume as many passing fads as possible, the definitive fashion editor style was all about standing the test of time. When you think of Anna Wintour's iconic hair cut, Vogue Paris's Emmanuelle Alt and her white shirt and denim combos or Carine Rotifeld's black leather trousers, it's all about boiling your style down to the classic repeat-wear pieces that work for you, wherever and whenever. It's something we apply to our holiday style too, focusing our efforts on the tried-and-true pieces that we'll reach for year after year, instead of obsessing over prints and pieces you won't care about past Christmas. 

Without full access to your wardrobe on holiday, it’s important to pack light and pack right with clothing that's built to last. That means seeking out a clever mix of summer staples and forever pieces that will pack a serious punch on the ‘gram and also work well for every activity on your destination to-do list (not to mention still look great when you look back at the photos later). Luckily, this summer, Joules has devised a capsule collection of wear-everywhere essentials which will do exactly that, from easy-going tees and shorts for ticking off any sights on your bucket list to bold printed shirt dresses that you’ll want to wear to breakfast, on a morning stroll and even to a late night dinner under the stars. Sticking to a simple colour palette across easy-to-wear shapes and tried and tested prints like spots and stripes, its a classic selection of low maintenance pieces that will stand the test of time and look sensational wherever you’re jetting off to. Add in a few trending accessories for good measure, and you’ve got yourself a considered and timeless holiday wardrobe to rival any of fashion’s finest.  

Scroll down for our 5 expert packing tips and tricks that will get you suitcase savvy and channelling your inner fashionista fast.

Brightly coloured scarves have been making an appearance in some of our favourite feeds of late, and though a scarf outside of winter may sound like a curious thing you’d be surprised at just how useful this multitasking hero can be. Use a colourful or printed scarf to lay on at the beach, wrap around your hair as a headband when facing the sea breeze (paired with ginormous sunglasses, obviously), twisted and tied as a belt on shorts, wrapped around the waist as a chic beach cover-up or around shoulders at sundown when there’s no room in your luggage for jacket. 

As enviable as influencers and editors are with the latest ‘it’ prints, when it comes to building a holiday wardrobe that won't date you just can’t beat the classics. In the eternal battle between spots and stripes, who will come out on top? We’ll always find space for both, whether its a Riviera inspired stripe tee or an easy polka dot midi, and will never leave home without a floral dress.

Honestly, is there anything a cotton shirt can’t do? Cool when worn oversized with swimwear when making the move from beach to bar, chic tucked into white denim during to day and smart enough when paired with a slip or midi skirt for cocktails later. If you struggle in the heat, make it ultra lightweight in linen.

Even if you pack a wardrobe filled with single block colours and super simple, minimalist shapes, accessories have the power to totally transform. A wide brimmed oversized sunhat is an absolute essential for any poolside poseur, whilst large sunglasses - as well as bringing the glamour - are perfect for reading without glare, and for people watching at lunch. Look to bold and bright jangly earrings to give a day dress some night time appeal.  

On in one and you’re done, save precious minutes in the morning by creating an outfit out of a single item or co-ordinating print. Midi length shirt dresses and loose-fit jumpsuits are repeat wears wherever we are in the world, whilst a matching top and culottes make a striking pair together and look equally as cool as separates later. Just add accessories to update the look depending on the time of day - simple sandals and straw accessories by day; block heels and a flush of bronzer by night.