The Ultimate Holiday Capsule Wardrobe | What to pack for your next getaway

Packing for holiday can be such a daunting prospect - I’m definitely an over packer and I find it really difficult to choose what to leave behind, but at the same time I am overwhelmed by all the new summer collections available and end up overbuying or buying similar things to what I’ve already got in wardrobe.

If you’re the same as me and looking for a starting point when it comes to packing for holidays, I’ve put together this guide on what I think are hard-working, capsule pieces that should help you think about what you will actually use and wear on holiday.

My only tip is - do not pack that thing you’ve not worn for 4 years in the hope you’ll wear it this time - you won’t!

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The ultimate holiday capsule wardrobe | the 9 staples to pack for your next getaway.


  1. The Mix & Match Two Piece Set

I’m seeing a lot of great matching sets around at the moment, whether its a linen trousers & shirt co-ord, a maxi skirt & crop top set or printed satin shorts & matching top - these sets are amazing for holiday because they offer plenty of opportunities to re-wear the same pieces together or separately with other items in your wardrobe. The one I’m wearing is from Asceno.

2. The Perfect Fit Swimwear

There’s nothing like finding a good bikini or swimsuit that you can wear time and time again and I think the highstreet is getting better at making quality swimsuits - Marks & Spencer is a particularly worth a mention here, I’ve heard from lots of you that their swimwear fits well and they make good supportive bikini bras too! Here are a few of my favourite swimwear pieces, from highstreet to high end. I’m wearing a bikini from Beach Cafe and a swimsuit from Amazon Fashion.

My Amazon Fashion June Edit

3. The Crochet Knock-out Piece

Crochet is making a comeback in a big way - wear it as a bikini coverup on the beach, with denim shorts and a white vest, or as a date night evening dress - you can’t go wrong with a bit of crochet!

4. The Pareo

The pareo/ sarong is having a moment for SS22 and I am so here for it! Match it to your swimsuit for an elegant look on the beach, clash prints to inject a bit of fun into your holiday outfits or wear it as a bandana top with wide-leg trousers for a cool-girl on vacation vibe. Don’t forget about it when you get back home and use it as a scarf to elevate a simple outfit. I’m wearing Hunza G bikini from Beach Flamingo & pareo from Zulu & Zephyr.

5. The Straw Bag

A staple in any holiday wardrobe, also love that you can easily use a straw bag in the city so it’s a great investment.

6. The Denim Shorts

Perfect for when you don’t know what to wear - pair them with a top from one of the co-ords above.

7. The Sunglasses

Don’t forget your sunglasses! You will obviously have a favourite pair you wear all the time but if you’re looking for a new pair of sunnies below are some of my favourites.

8. The Flat Sandals

I love the idea of taking heels on holiday but the reality is that I end up packing them and wear my flats everywhere I go. So here’s an edit of the best flat sandals I’ve seen.

9. The Dress

Last but most most definitely not least, a dress - if you’re not wearing a nice dress on holiday then when will you?! There are just too many amazing dresses out there but I’ve tried to choose some different ones I love to inspire you. I’m wearing the Bardot Maxi Dress from Debenhams.

If you’re looking for more dress inspiration, check out my Party at the back dress edit, The floral dress edit, The asymmetrical shoulder dress edit, or go through my Sunday Best edits.

If you’re planning a staycation this summer, channel the Coastal Grandma look with my Amazon Fashion Edit

THE COASTAL GRANDMOTHER LIFESTYLE EDIT | Get The Lifestyle With 24 Pieces I Curated From Amazon


If this is the lifestyle for you, go a bit further and incorporate the aesthetic in your home and garden or hire a beach hut and live your best coastal life with a picnic on the beach.

Shop the coastal grandma lifestyle pieces on Amazon

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