Summer holidays are the perfect time to embrace the warmth, soak up the sun, and enjoy some much-needed relaxation. However, packing for a summer getaway (particularly when you’re also having to pack for your children) can be daunting, especially when trying to keep your luggage light and manageable.

Enter the summer holiday capsule wardrobe – a streamlined collection of just fifteen versatile, stylish pieces that mix and match effortlessly, ensuring you look fabulous with minimal effort.

Here’s your guide to creating the perfect summer holiday capsule wardrobe.

Assess your destination and activities

 Before you start packing, consider the climate and the types of activities you’ll be doing. Are you headed to a beach resort, exploring a new city, or going on a nature adventure? Knowing this will help you choose appropriate clothing and accessories. And check restaurant dress codes if your going to an all inclusive resort as many xxxxx

Choose a colour palette

Start with deciding a colour palette which makes mixing and matching easier. Neutrals like white, beige, camel, tan, chocolate brown, navy, grey and black are all great bases. Add a few accent colours that complement each other and reflect the summer vibe – coral, turquoise, tulip yellow and apple green pair well with beige, camel and navy. Rust red, teal, mustard yellow and olive green with chocolate brown.  Jewel colours – think royal blue, emerald green, bright blue red and hot pink look fab with black and charcoal grey.  While pastels and muted shades of pink and purple sit beautifully with light grey and soft white.

Essentials for your summer capsule wardrobe

• Tops: Opt for a mix of two or three plain t-shirts/vest tops in your chosen accent colours. And a lightweight blouse in cotton or linen which can be dressed up or down.
• Shorts: A pair of denim shorts and a pair of classic tailored linen or cotton shorts will give you versatility.
• Lightweight Trousers: Linen or cotton trousers are perfect for staying cool and looking chic.
• Skirts: Skirts, whether maxi, midi or mini in easy-to-match colours (think neutrals mentioned above) can be paired with any top.
• Dresses: A simple sundress for daytime activities is a must – just add your favourite sandals and your good to go. And a versatile dress that can be dressed up with accessories for a night out.
• Outerwear: A denim jacket, lightweight cardigan or poncho for cooler evenings.
• Swimwear: At least two swimsuits/bikini’s to alternate between for beach days.
• Cover-Up: A stylish cover-up that can double up as a dress or top.

If shorts aren’t your thing swap them out for a couple more skirts (the same goes for skirts and dresses) with the aim of sticking to your fifteen pieces.

Be clever with your footwear

The secret here is, like with your wardrobe pieces is to choose shoes that can be mixed and matched with different outfits.  A pair of sandals can be incredibly versatile as they’re perfect for beach days, casual strolls and evening meal out. Wedges are fab for evening wear while a comfy pair of pumps are a must for sightseeing and exploring.

Opt where you can for a neutral colour that goes with various looks – a nude shade close to your skin colour works well as do metallics.  Opt for gold if your suited to shades of colour with a warm undertone and silver if your suited to cool undertone.

Accessories

• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat, a trendy fedora or baseball cap (if that’s your preference) is a must for sun protection.
• Sunglasses: A pair of UV-protective sunglasses – have fun with different colours and styles to suit your mood and outfit
• Jewellery: Take a few pieces of versatile jewellery with you to elevate your outfits
• Bag: A tote bag/rucksack for day outings (you can double up here and use the same one you travelled with) along with a smaller bag for evenings. Cross body bags are great if you need your hands free while a clutch bag can add a nice touch and help elevate an outfit from day to night.

Outfit planning

Plan your outfits ahead of time. Lay out each piece and see how many different outfits you can create. Aim for at least two to three different looks with each item. This not only ensures you’re making the most of your capsule wardrobe but will also save you time deciding what to wear while your away.

Final thoughts

Creating a summer holiday capsule wardrobe is about embracing simplicity without sacrificing style. By carefully selecting versatile, comfortable, and chic pieces, you can enjoy your holiday with a wardrobe that is easy to manage and perfect for any occasion. Remember, the goal is to have a collection of pieces that mix and match effortlessly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your holiday rather than worrying about what to wear.

Happy holidays!