ONLY HAVE HAND LUGGAGE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? PACK THESE

The urge to switch up your outfit every few hours while on holiday may be hard to ignore, but let’s be real – suitcase space isn’t limitless. Regardless of how many KGs you’re allowed to haul onto your flight, packing smarter, not harder, has its benefits both practically and sartorially. It forces you to prioritise versatile, essential pieces. But if you’d rather daydream about drinks in the sunshine than your ever-changing packing list, we’ve built a holiday-ready capsule wardrobe with inspo from the latest and greatest looks from our socials – and it’ll fit in your carry-on.

#1: A LIGHTWEIGHT SHIRT

You’re taking a break from work, not trying to remind yourself of it – so swap out those smart shirts and Oxfords for casual polos and summer shirts. A must-have for those en-route to the beach or even a cruise, their thinner, lighter feel means you can pack a good few of them into your travel bag. Although we’re particularly loving striped styles and graphic designs, @asseenon.jordan’s pale pink piece makes just as much of a statement.

GET THE LOOK:
Topman short sleeve crinkle shirt in pink, £30
Topman long sleeve crochet polo shirt in stone, £40
Tommy Jeans poplin postcard camp shirt in multi, £60
Cotton On linen box fit short sleeve shirt in cream stripe, £35

#2: NEUTRAL TROUSERS THAT'LL GO WITH EVERYTHING

We’ve got Okinawa natives to thank for the resurgence of linen-look trousers – their easy drawstring, breathability and endless styling potential have made them sunshine staples. @kam.armani is locked into the trend and added a smart-casual spin – the slim-fitting denim jacket polishes his khaki chinos while the Birkenstocks keep the look island-ready. Look out for neutrals and greens when crafting your holiday capsule.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN oversized baggy chino with pleats in khaki, £38
Abercrombie & Fitch baggy pull on textured trouser in grey, £65
Farah greenport wide leg drawcord waist trousers in navy, £75
ARKET wide fit drawstring workwear trousers in beige, £97

#3: ONE COOL CO-ORD

Speaking of linen, another benefit is how easy it is stash into those small crevices in your carry-on. But what’s even better than linen trousers? A linen co-ord. While @asseenonlucian’s kept it undone and romantic with a white set, the beauty of co-ords is their ability to be mix and matched. Just picture the shirt styled with jorts, or the trousers with a muscle tank. Create different configurations with the same base co-ord for a stress-free holiday.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN oversized boxy linen look shirt in white, £20
ASOS DESIGN slim linen blend trousers in white, £28
ASOS DESIGN smart co-ord in blue texture, £73
ASOS DESIGN boxy linen co-ord in green, £55
ASOS DESIGN premium crochet co-ord in black, £110

#4: A STATEMENT BAG

While you may be on the fence about packing bold graphic tops or trousers, statement accessories deserve a first-class spot. Being more efficient doesn’t have to mean boring – @andrewarist’s abstract tote bag is proof with a futuristic design. But if you’d rather stuff your souvenirs into something more compact and convenient, pick crochet bags, bum bags or anything raffia.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN woven crochet sling tote bag in green, £22
River Island luminis logo tote bag in light stone, £25
Carhartt WIP marina tote bag in multi, £70
Champion small shoulder bag in grey, £17

#5: SANDALS FOR DIFFERENT SITUATIONS

If your mind defaulted to Birkenstocks at the first sight of ‘sandals’, we don’t blame you. You can effortlessly slip into them and they go with everything – @thomasfagan_’s white-and-green look is enough proof. But different situations call for different styles. Choose to add techy Tevas, fisherman styles or Havaianas to your packing list too.

GET THE LOOK:
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona sandals in taupe suede, £105
ASOS DESIGN mule clog sandals in stone suede, £40
ASOS DESIGN woven fisherman sandals in brown leather, £35
Teva Original Universal sandal in white pepper, £50