FASHION
ONLY HAVE HAND LUGGAGE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? PACK THESE
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 27 July 2026
The feminine urge to switch up your outfit every few hours 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 put together the holiday-ready wardrobe staples that'll make deciding what to take on holiday a breeze – and they'll all fit in your carry-on.
#1: MIX-AND-MATCH SWIMWEAR
Summer means soaking up the sun with a good paperback, digicam pictures at every opportunity and going OTT on the accessories – all of which are done best in a bikini. Holidays are the best opportunity to step out of your comfort zone with eye-catching prints or colour-clashing add-ons. And don’t sleep on the versatility of a two-piece – you can mix-and-match your swimwear or get the same style in different colours to create endless looks. A holiday must-have.
GET THE LOOK:
01: For Love & Lemons Cherry mae bikini in cream floral, from £95
02: ASOS DESIGN Talia bikini in tiger print, from £16
03: ASOS DESIGN Brogan bikini in chocolate palm print, from £14
04: ARKET co-ord crinkle bikini in blue, from £22
#2: A VERSATILE CO-ORD
When it comes to deciding what to pack for a weekend away or a longer trip, saving space is essential. That being said, pieces that can be worn together, swapped around and dialled up are non-negotiable. In layman’s terms: secure a co-ord. This season’s must-have styles include linen and crinkled seersucker, crochet details and draping. Missy Empire's brown top-and-skirt duo is a match made in heaven, but you can make other combos out of it with white trousers or a ruffled halter top. Hot climates are another excuse to go full boho, so if you have extra room, finish off your co-ord with statement jewellery – think chunky bangles, layered chains and resin earrings.
GET THE LOOK:
01: ASOS DESIGN crochet co-ord in khaki, from £22
02: ASOS DESIGN cotton pull on co-ord lace trim shorts in buttermilk, from £24
03: Missy Empire soft touch bandeau top and skirt co-ord in chocolate, from £14
04: Miss Selfridge tailored co-ord in red gingham, from £32.99
#3: DRESSES FOR DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
If you’re patiently counting down the days until you can explore, drink and eat your way around France, Italy or Greece, a versatile dress will be your best friend. For example, a crochet maxi that can stand alone or layer over a bikini on the beach. Alternatively, you could look to the season's favourite print for inspiration – polka dots The playful pattern pairs like a dream with raffia accessories and minimalist sandals.
GET THE LOOK:
01: Mango linen mix tie waist sleeveless midi dress in butter yellow, £49.99
02: ASOS DESIGN crochet asym midi dress in cream, £130
03: ASOS DESIGN polka dot midi dress in blue and brown, £34
04: New Look stripe shirred tie back midi dress in blue, £36
#4: BOHO BAGS
Speaking of raffia accessories and boho – before securing a holiday bag, ask yourself: would Sienna Miller wear this in the late 2010s? If yes, style it with your co-ord. If no, add a straw tote to your wishlist. The bigger, the better – supersized proportions makes them a must for souvenir shopping, and they can double as your under-seat bag on the plane. If your days are more low-key, go with something compact that still packs a visual punch, like Topshop's textured grab bag.
GET THE LOOK:
01: Topshop Milan medium crochet tassel bag in chocolate, £38
02: ASOS DESIGN straw crochet tote bag in mono stripe, £1
03: Topshop Milo medium straw fringe grab bag in natural, £38
04: ASOS DESIGN faux suede cutwork tote bag with internal pouch in tan, £34
#5: ELEVATED SANDALS
Pictures: ASOS
It’s no wonder kitten heels have had a major resurgence – you can effortlessly slip into them, they’ve got 90s-Carrie Bradshaw appeal and they go with everything – Topshop's all-black Nolan pair is enough proof. But heels, no matter the height, don’t always cut it for beach strolls and boat parties – and that’s where sandals come in. From jelly flip-flops to beaded styles, find your favourite and give them a first-class spot in your carry-on.
GET THE LOOK:
01: Melissa Flip flop slim x ganni in brown, £95
02: SIMMI Shoes Hannah flower detail flat sandals in gold metallic, £20
03: Topshop Nolan beaded toe thong mid heel sandal in black, £48
04: ASOS DESIGN Frost beaded double strap sandal in gold, £26
