ONLY HAVE HAND LUGGAGE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? PACK THESE

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 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: THE BIKINI

Summer means soaking up the sun with a good book, digicam pictures at every opportunity and lots of flower accessories – all of which are done best in a bikini. @wilmaolssonss makes a case for eye-catching prints and add-ons for your off-duty looks. And don’t sleep on the versatility of a two-piece or swimsuit – you can mix-and-match your swimwear or get the same print in different styles to create endless looks from less pieces.

GET THE LOOK:
South Beach shiny abstract print underwire bikini top in green, £18
South Beach crinkle swimsuit with ring detail in pink, £34
& Other Stories triangle bikini top in brown zebra print, £23
Frankies Bikinis X Bella Hadid polka dot triangle bikini top in white, £99

#2: THE CO-ORD

When it comes to saving space, pieces that can be worn together, swapped around and dialled up or down are non-negotiable – in Layman’s terms: secure a co-ord. This season’s must-have styles include woven and linen-look fabrics, crochet details and @maylinda.r's favourite – ruffles. This green top and trousers duo is a match made in heaven, but we can also see the top paired with denim shorts or the trousers with a slim-fit tee. Hot climates are just another excuse to go full boho – so finish off your co-ord with retro-inspired jewellery.

GET THE LOOK:
South Beach x Misha Grimes loose fit beach trouser co-ord in green, £35
ASOS DESIGN co-ord textured flare trousers in buttermilk, £24
ASOS DESIGN linen blend straight leg trousers co-ord in white, £32
ASOS DESIGN stripe scallop edge knitted short co-ord in pink, £26

#3: THE DRESS

If you’re patiently counting down the days to explore, wine-taste and eat your way around Italy or the Mediterranean, a versatile dress will be your best friend. Think a crochet maxi that can stand alone or be layered atop a bikini or look to @sophieannestyles_ and her buttermilk yellow number – it pairs like a dream with raffia accessories and the shirred design makes it ultra comfortable, but it can also be worn in the evenings with heels and a clutch.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN midi dress with cinched channel waist in butter yellow, £38
ASOS DESIGN crochet fringed floral dress in blue, £75
COLLUSION multi channel maxi dress in white, £32.99
ASOS DESIGN satin drape asymmetric cutout midi dress in olive, £55

#4: THE BAG

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 ruffles, distressed denim and washed tones. If no, add @kathrynlucyoutfit's Topshop tote to your wishlist – its supersized size makes it a must-have for souvenir shopping. If you missed out on a Labubu, don’t worry – this bag’s stripes make just as much of a statement.

GET THE LOOK:
Topshop Tino nylon ruched tote bag in green stripe, £32
Topshop Goldie stripe straw bag in green stripe, £36
Motel teria fringe detail slouchy bag in tan, £35
Mango raffia pouch bag in tan, £22.99

#5: THE SANDALS

It’s no wonder kitten heels had a major resurgence a few years back – you can effortlessly slip into them, they’ve got 90s-Carrie Bradshaw appeal and they go with everything – @marthawr's all-black look is enough proof. But heels, no matter the length, don’t always cut it for beach strolls and boat parties – and that’s where sandals come in. From vibrant flip flops from Havaianas to metallic styles, find your favourites and give them a first-class spot in your carry-on.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN Hawaii toe thong kitten heeled sandals in black, £22
New Look PU flip flops in tan, £10
Havaianas square toe boho flip flops in pink, £45
ASOS DESIGN Found flat mules with stones in gold, £22