And I won’t purchase anything just for a two-week break.
Twenty-five times before, I would have packed all of my favorite summerwear in a backpack and spent a week’s salary on a lace cover-up, but now I know much.
I want to travel through an airport with carry-on luggage, which means reducing your holiday wardrobe to the bare minimum (seven can’t-go-wrong items) plus a few You Never Knows for fun.
1. A roll- over evening dress
It doesn’t have to be a pop- over — V- neck, loose fit, no buttons or zips or belt — but it has to be easy, breezy and ideally midi with three- quarter sleeves, because coverage in the sun when you ca n’t get out of it is what keeps you cool.
I’ve been wearing the exact tenty, softly- striped Zara clothing for years— and it does the job properly. Hush makes a lightweight maxi in petrol blue for something in the same vein ( £79, hush- uk .com ). John Lewis has a slightly fabric look, orange- on- bright spot print, fabric blend dress ( £75, johnlewis.com ).
Or, for something extra holiday floaty, there’s Aspiga’s Mykonos dress which now comes in maxi and midi length ( £115, aspiga.com ).
You’d look better with a simple color or mathematical print because it looks cooler and they can be quickly dressed up for the night with some bold, inexpensive jewelry. Try Zara for resin coral- effect necklaces or packs of beads and silk necklaces ( £22.99, zara.com ) and Mango for great shell earrings ( mango.com ).
2. Cushioned shoes
You’re going to the beach and through the pavement while wearing the boots you’re wearing. If you’re still looking for these, try Marks & Spencers’ suede footbed sliders in tan (£29.50, marksand spencer.com) or its flatform thongs in black (£35).
Then, the cushioned beautiful sandal is the only option if you want an evening pair thanks to the current vogue for smooth, bright artisanal sandals to wear with everything.
There are endless variations out there, but my favourites include Hush’s Thea footbed sandal ( £99 ), and Me+Em’s T- bar sandals ( £195, meand em.com ) in gold or tan. They add sophistication and create worn-out holiday attire look brand-new.
There is no substitute for a cord hammer on vacation if you really want some foot elevation, and why not? Try Hobbs’s ankle- strap espadrilles in cilantro green ( £110, johnlewis.com ).
3. Great black skirts
They’re stretchy- waisted for more comfort in the heat, smooth, light and large so you can wear them day or evening. Boden does a cropped pair in doublecloth ( £60, boden. co. uk ) and Mango does a good longer style ( £35.99, shop. mango.com ). These look great with a T top, a linen shirt, or a beautiful top, or you can pair them with a dark top to create a summery jumpsuit.
4. The Little Black ( Summer ) Dress
This is the one you’ll use after midnight, though it works in the day, too. It might have a more defined neckline, some pretty information, even a ruffle lace, but it’s still easy and smooth. The Hush ($89) Clarice cotton midi dress is a classic, cut in an A-line style with a fabric tie belt that makes it evening-ready.
Or, for those who have been working out for weights, Marks & Spencer’s Nobody’s Child has a sleeveless midaxi with a flattering deep V-neck, fitted bodice, and a lightweight linen mix ($79). There’s a dark clothing to fit all this summer. I gave up tallying when I got to 50 on the M&S site.
5. An unexpected more in strong printing
If the sarong skirt from Marks & Spencer’s new Sienna Miller collection ( £25 ), even if it breaks the “no buying specially for holidays” rule, is a no-brainer for the holiday pile. With a light T, or over a dress, we can assume to become Sienna for a minute. Sigh.
6. A wild case
Mango’s net bag in orange trimmed with silver beads ( £79.99 ) will put a rocket in everything you wear.
7. A very blanket
Last but not least, a wrap or scarf to sling on in the evening — try Aspiga or Nrby Clothing (nrbyclothing.com) — will keep you warm in a breeze and add a dash of colour. I’d get two.