Wherever you are headed this month, let's bust the stress and make getting your holiday outfits together pain free. We've put together a staycation ready packing list to guide you through a capsule wardrobe that will tick the boxes for whilst you are away.
1. Start with the basic building blocks
Simple advice, but it's easy to jump right in when you start packing for a trip with the more stand out items you've recently invested in. Instead take it back to the real building block basics to make sure you form a solid core to your holiday wardrobe (because there's nothing worse than getting to your location only to realise you've packed not one single functional piece of clothing). Weather dependent, denim is an obvious place to start. Straight leg, mid-wash, all moods appropriate jeans will make your dressing easier. Cooler days? Chuck them on. Evening out but feel overdressed? Pair your fancier top with a pair and relax into it. Plus, they are ideal for travel time. Add in a simple white vest as a versatile layering item to wear under a dress or alone.
2. Add a versatile layer to dress up or down
Again, we've all been there when you forget that all important layer. Keep warm without filling up your suitcase with bulky pieces by opting for a cool and comfortable organic cotton in a classic cut. This sky-blue shade of Kowtow's Henri sweater will look just as good with denim as floaty dresses. Woven from organic cotton rib knit it has cleverly placed lines to help define your shape. Blue to calm and refresh the mind, and holiday wardrobe. Or if you are more into neutrals check out its sister in a camel tone.
3. New socks - because nothing feels better
If there's one easy upgrade you can make without a full wardrobe overhaul, it's new socks. Nothing feels better than slipping on a fresh pair, right? Pamper your feet with these classic ones from WORON (we just restocked in all colours, so we've got you sorted). Made from luxurious Egyptian organic cotton, they provide unparalleled softness and breathability - staff tried and tested. The roll-top style cuffs with structured toes and heels for ultimate comfort mean they'll stand up to plenty of exploring you might be doing whilst away. Check out the full colour range here.
4. Can't go wrong with a striped Breton
A friend once mentioned that her laundry room looked like a sailor had come to stay thanks to the multitude of striped tops she wore and washed. But it's a true classic, not to mention an undeniably recognisable way to dress whilst on holiday especially by the coast. Our version from Self Cinema is again cut from organic cotton (seriously soft, a real treat against your skin) and will for sure remain a timeless classic in your wardrobe. The relaxed crew neck, shoulder detail and side split keep this one easy for outfitting. Pair with everything already in your suitcase for no thinking needed summer styling.
5. Loungewear you'd be happy to leave the house in
Holiday equals relaxing, so make sure you pack something you'll feel completely at ease in for those wind down days. Jumpsuits are arguably made for time off thanks to their easy styling, to the max comfort level and pyjamas-you-wear-outside feel. The Kimmie is a knitted all-in-one that will provide that comfort but be sure to attract compliments whilst you are at it. Cut from a light organic cotton knit in a relaxed silhouette, it has an elasticated waist, belt tie and is tapered at the ankle. Wear it over the white vest you've packed and with flat sandals for the day, and a pair of heels for the night.
6. Something you don't have to think about
Take that same day to night mentality but make it fashion. The light, throw-on-and-go Saga Jumpsuit is the perfect option for summer days in the city, or taking warm weeks off. With a soft, draping silhouette which ties at the front and has hidden pockets in the side, it makes it an easy choice for a holiday when you don't want to think but still want to feel your best. Made from silky soft tencel fabric with retro stripes in mid blue and off white, ready to pair with slides or a pair of sneakers. Throw over the knit if needed and dress up with some high shine jewellery (more on that later).
7. Dress up pieces you can mix and match
Now it's time for the really fun stuff. Dress up, staycation style, with pieces that are soft to touch, comfortable and easy to style. The Lavanda Skirt is made from a sustainably-sourced tencel and has an asymmetrical hem meaning it's a flattering choice for all heights and shapes. It slips on effortlessly and has a concealed zip for a clean seamless finish. Wear with your Breton tucked in or out, a simple vest and statement earrings, or with a special top - we'll be packing the Mother Nature inspired Lotus Top, a soft coffee coloured surplus modal fabric, with subtle shoulder pleats and soft draping. Ideal for a versatile evening look or take it back down to casual with jeans.
8. Comfy shoes, a must (we've all been there)
As soon as we got in these sandals, we said they had 'wild levels of comfort'. Avoid plastic flip-flops to step into a natural cork supportive base and soft quilted upper with these Numi Slides. Easy wear comfort from the moment you slip them on, ready to accompany daily wear whether that is to explore a new city, head out to dinner or even to spend a day at the beach. Wear with the jeans and a knit to have that first morning coffee, or with bare legs in the Poppy Skirt.
9. Daily wear jewellery to add an edge
Top everything off with jewellery. The quickest way to add some shine and interest to an outfit, yet takes up next to no space in your suitcase and doesn't add weight. We'd go for a balance of daily wear, chunkier pieces like the Jascha Bracelet (in brass, or gold for a step up) and newly restocked necklace, and a few finer options for evening. This elegant necklace from Studio Adorn is a winner, or simple silver hoops from Wolf Circus will add something a bit more special to your styling.
10. The ultimate toiletry duo
Travelling is always in need of this kind to the skin hand sanitiser, but we'd say that right now it's an absolute necessity. Make keeping safe an easy experience with these handy Rinse-Free Hand Cleansers from Earl of East. Produced in the brand's London studio, each is made from the finest UK essential oils and organic denatured alcohol, killing 99.9% germs whilst remaining moisturising (and smelling incredible!) for your hands with peppermint, lavender and clary sage. And don't forget its partner in crime, for tired moments mid-travel or at the end of a day - a pillow mist with notes of Mandarin, Lavender and Frankincense. And that's a wrap.
As always, we want to help you find the best things to add to your wardrobe, knowing you've invested in brands that look good and do good. Get in touch if you need more info on styling, sizing and fit, or if you just fancy a chat about happy fashion.