The secret to packing well isn't packing more — it's packing pieces that work together. Build your holiday wardrobe around one colour palette and a couple of versatile shoes, and a week away fits comfortably in a carry-on. Here's the exact capsule, plus the packing strategy that makes it work.
Start with a palette
Pick two neutrals (say, tan and white, or black and cream) and one accent colour you love. Every piece you pack should work within that palette so any top goes with any bottom. This single decision is what lets you pack less and still have something for every day.
The capsule: what to pack for a week
Dresses (3). Your holiday workhorses. One slip or midi dress for the day, one floaty maxi for evenings, and one easy throw-on for the beach. Browse the dresses collection for pieces that pack small and shake out crease-free.
Tops (3). A linen shirt (doubles as beach cover-up), a vest, and one nicer blouse for dinner. Pull these from the tops & shirts collection.
Bottoms (2). One pair of wide-leg trousers for travel days and cooler evenings, plus a pair of shorts.
Shoes (2 — this is the bit people get wrong). You only need two pairs:
- A comfortable walking sandal for sightseeing and long days — the Talia Ergonomic Sandal (£18.99) is built for exactly this.
- A beach/pool slide that won't mind getting wet — the Coastal Charm Slides (£23.99) double as a harbour-stroll shoe.
If you've got an evening event, a metallic or low wedge is the one luxury pair worth the space.
Accessories. One roomy day bag, a packable hat, sunglasses, and a couple of pieces of jewellery that lift a plain dress into evening wear.
The packing strategy
- Roll, don't fold. Rolling saves space and reduces creases.
- Wear your bulkiest items on the plane — trousers and your closed shoe if you're taking one.
- Pack a tote inside your case for beach days and the inevitable holiday shopping.
- Decant toiletries into 100ml bottles to stay carry-on legal.
- One “just in case” outfit, not five. The capsule already covers you.
A week of outfits from one small case
With the capsule above, here's how a week looks without repeating a single outfit:
- Travel day: trousers + vest + linen shirt + walking sandals.
- Beach day: swimwear + throw-on dress + slides.
- Sightseeing: shorts + linen shirt + walking sandals + day bag.
- Lunch out: midi dress + walking sandals + sunglasses.
- Evening 1: maxi dress + wedge + jewellery.
- Evening 2: trousers + blouse + wedge.
- Last day: slip dress + slides, easy for travelling home.
Seven distinct looks, one carry-on. Build your own version starting with the shoes and dresses collections, and if you're undecided on footwear, our walking sandals guide will help you choose.