The Perfect Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

Style Theory: What to pack for the perfect holiday capsule wardrobe. 

It is so tempting to overpack when going on holiday, I am renowned for it, so I have spent time looking at my key SS14 pieces and compiled my ultimate packing list (clothes only...accessories to follow). The key is to stick to a mix and match colour palette and only take items you feel really comfortable (and would be happy to be photographed) in. Clothes that can be dressed up with accessories and down for daytime are a must, so here is my packing list:  

To wear travelling:

Beachwear:





Next Bikini Top £20 Bottoms £18



M&S Swimsuit £35
This swimsuit has gorgeous detail on the back, my favourite one piece I have seen

To The Beach:


Hat and Bag: as above

I always think linen T-shirts are really useful in lots of different colours to sling on with your shorts for a trip to the beach, Mango have a great selection and also boho tops look great for the beach.

It is also a great idea whilst on holiday to buy a bright (I love burnt orange) sarong that has a thin towel on the back (seem to be available everywhere but here), it can be worn as a wrap down to the beach then put on the sand to lie on, they are invaluable.

I also treat myself to a White Company beach towel.(30% off at the moment £15.40) luxurious and thick and looks great.

Trip To The Market:

Boho Top: H&M £29.99
White Distressed Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Dress: Asos £75
Bag and Sandals as above
Evenings Out:


Dress: Whistles
Bag: Accessorize £35
Jumpsuit: Wallis £52
Sandals: As above
Add extra glamour with fine gold jewellery and sunglasses. I always take heels on holiday with me and wear them once at the very most, running around with the kids in the evenings means heels are not practical so it will be flats for me this year!

My Style:
My favourite and practical outfit from last year, I wore it loads!:


Top: Mango
Shorts: Gap
Espadrilles

So hopefully this year there is really no need for me to over pack as I only ever wear key items, I hope this has helped any packing dilemmas and you can now arrive at the airport and not have to face the dreaded excess baggage charges...Happy Holidays x

28 comments:

  1. Great post, I am the worst contender for over packing and only wearing a tiny amount and this year it's going to be different, I'm going to amaze my family with my small suitcase!
    A x

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    1. Thanks Abbi, best of luck with the packing this summer xx

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  2. I pack absolutely loads, but have started to streamline and mix and match it the last few years. Love the ASOS boho dress and your fab top in the picture.

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    1. Me too Emma, I really have to practice what I preach..this summer just a capsule wardrobe, the Asos dress is lovely! x

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  3. Perfect packer! Can you come and do mine?! xx

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    1. Ha Michelle, I am soo going to try pack small this year!

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  4. We aren't going away this year with baby due end of this month. We did go away a few times last year tho & I always overpack as I tend to take enough for an outfit a day plus a clean one for the evening. Well mainly two tops per bottom for example. I've never experienced excess baggage charges though so I guess I'm getting it kind of right!!

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    1. Yep, you must be getting it right, we always do but I think that is because I pack far too much for the kids too! xx

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  5. I'm sold on your beachwear - my perfect summer look:) Off to shop for this jumpsuit, love it!

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    1. Thanks so much, I love a jumpsuit on holiday xx

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  6. Last year I totally overpacked. So near the end of the Hols I sat and wrote a list of the items we had actually used and worn. Including how much sun creams in each factor. I always bring way too much 50 and those bottles are really heavy.
    Not this year. I am so confident that I will only be bringing half the stuff that I have only booked one suitcase in the hold. Plus two overhead suitcases. Not bad for a family of four.

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    1. Oooo that is just the best idea ever, love it, I will do that this year with the kids stuff, genuis! xx

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  7. Loved this post Frances. Lots of inspiration - thank you xx

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  8. Fab post Frances, loving your outfit sets. I am going tomorrow and this year I am going to invest in one of those sarong, beach throw things You talked about they are far chic than a towel to lie on and more useful. Lovely picture of you and your 2 little ones... Beautiful xx

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    1. Thanks so much Anne-Marie, I do love those sarong/towels and will be getting myself one too! xx

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  9. Oh I love a holiday capsule post and you have chosen some lovely pieces here Frances x

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  10. Love this post Frances, it's so nice having it all laid out to read in one place - I think I may take inspiration from this! I am so in need of a good denim short so off to check out Gap's. Oh and those t-shirts look great too x

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    1. Thanks Natalie, the gap shorts are lovely xx

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  11. I'm thinking about my holiday packing and I've still got five weeks to go. Iam determined not to overpack. If anything I finish up taking too many shoes and you are right the heels hardly ever get worn I love that Mango linen tee

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    1. I am so determined this year too..good luck xx

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  12. Thank you for the lovely post and lots of inspiration. I think I have the travelling outfit sorted - I even scored that Mango jacket today at 40% off!!! I just have to find clothes for evenings out... And not to pack too many pairs of shoes. Turkey, here I come!

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  13. Yay so glad you got that fab jacket 40% off!! Have a wonderful holiday in Turkey xxx

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  14. Great post, great items & great advice! I love the travelling outfit & that Oasis bag is so fab! Ax

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