The moment to start planning your personal holiday capsule wardrobe is now. It’s already difficult enough to plan what to wear on an international vacation without having to consider whether or not you’ll be able to bring a carry-on and how much it will cost to check a bag. Packing for a summer vacation doesn’t have to be a hassle if you stick to this essential cut of only 10 items.
Invest in pieces that can be worn both during the day and at night for the best holiday capsule wardrobe. A black swimsuit, for example, is a need for beach vacations and can be worn again in the evening as a top. Similarly, a lightweight open jacket can serve as a stylish cover-up by the pool, a light jacket on those chillier evenings, and a trendy wrap dress when worn with a belt.
The best part is that we’ve already done the legwork for you by choosing the essentials for your holiday capsule outfit. You may easily be prepared for summer 2023 by selecting only one item from each category; moreover, these timeless styles will serve you well for many years to come.
1. The wide-leg trousers
Wide-legged trousers, whether in a tailored cut or a looser jogger style, are always a good vacation choice, and a pair with a drawstring waist may be worn as a stylish but practical airport outfit. Lightweight alternatives made from chambray, linen, or jersey will keep you cool all day long, even if pants may seem like the last thing you want to wear when it’s hot outside.
2. The day-to-night dress
A garment that can be worn both during the day and at night is a must-have for the holidays. The most adaptable silhouettes are flowy maxi dresses, which can be worn as a beach coverup by day and dressed up for the evening with the addition of a belt and some bold jewelry. Our favorite way to wear M&S’s halterneck dress while sightseeing is over a white tee because of the extra coverage it provides from the sun.
3. The classic Breton Tee
In GH’s opinion, a t-shirt is an essential piece of clothing that should be included in your summer packing list as well as a permanent fixture in your closet. Better still, a Breton variation will add a touch of sophistication to your daytime denim shorts or dress up your evening linen trousers. Cos has a vibrant green striped option this season if you’re looking for anything other than the standard navy or blue.
4. The light jacket
You should bring a light jacket on your trip because eating outside in the evening might get chilly even in the summer. Try a robe instead of a denim jacket or a cardigan if you want something that can be worn in a variety of settings. This style is commonly seen as a beach cover-up, but it may also be worn as an evening dress overlay or to spruce up a basic camisole and pants ensemble. Also, a longer version looks great as a wrap dress when the waist is cinched with a leather belt.
5. The throw-on shirt
A versatile throw-on shirt, whether it’s a tunic or a boxy button-down, may be worn over a bikini during the day, with trousers in the evening, or even as a lightweight jacket over a summer dress. You can get away with almost any silhouette as long as it’s big but try to keep to airy fabrics like linen and cotton.
6. The chic sunhat
Wearing a stylish sunhat is essential while venturing into the sun. This season’s versions feature cut-outs, ornate bows, and crochet, making a wide-brimmed boater or fedora the perfect accessory to dress up even the most basic of clothes while protecting your face from the sun.
7. The straw bag
Don’t limit yourself to carrying your beach essentials in a straw tote. We adore how these lightweight bags look with feminine summer dresses, but they’re great for any festive occasion. Oversized versions with high-end details like bamboo handles, leather trim, and fringing can be found all over the high street this season. If you are concerned about the safety of your belongings in bags with open tops, consider purchasing one from M&S, as it features an additional internal pocket.
8. The comfy sandals
No one wants their vacation ruined by blisters and sore arches from wearing uncomfortable shoes while sightseeing or strolling down the boardwalk in the evening. Pick a flat sandal that provides some arch support and cushioning (something with a flatform if you need a little extra height). And if you need something dressier, strappy sandals with minimal detailing are timeless and complement any outfit.
9. The flattering swimsuit
Even though you have a whole drawer full of swimsuits at home, all you really need is one decent one for your vacation. Invest in classic prints like paisley and Breton stripes, or go for the simplicity of black for a touch of understated class. We adore halterneck and asymmetric strap styles since they give refinement to poolside outfits and make a swimsuit chic enough to wear as a top (just add a midaxi skirt and light jacket).
10. The Midaxi skirt
The midaxi skirt is a summer wardrobe essential because it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Try it with a camisole instead of a T-shirt and some lipstick to go from day to night. You may make a splash with bold, summery prints, or play it safe with solid colors and simple patterns. The spacious tiered skirt (particularly those from Boden, with their elasticized waist) is our go-to because it is both stylish and comfortable.
