Family holidays are not always from the blissful getaways TV ads would have us believe. The reality is they are often busier than we’d like, definitely louder, and not nearly as glamorous as we wish them to be. Packing can be a nightmare too, especially if done last minute in the dark and just before the cab is about to arrive. Yes, we’ve all been there and we’ve all ended up with a suitcase full of random and mismatched clothes that we then struggle to put together into coherent outfits.
So what can you do to make your next holiday clothing selection more organised? The best advice we’ve ever heard is to pack outfits and not clothes. Have a think of the activities you’re going to be doing and plan accordingly to minimise the time you’ll spend creating outfits when you could be (hopefully!) relaxing instead. Below are the key items to add to your holiday wardrobe for maximum style and minimum effort.
The day dress
Dresses are the ultimate ‘one and done’ outfits; throw it on, add a hat and some sandals and you’re ready for the day. Choosing linen for your day option is a no brainer, it’s breezy and bound to help you keep cool. A shift style dress or a wrap, in a length of your choice, will look chic whilst being comfortable and practical without restricting movement – perfect for running after the kids or lounging with a book.
The evening dress
We’d encourage you to bring a second dress for when you want to look good but are exhausted from the day’s activities. A maxi, in either a solid colour or a bold print, always looks glamorous even when paired with flats. Dressing up a long dress is extremely easy; a slick of bright lipstick will usually do the trick or a pair of statement earrings are all you really need.
The tailored short
You may read ‘tailored’ and shudder at the thought of wearing anything structured on holiday but a tailored short is a lot less maintenance than it appears, and extremely versatile to boot. The fabric choice is up to you, you can go with linen, denim, or cotton, keeping the shape at least mid-waist. Aim for the overall look of the shorts to appear ‘smart’. We love this style because it can be worn with a tank top or t-shirt for daytime trips, when paired with a light shirt and wedges it becomes an effortless evening option.
A straw bag
This trendy item does more than look good in photos, which it helpfully does too. Pick a medium-sized bag to take you to the beach, a day trip and your evening meal – it really is that multipurpose. We really can’t think of a holiday outfit it doesn’t look good with. No need to spend a fortune on it either, you’ll likely be able to pick one up on your travels for a fraction of the high street cost.
What are your tips for packing for a family holiday?
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One day I’LL pack just what i need – trouble is i never know what i may need !
Author
Haha! Me too! You have to pack for all weather too! xxx
Ooh, a straw bag is a good tip, thank you! And a maxi dress looks so elegant on a summer evening.
Author
Thanks xxx
Good tips. I always seem to pack loads more than I should
Great tips, we are currently packing I have only sorted the kids stuff and theres loads! may have to have a rethink
Author
Packing is such a a hard job- a holiday is well deserved after lol. I’m currently unpacking! 🙁 xxx