Summer holiday: what to pack for a chic getaway

What to pack for a short summer break

As an in-demand freelance fashion stylist and senior fashion-editor-at-large of Grazia, Gemma Hayward has spent years travelling the globe for fashion shoots and Fashion Weeks.

Busy months mean unpacking a suitcase from one trip only to fill it with clean clothes and jet off yet again. Unsurprisingly, organisation and an easily interchangeable wardrobe are key to keeping on top off this lifestyle, and Hayward has kindly shared some of the tips that have helped her get packing for short trips down to a fine art.

Photo: © Stil, Unsplash

Get organised

'I like everything to go smoothly so I always try to print out my tickets and visas in case technology lets me down,' says Hayward. 'That's why I pack an extra charger and universal adapter.

'They are very un-glamorous essentials, but I always travel with a small sewing kit and a lint roller (Muji makes the best) and a selection of medication for emergencies. And I always pack a book, whatever the destination.'

When it comes to packing itself, Hayward counts herself among the fashionable fans of Away luggage. 'I used to take my Burberry leather weekend bag away with me religiously, but it’s no good for my back,' she explains.

'Just before lockdown I got an Away case and I can honestly say it’s amazing. I went for the Bigger Carry-On suitcase and it's slightly roomier than the standard carry-on as I’m often away for two or three nights at a time. There is a chance that budget airlines will make you check it in because of its depth, but I managed to travel on a Ryanair flight with it as hand luggage, no problem. It’s lightweight, the wheels glide like a dream, there is a TSA-approved phone charger and inside there is a compression pad which squishes all your clothes – it’s genius. My only regret is that I’ve only been able to use it once…'

1. Anker PowerCore 5000, £19.99 – buy here

2. Away The Bigger Carry-On, £245 – buy here

3. SomethingIvy travel sewing kit, £3.24 – buy here

4. Belkin 0.15m braided USB-A to lightning cable, £12.99 – buy here

5. Muji lint roller clothes cleaner, £4.50 – buy here

Build a complementary capsule wardrobe

'I try to pack an outfit for each day and evening which could be interchangeable,' says Hayward.

'For short-haul I will generally travel in a blazer, worn over a sweatshirt and T-shirt with jeans and trainers. That way my blazer doesn’t get crumpled in my bag and I have it for the evenings. I make sure I choose a dress which works with the blazer too.

'Then I take plain T-shirts and shorts, cotton dresses and always an extra pair of jeans – I love the Whistles barrel-leg style – and an oversized shirt. I’ve also realised that I only need to take just one small black handbag with me, which saves lots of space.

'Complementary colour palettes work well with a capsule wardrobe: black, white and beige with bright florals mixed in works really well.'

1. Whistles authentic barrel-leg jeans, were £95, now £76 – buy here

2. Arket oversized linen shirt, £69 – buy here

3. Joseph New Laurent comfort wool jacket, £545 – buy here

4. Arket denim shorts, £45 – buy here

5. The Row Nu Twin mini leather shoulder bag, £1,125 – buy here

Dress for success

'At home I wear quite a monochrome wardrobe,' explains Hayward. 'But I definitely embrace more colour on holiday. As I’ve got older and more confident with my own style so I have ditched the suitcase full of summer clothes that lived under my bed, that I would take on holiday and feel weird that they weren’t very "me".

'Now I am happy with a handful of dresses and I even own a pair of black denim shorts from Arket, that I don’t feel self-conscious in.'

1. & Daughter Marie pleat-back sundress, £325 – buy here

2. Anthropologie Annette printed mididress, £140 – buy here

3. H&M puff-sleeved dress, £24.99 – buy here

4. Maeve Ceri smocked mididress, £120 – buy here

Put your best foot forward

'I was very proud of myself the last time I travelled,' says Hayward, whose shoe collection encompasses everything from Miu Miu court shoes to Gucci sandals. 'I wore trainers to travel, took some Tevas to work in and some Birkenstocks for the evening. I have been known to pack six pairs for a two-night stay so this was a triumph. I think three pairs should be plenty for a few nights away.'

1. Teva Original Universal sandals, £39.99 – buy here

2. Common Projects Achilles canvas sneakers, £290 – buy here

3. Birkenstock Arizona two-strap sandals in black leopard, £65 – buy here

Swimwear inspiration

Stylish swimwear that you'll want to show off wherever your travels take you is a worthwhile investment: quality materials and a good fit will not only prove long-lasting, but they can make you feel more confident to boot.

Browse the Culture Whisper edit of the best swimwear to buy now