How to pack for the holidays

Summer holidays are for letting your hair down, mimosa-filled brunches, naps after lunch, and sunset get togethers. Simple dressing is key for keeping every day relaxed – think a Matteau dress, Golden Goose sneakers, Le Hat, and a Jackson bag. Simple, stylish and comfortable.

Packing well can make or break a holiday. We asked Elizabeth Clarke and our staff how to pack for perfect holiday styling.

1. Pack outfits, not pieces

Think about how you'll be spending your days and rather than list ‘items,’ think about ‘outfits’. Forget those that don't work from day-to-night or with the weather forecast. Leave your leather tote at home and take The Jackson’s jute tote or an Anya Hindmarch woven bag. Replace your heels with Marni sandals and Philippe Model sneakers. Bring out the coolest, most carefree pieces you own – a Pippa Holt kaftan, Anine Bing tanks and AGOLDE shorts and Ulla Johnson and Matteau sundresses. And of course, pack a classic one-piece, like a Matteau swimsuit, cut simply in chalk and a rich, earthy hue.

2. Pack like a pro

Accessory designer Anya Hindmarch packs using the ‘Russian Doll formula’. She uses her loose leather pockets for separating and organising essentials like cables and chargers and lotions and potions. It makes it easy to locate exactly what you need when you need it, with ease.

3. Pack with precision

Rolling clothes keeps them mostly unwrinkled and takes less space than folding. Stash your underwear in a little zipper bag, and prevent bags and shoes from getting damaged by stuffing them with socks. Stash each pair of shoes in their own little flannel bag to avoid them marking your clothes.

4. Embellish with abandon

Pack jewellery that makes switching up accessories seamless between day and night. Remember - diamonds are not just for evening and Christmas is the perfect time to sparkle. Wear with absolutely everything - under a Nili Lotan collared shirt (unbuttoned low) or add a festoon of gems to a flowing LA Double J dress. Anything goes!

5. Impromptu party dress

You never know when an impromptu invitation will come your way. A Rixo, Ulla Johnson, or Isabel Marant dress will take you anywhere. Team with sandals, sneakers and a faux sun kissed glow for effortless holiday chic.

6. Beauty basics

Pack sunscreen (we love clean Mother SPF30), toiletries, makeup, and skin and hair products. Of course, you will save room without your full size Rohr Remedy body crème and be able to buy some on hols, but it’s far nicer to bring your own.

7. Add a topper

For unseasonably chilly evenings, an Alexandra Golvonoff cashmere sweater layered with a Xirena henley is great, all throw in Anine Bing's utility jacket and toss it over everything from a sundress to jeans and a tee. Roll or push up its sleeves and you’re good to go.

So, how to choose? Naturally, we asked the experts themselves — Adam Heath staffers— to share what they’re packing for their upcoming holidays.