Stylish Suitcases: Smart Packing Tips for Your Summer Holidays

With long, sunny days and nights ahead, the scent of suncream in the air, summer is officially calling. Whether you're heading for a chic city break, a coastal escape or a countryside retreat, now’s the time to start thinking about how you’ll pack not just efficiently, but stylishly too.

As a personal stylist, I often say this to my clients: Your suitcase should feel like a mini wardrobe that works for you, not against you. If packing has ever left you feeling overwhelmed or uninspired, don’t worry, you’re not alone. But with just a little planning and a touch of colour confidence, you can transform your travel wardrobe into something that makes dressing on holiday a breeze.

Think Capsule, Not Chaos

The key to packing smartly? A well-edited capsule. Choose versatile, mix-and-match pieces that layer effortlessly and feel good to wear. Think breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and light viscose. But don’t confuse simple with boring. This is where colour comes in.

Just as we’ve been embracing brighter shades in our everyday wardrobes (think fuchsia, emerald and cobalt) your suitcase deserves the same uplifting treatment. Summer is the perfect time to play with colour and prints, even if you’re usually a devoted neutral lover. Why? It reflects the light, lifts the mood and looks incredible in sun-drenched settings.

Start with a Hero Colour

Rather than trying to pack every colour in the rainbow, pick one as your anchor. It could be a cobalt blue sundress, a butter yellow blouse or a pair of coral trousers. Then build around it with neutral basics for example, white linen shorts, denim, a cream tank top plus one or two colours which compliment each other perfectly.

This makes it so much easier to create different outfits without overpacking. You’ll be surprised how many looks you can create from just 8–10 pieces.

Accessories: Small in Size, Big on Impact

Never underestimate the power of accessories to elevate your look. A bold necklace, a colour-pop sandal, or a silk scarf tied around your hair or bag can completely change the feel of an outfit. And the best part? They take up next to no space in your luggage.

A note on shoes: two or three pairs is plenty. I recommend one pair of chic flats (leather sandals or loafers), one dressier option for evening, and one pair of comfy trainers or espadrilles for walking. Make sure they all work with at least three outfits.

Pack for Who You Are on Holiday

Holidays have a way of bringing out a freer, more relaxed version of ourselves. So let your clothes reflect that. If you wouldn’t usually wear colour, try it now. If you’re used to tailoring, experiment with more relaxed silhouettes. You don’t need to reinvent yourself, you’re just letting a different side come to the surface.

Many of my clients find that when they travel, they feel braver and finally wear those brighter, more playful pieces that have been languishing in their wardrobes. So this is your permission slip: pack the dress that makes you feel radiant. Bring the kaftan you’ve been saving “for best.” Style is meant to be enjoyed!

One Last Tip: Photograph Your Outfits Before You Go

This sounds like a lot of effort but it’s honestly a game-changer. Lay out or try on your outfits before you pack and take quick photos on your phone. Not only does this help you see what you actually need (and avoid the “just in case” extras), but it also makes getting dressed on holiday much easier.

Packing for summer holidays doesn’t need to be stressful or styleless. With a little planning and a splash of colour confidence, your suitcase can feel like a beautifully curated travel wardrobe ready to help you feel comfortable, chic and completely yourself, wherever the sunshine takes you.

If you are still stuck after reading these smart packing tips for your summer holiday and not sure what to take for a style refresh this summer, please get in touch to see how I can help.