Anyone can pack lightly if they really try. The art is working out a system that delivers maximum variety and impact.
Over years of packing for fashion month and holidays – two radically different sets of requirements – I’ve found one principle that’s ultra effective across all scenarios. Contrary to received wisdom, it’s not packing a bunch of bland, forgettable clothes that all go together in a bland, forgettable way.
Instead, pinpoint three or four statements that currently give you joy and make those the anchor of your wardrobe. They could be a puff or gathered-sleeve top, striped trousers, a big flouncy skirt or some dazzling co-ords like the ones I’m wearing here. This red is the equivalent of an Alexandra Soveral facial at any time of the year, but particularly shines when the sun does. OK, the friends you’re on holiday with will remember it when you trot it out on days three, five, nine and 12. But so what if it looks good every time?
Build your holiday wardrobe around a ‘sun’
Once you’ve established your four anchors, choreographing the rest of your packing around them is relatively straightforward. Stick to a colour edit that speaks to your star talent. It won’t look drab because you have your standouts.
This skirt I’m wearing, for instance, has white and black in it. Style it with a crisp white shirt, T-shirt, vest or gauzy cotton poplin blouse. That’s four different moods right there.
Bring some wide, white linen trousers, shorts (white, red or black) and khaki cargos and you’ve got three more looks. This packing approach is called the sun and stars system which is slightly (or possibly majorly) cringe, but easy to remember.
If you prefer a cocktail analogy, think of this as your sartorial equivalent of a bar. The statements are your spirit, everything else is the mixers.
To ensure you don’t lapse into overpacking, take more tops than bottoms: four to one is about right. One slim clutch bag for evenings – bulky bags wreck any outfit as effectively as the wrong footwear. Speaking of, you don’t need multiple pairs of shoes – three is enough, possibly four if they’re trainers for hiking. I never take more than a 50mm heel. Anything higher than 65mm looks dated and try-hard.
The sun: Lace shirt, £99 at Mint Velvet. The stars: Linen shorts, £75 at With Nothing Underneath; cotton-knit top, £34 at Jigsaw; cotton skirt, £24.90 at Uniqlo; leather sandals, £250 at Me+Em; pendant-cord necklace, £10 at Accessorize; straw bag, £119 at Cos
The finishing touches that make a suitcase work harder
If dresses are more your thing then jewellery that can be layered to create different necklines and scarves that can be used as belts should go in the case. And by case, I mean a jewellery box, which protects them and stops them going astray. Keep the box in your suitcase so you don’t accidentally leave it behind in a drawer at the end of the holiday.
Actually, jewellery should be included whatever – but nothing you’d be heartbroken to lose. And at the risk of sounding like your mother, a hat is non-negotiable. I’d be tempted to take several fabric ones in different colours. They roll up small and those big brims not only protect but help create interesting silhouettes. Don’t forget a cotton cardigan or unstructured linen or canvas jacket (cropped is the most versatile length) for planes or air-conditioned restaurants.
If you’re unsure about the laundry situation, it’s worth buying The Clothes Doctor organic clothes travel wash (£12.99). It comes in powder form, so you’re not taking up liquid space in a small, refillable aluminium bottom, and is specially formulated to work when you’re hand washing in a sink. This way, you don’t have to pack 14 white T-shirts.
Steamers are a bit bulky but everything looks so much crisper. My colleague and fellow steamer obsessive Avril Mair, fashion director at Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, swears by Tefal’s Pure Pop (£49). If there really isn’t space/you can’t be bothered, DeCrease Spray, (£9.99) does a decent job of getting out the worst creases. Happy travels.
The sun: Crinkle dress, £125 at Hush. The stars: Linen blouse, £170 at Ma+Lin; suede sandals, £100 at Massimo Dutti; straw sun hat, £38 at Innovato Design; cotton canvas bag, £45 at John Lewis
Lisa’s sun and stars packing method
Look one
Lisa wears: organic-cotton vest, £55 at Toast; printed skirt, £59 at John Lewis; leather sandals, £64 at Jigsaw; straw tote bag, £87 at & Other Stories and silver-plated earrings, £17.50 at Pilgrim
Look two
Lisa wears: knitted vest, £55 at & Other Stories; printed skirt, £59 at John Lewis; leather sandals, £295 at Essen; patent-leather bag, £695 at Mulberry; silver plated earrings, £17.50 at Pilgrim; cord and sterling silver necklace, £64 at Lines & Current and silver-plated bangle, £85 at Lines & Current
Photography: Sarah Brick; Hair and makeup: Oonagh Connor at Joy Goodman; Styling: Sophie Tobin; Stylist assistant: Alice Dench