Fashion pros reveal their holiday packing essentials

IT’S holiday season and wherever you’re travelling, you’ll need to pack clothes that are practical and stylish.

But, thankfully, our expert stylists are here to share their top tips for what to pack without exceeding your baggage allowance.

We’ve all been guilty of over-packing for every eventuality, but now we know how to streamline what we need for our destination.  

Think comfort for exploring a new city, a do-everything top for staying in the UK, and elevated basics that work for the beach and dinner for that sunshine break. 

Here, our fashion team reveal what they’ll be packing for their summer holidays – and how they can help you when it comes to your travels. 

Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor – City Break

• T-shirt, £22, Abercrombie & Fitch – BUY NOW
• Sunglasses, £24, Free People – BUY NOW
• Skirt, £49.99, Lindex – BUY NOW
• Trainers, £85, Adidas at ASOS – BUY NOW
• Bag, £85, Cos – BUY NOW

Next month, I’m heading off for the ultimate city break destination – New York. 

I know the weather gets pretty hot during the summer in the Big Apple, so I want outfits that will keep me cool and comfortable while I’m sightseeing. 

The main thing for me when it comes to comfort is shoes – and I know we’ll be walking tens of thousands of steps each day, so trainers are a must. 

I adore how colourful this pair is from Adidas, and red and pink go together so well – they really make a statement. 

I’m loving poplin skirts this summer, as they’re a great length and are lightweight and flowy – this green gingham one from Lindex is perfect.

I’ve paired my outift with a graphic tee and crossbody raffia bag, because I’m all about going hands-free on a city break.

A pair of sunnies finish off my look, and I’m ready to head to the Big Apple in style. 

Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director – Countryside Escape

• Top, £125, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
• Bag, £57, Arket – BUY NOW
• Ballet flats, £110, Cos – BUY NOW
• Pearl Earrings, £47, H&M – BUY NOW
• Trousers, £34.99, H&M – BUY NOW

In a few weeks, we’re heading off for a lovely weekend in the Kent countryside, and while I spend most days in dog walking gear, I do like to go for a nice gastropub lunch!

I have loads of sharp tailoring for work and tons of comfy dog walking attire, but I never have anything in between that makes me feel nice and put together but not too OTT – so this brief is perfect for me!

I can see myself sitting in a sunny orangery with a crisp glass of rose and some potted shrimp.

I love to juxtapose prints, so the soft stripes of this carry-it-all bag and the vintage floral of the top look great together.

Add in some classic pearl earrings and a pair of comfy ballet flats and I can even go for a stroll around the village antique shopping in total comfort afterwards (but only if I don’t have a second glass of rose!).

Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant – Coastal Staycay

• Shirt, £27.99, H&M – BUY NOW
• Sunglasses, £85, Messy Weekend – BUY NOW 
• Shorts, £15.99, H&M – BUY NOW 
• Bag, £29.99, Zara – BUY NOW
• Sandals, £45, Birkenstock at Schuh – BUY NOW
• Hat, £25.99, Reserved – BUY NOW 

At the end of the summer, I’ll be enjoying a lovely coastal staycation in Sandbanks, Dorset.

While I’m hoping for a late heatwave, the unpredictable weather makes it tricky to decide what to pack.

Denim shorts are my summer staple, and I love this white pair from H&M – I’ll just have to be extra careful not to spill anything on them.

We’ve planned some beautiful walks along the seafront, so I’ve paired the shorts with a lightweight linen shirt that I can wear over a bikini top in case I want to take a dip in the sea, and I’ll roll up the sleeves and French-tuck this shirt into the shorts to create some shape.

Buttermilk yellow is set to be the colour of the season and I’m truly embracing it with this yellow grab-bag from Zara, which is giving Bottega vibes on a budget. 

I’m sure there will be a slight breeze, especially in the evenings, so I’ll layer up with a sleeveless gilet and finish off the look with my favourite pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses, a cute rattan beach hat, and some trustworthy Birkenstocks.

All that’s left to do is pick up the Polaroid and make some memories.

Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor – Beach Break

• Swimsuit, £35, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
• Bag, £27.99, New Look – BUY NOW
• Sandals, £95, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
• Sunglasses, £9.99, H&M – BUY NOW 
• Shorts, £29.99, Mango – BUY NOW

I’m heading to Greece to get my hot weather fix this summer.

With beach holidays, I never over-pack and always keep what I’m going to be wearing simple, because after years of overdoing it I’ve realised I live in denim shorts, swimwear and white T-shirts!

With my denims, I’m all about A-line styles that don’t hug your thighs, as they’re comfier to wear and flattering on legs.

I always take a LBS – that’s a little black swimsuit – and I love the scallop detailing on this cossie from Marks & Spencer, which also comes with the store’s Sun Smart technology that helps protect from sun damage.

For looking good poolside it ticks the box, but also doubles as a top and I’ll be wearing it with a white poplin midi skirt and these amazing sandals from & Other Stories.

They’re timeless, comfortable and double for day and night.

And I’ll be shoving everything I need for day tips to dinners (as well as any gems I pick up at local markets) in this bag from New Look that screams designer.

Now, get me on that plane.