How To Pack Light Without Sacrificing Your Holiday Style

Less luggage, more outfits.

POSTED 05.11.26 06:26 BY ZOE TYLER

Packing for a holiday always comes with the same dilemma: how do you fit everything you want to wear into one suitcase without paying for extra luggage? Because let's be honest, looking cute in your holiday photos can feel almost as important as having a good time. The problem is that packing too much often leaves us with a suitcase full of clothes that don't work together, while packing too little can mean wearing the same outfit on repeat.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to get the best of both worlds. With a little planning and some clever wardrobe choices, you can create plenty of outfits without bringing your entire bedroom wardrobe along.

Plan Your Outfits Before You Pack

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One of the biggest packing mistakes is leaving everything until the last minute. It's tempting to throw in every top, skirt and pair of trousers that catches your eye, but this usually results in a suitcase full of individual pieces rather than outfits.

Instead, start planning a few days before you leave. Choose the key pieces you'd like to take and actually try putting outfits together. Think about what you'll wear during the day, what might work for dinner and whether you'll need an extra layer in the evening.

Pay particular attention to how your clothes work together. That cute top might look perfect on its own, but will it go with the jacket or cardigan you're bringing? If you can't think of at least a couple of ways to style a piece, it might not deserve a place in your suitcase.

Choose a Colour Palette

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Colour coordination makes creating multiple outfits much easier. If you're unsure where to start, build your holiday wardrobe around a few versatile neutrals. White, beige, black and softer earthy shades are particularly useful because they can be mixed and matched without much effort.

A simple white top, for example, can work with denim shorts, linen trousers or a colourful skirt. You'll get several different outfits from one piece without having to overthink the combinations.

That doesn't mean your suitcase should look like a collection of black, white and grey basics, though. Holidays are the perfect excuse to experiment with brighter colours, playful prints and statement pieces. Just make sure those more eye-catching items work with the rest of your wardrobe, so you can wear them more than once.

Matching Sets Are Your Secret Weapon

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If you want to bring something a little more dressed up without filling your suitcase with dresses, matching sets are worth considering.

The beauty of a co-ord is that you get two pieces that look great together but can also be worn separately. Style the full set for an effortless evening outfit, then pair the top with denim shorts or wear the trousers with a simple vest. Suddenly, you've got several different looks from just two pieces.

They're also wonderfully easy to style when you're travelling. You don't have to spend ages figuring out which top goes with which bottom because the outfit is already there. A matching set is one of those holiday wardrobe choices that does a lot of the work for you.

Be Selective With Your Shoes

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Shoes are among the biggest space-stealers in a suitcase, so choosing them carefully can make a huge difference. For most trips, two or three versatile pairs should be enough.

I'd start with comfortable sneakers for exploring, a smarter pair of loafers or dressier shoes for evenings, and sandals or flip-flops if you're heading somewhere warm. The exact combination will depend on your destination, of course, but try to choose pairs that work with several outfits rather than packing something for every individual look.

Two little tricks can help here, too. Slimmer sneakers often take up less room than chunky styles, and wearing your bulkiest shoes to the airport frees up valuable suitcase space. If you're bringing sneakers, loafers and sandals, for example, travel in the sneakers and pack the other two.

Accessories and Fabrics Make All the Difference

images via:@graacechang

When you're working with a smaller wardrobe, accessories can completely change the feel of an outfit. A simple dress can look different with statement earrings, a colourful scarf or a different handbag. They also take up relatively little room, making them an easy way to introduce variety without packing extra clothes.

It's worth thinking about fabrics, too. Lightweight knits, nylon and other easy-care materials can be useful when travelling, particularly if you're trying to avoid carrying too many bulky items. Check the care labels and consider how easily each piece creases before packing it. Nobody wants to spend the first morning of their holiday trying to iron an entire suitcase.

And finally, remember that practicality matters just as much as appearance. Heels and tailored outfits might look lovely in photographs, but they're not necessarily what you'll want when you've spent six hours walking around a new city. Pack for the experiences you're actually going to have, not just the outfits you imagine wearing.

The goal isn't to squeeze as many clothes as possible into your suitcase. It's to bring pieces you genuinely love, feel comfortable in and can style in more than one way. Your holiday wardrobe should make getting dressed easier, leaving you with more time to enjoy the trip itself. After all, the best holiday memories rarely happen while you're worrying about your shoes!

For your next trip, you don't need a suitcase full of new outfits. Our latest Fizzypicks bring together versatile holiday wardrobe staples, matching sets, easy-to-style shoes and accessories that help you create more looks with fewer pieces.

AFRM
Shea Dress
$88