I will bravely admit it that amongst my family and friends, I do not have a reputation for packing light (just ask my long-suffering partner). But as someone who is regularly guilty of going over my baggage allowance, I made the decision a while ago to make my next trip a well-planned one, and that would mean making sure that every item I packed would be entirely necessary and relatively light. Yes, I wanted to keep cool, but more importantly, I wanted to dodge the additional charge.
It just so happened that my first holiday in three years would be a big one—15 days in fact—and before having a packing meltdown, I set about building a capsule wardrobe that would create as many outfits as possible with as few a pieces as possible (bar some shoe options). And for the first time ever, I perfected the formula for holiday dressing, and the secret is… swimwear.
With a forecast of nearly 32°C every day in Greece, my main focus were pieces that would stay cool and look good, and it turned out that with the exception of a couple of light and airy dresses, bikinis and one-piece costumes would form the basis of everything I wore. Whether paired with shorts, under skirts or, of course, on their own, it turned out that all I would require in my case for a fortnight of island hopping would be a few changes of swimwear, cotton separates, a couple of cover-ups and my favourite jewellery.
Below is a selection of the looks I wore on my trip and some of the pieces you can shop now to re-create them. I'm happy to say that each piece is able to be mixed and matched with another. Oh, and there's also a very handy scarf styling tip for those extra low on space. So consider this a maximalist's guide on what to wear in Greece with minimal fuss.
Style Notes: Is there anything more versatile than a light, strappy dress? I wear them throughout autumn layered under chunky knits with knee-high boots, but summer is when they really come into their own. This bold-coloured mini dress is the perfect option for an easy day-to-night outfit that will keep you cool.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Tangerine orange was everywhere last summer, and it still looks just as strong now.
Every holiday wardrobe needs a pair of flip-flops, but investing in a leather pair means you'll get plenty of wear out of them for many summers to come.
When it comes to bags, the bigger the better. A large tote like this is ideal for travelling, as it doubles up as both a carry-on and a beach bag.
I'm a sucker for statement sunglasses, and Le Specs cover just about every shape and colour, so there's a style guaranteed to suit everyone.
I've been wearing a Daisy London bracelet every day for the last week, and it's still getting complimented.
Style Notes: It's official—the shirt-and-shorts co-ord is the best thing to happen to our summer wardrobes since Birkenstocks. Not only does it make an easy cover-up straight off the beach, but it's also smart enough to wear back in the office.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I couldn't stop thinking about this co-ord from the moment I saw it. I'm someone who never wore hot pink before, so consider me a convert. Thanks, Barbie.
Sorry, linen trousers, I still love you, but drawstring shorts feel that little bit cooler (in every sense of the word).
A flexible, soft fit that feels so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing any support at all.
There's nothing "ugly" about chunky sandals, and the outfit options are endless.
My Loewe raffia tote comes with me on every holiday. It's a timeless classic that has reached icon status for good reason.
Style Notes: Gone are the days of the lurid kaftan. Cover-ups are now so chic you'll want to wear them off the beach too. Amp up the drama in a billowy maxi that's light enough to keep you cool and looking good whilst doing it.
SHOP THE LOOK:
My exact ruffle maxi has gone out of stock, but for a similar look, I've got my eye on this chiffon dress from H&M. It's just the right amount of sheer.
Fed up of underwiring? This wide-strapped top is perfect for even fuller busts.
Black leather sandals, whether flat or heeled, are a proven favourite amongst our editors.
If there's an outfit that doesn't look exponentially better with a pair of simple hoop earrings, I haven't found it yet.
A bag big enough to hold everything from your SPF to your beach towels (and a couple of books for good measure).
Style Notes: If you also find dressing for muggy evenings difficult, allow me to suggest a one-shoulder dress. You can't beat this level of ventilation, and an asymmetric silhouette only makes it cooler. It's perfect for those special evenings when only al fresco dining will do.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Weddings, summer parties, dinner dates, you name it. This one-shoulder dress covers it all.
A surprisingly roomy and elegant clutch.
Toteme specialises in the crème de la crème of quiet luxury accessories, so start here if you don't already have a pair of its sandals in your wardrobe.
Some serious arm candy that looks just as good stacked as it does alone.
It'll take a lot of convincing to try and tell me that cat-eye sunglasses aren't the superior shape. Just look at their face-sculpting prowess!
Style Notes: You can save on space in your suitcase by getting creative with what you pack. One large silk scarf ended up being a headscarf, a top and a neckerchief on this trip. The best part? It's light as a feather, so there's no need to worry about that baggage allowance.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Simply fold diagonally and wrap around for a new top in an instant.
The best thing about the '90s revival? The column skirt. Here's an easy, elongated pencil style that will go with literally everything in your wardrobe.
A '90s-inspired skirt calls for well-matched accessories, and what's better than a sleek shoulder bag?
You know you're onto a winner when passersby ask where your shoes are from. Prepare for compliments when wearing these buckled flats.
Style Notes: The sun is setting, and whether I'm wrapping up my evening or just getting started, a breezy maxi dress is my holiday go-to. Buttermilk yellow is the quiet luxury colour of the season. Wear with macramé accessories and beaded jewellery to channel a boho spirit with a polished edge.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Bring the sunshine in this sheer and lightweight gathered dress with the ultimate summer maxi silhouette.
A classic black swimsuit never goes out of style, and I wore this one from Marks and Spencer under dresses, in the pool and as a top with a white midi skirt. This was one of the most important pieces in my suitcase.
Good vibes by name, good vibes by nature. This is mood-boosting jewellery if ever I've seen it.
Pool slides don't get more luxurious than this.
Marks and Spencer has significantly upped its accessories game, and alongside some seriously impressive shoes are hidden gem handbags like this one.
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