SUN, SEA AND SENSIBLE PACKING!

Your summer holiday is just around the corner and you’ve been dreaming about lying on a beach, dining al fresco and finally being able to wear your summer wardrobe!  But how much of your summer wardrobe should you take?  How many pairs of shoes will you need?  Is five too many?  Are three enough? 

We’ve all stood in the check-in queue at the airport and marvelled at those women amongst us who seem to be able to put together the perfect capsule holiday wardrobe and who therefore have a suitcase that’s half the size of our own.  If you haven’t yet mastered the art of packing then the following advice from colour me beautiful is sure to help.

Never mind the weather!

First things first, try and have a look at a long range weather forecast for where you’re going.  Whilst not 100% accurate it will give you a general idea of what the weather should be like whilst you’re away and will help you decide on what you’re going to pack. 

Whether you’re spending your days on the beach or lounging beside an infinity pool you need to remember that your body will swell a little in the heat.  Looser fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen will allow your skin to breath and will also help to keep you feeling fresh when you’re out on an excursion.  By all means take your jeans or a favourite slinky dress for the evenings so long as you know they are comfortable.

Packing essentials

The best way to decide what to pack is to lay everything out on your bed, this way you’ll be able to see how much you’re taking.  Laying everything out will also help you to pick the clothes that are most easily interchangeable taking note of colours, patterns and lengths.  Your holiday wardrobe should include a jacket for travelling, a cardigan, two t-shirts and three summer tops, a comfortable pair of trousers for travelling, a pair of cropped trousers, one pair of shorts, a summer skirt, a sundress and two smarter dresses to wear in the evening. 

If you’re planning on spending the week lazing on the beach then two items of swimwear are essential, this could be two bikinis or two swim suits, or a combination of the two.  You’ll also need a sun hat to help protect you from the sun’s glare.  There are some fabulous styles and colours to choose from so finding one that suits you shouldn’t be difficult.  A sarong or beach kaftan will enable you to make the effortless transition from bedroom to sun lounger. 

Don't forget the footwear...

Shoes should also allow for the heat, open toes and sling backs are best.  If you’re doing lots of walking and feel that sandals are not for you, go for styles that are made of cotton, canvas or very soft leather but at all costs avoid anything man-made which won’t allow your tootsies to breathe.  Make sure you have a pedicure before you go so your toes are in tip top condition and don’t forget to pack some compeed plasters so you can treat any blisters quickly.  

As shoes can be cumbersome and bulky to pack, try and limit yourself to three or four pairs in shades that will tone with the clothes you’re taking.  A comfortable pair for travelling in is essential as you don’t know how far you’ll have to walk to get to the gate or once you’re been dropped off in your resort.  Flip flops are ideal for wearing down to the beach or around the pool, whilst sandals and wedges can be worn with shorts, skirts or dresses. 

Even in the warmest climates evenings can get cooler, particularly if you’re by the sea, so always pack something for the later hours of the day.  A light jacket, cotton cardigan, shrug or pashmina is ideal for this. 

The art of presentation

The secret of making sure that your clothes arrive looking pristine is to make sure they’re folded properly in your suitcase.  It may seem to take some of the excitement out of going away, but folding all your items properly will make all the difference.  Alternatively, you could try rolling your clothes rather than folding them, this way you will avoid fold creases and the ensuing ironing episode.  If all else fails then you can always resort to the steamy shower trick to help the creases fall out.

Sun-kissed and made-up

Do you use the same make-up on holiday that you use every day at home? If you do then make sure you include these essential holiday cosmetics too.  The first rule is that before applying your make-up you should always use a good sun screen with SPF factor 15 or above to protect your skin.  Your holiday make-up bag should include a tinted moisturiser as this will be lighter on your skin than foundation and powder, the sun, salt water and sea breezes will dry your lips so keep them moisturised and looking luscious by wearing your favourite lip gloss.  Finally eye shadows in light shimmery shades are a perfect complement to a sun-kissed skin

Last but not Least

Don’t forget to wear the biggest pair of dark lens sun glasses your face can take just remember to think carefully about proportion and colour when choosing them.  Glasses this size will protect almost half your face from those harmful rays, and help keep wrinkles to a minimum!

If you’re confused by colours that match or styles that go together, why not visit a colour me beautiful consultant for a colour or style consultation before your trip and get the most out of your holiday wardrobe.