
Begin with the basics
Your basics are those items that you will wear more than once such as a pair of trousers, a skirt and a jacket. Use your list to pick out these basic pieces and lay them out on your bed. You may want most of these basics to be neutral or a mix of neutral and colours, depending on your preferences. When your selection is laid out on the bed you can work out different outfit combinations and therefore you will see which items will be the most versatile. Along with the basics you should have a couple of cotton tops for daytime and two that you can wear day or night which should be something a little more ‘special’, perhaps with a little extra detail, that you can dress up or down. You most definitely want a couple of dresses in two different, fabulous colours. Also, a maxi for the total look of style and comfort.

Holidays are the perfect opportunity to really enjoy wearing colours as they always look more fabulous in sunnier weather and we’re not limited by work dress codes. Don’t feel you have to be ‘matchy, matchy’, clashing colours and patterns can look fabulous and are bang on trend!
Some great colour combinations this season are orange and pink or purple with green or turquoise. If clashing your clothes is a little too much for your taste just bring strong colours in to your accessories. A great pair of green shoes and matching handbag and a chunky orange bangle will set off a neutral outfit beautifully. White can be a super neutral against a tan, but check whether you suit a bright bluish white or a softer creamy white against your skin. To get your colours right it’s important to select the right ‘shade’ or ‘tone’ in each of your best colours so that they really complement your colouring.
The week beach holiday list
Don’t pack anything unless it goes with at least 3 other items!
Here is a basic packing guide to make your planning easier. Assuming laundry is not available you will need the following:
- 1 pair of jeans or cotton capris
- 1 pair of cropped or soft palazzo trousers
- 1 pair of shorts (neutral)
- 1 skirt (neutral)
- 2 dresses (2 different colours)
- 1 maxi or kaftan (colour-for beach)
- 2 daytime cotton tops/t-shirts (different colours)
- 2 smarter tops/t-shirts (different colours)
- 1 cotton strappy top (white or colour)
- 1 summer cardigan OR pashmina (either can be a neutral or a colour)
- 1 light summer jacket (neutral)
- 1 pair of flip flops (colour)
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes (e.g stylish trainers/ ballet pumps in a good colour or a neutral)
- 1 pair of pretty sandals (neutral or a strong colour that matches or clashes well)
- 1 pair of heels (neutral or metallic or bold colour)
- 2 bathing suits/bikinis (in most flattering colours – lots of flesh on show for this one)
- 1 hat (foldable/crushable in good colour or neutral)
- 7 days of underwear
- 1 town/evening bag (matching/clashing well with colour shoes or neutral)
- 1 travel bag which can double up as a beach bag
Enjoy, and don’t forget – he will love you even more if you pack light.
Written by Shan Williams, Personal Stylist.
To ensure you are wearing your best colours why not contact one of our consultants for a Colour Consultation. Click here to find out who is nearest you and send them an email. We are a friendly and knowledgeable team!
Lots more to look at on www.pinterest.com/colourmebeautuk/holiday-wardrobe/
Images courtesy of Pinterest.