What to pack for a holiday: The 10 items you need for a capsule wardrobe

From swimming to sightseeing, this is all you need to take

Strappy Jacquard Midi Dress, £65, Warehouse

Packing for your summer holiday always starts with the best of intentions, but when you leave things to the last minute things can get out of hand.

Then before you know it, your suitcase is bursting with a combination of clothes you haven’t worn for years and those you’ve just panic-bought during a last-minute ASOS binge.

The answer here is to consider exactly what it is you need to take and make a list of interchangeable outfits that mean every piece of clothing you pack works overtime.

This way, your suitcase will essentially become a mini capsule wardrobe that you can chuck on during the day and then revamp, using accessories, for the evening.

Here we take a look at the 10 items you need to create the ultimate holiday wardrobe.

Versatile dress

Polka Dot Dress, £69, Warehouse

A dress that you can throw on and go is essential when you’re on holiday, and you want to make sure you choose something that will keep you cool and is easy to pack.

A white midi dress like this style will always be a winner, because it’s casual enough to wear in the day and can be easily dressed up for evening drinks.

Comfortable swimsuit

Frill Detail Swimsuit, £45, Cos

The bikini will always be a winner but there’s something reassuring and effortlessly stylish about a well-fitting swimsuit.

Of course this all depends on personal preference, but if you opt for a style that comes with subtle stylish trimmings too, it can also double up as a top for daytime strolls when paired with a skirt or shorts.

Day-to-night sandals

Loupe Smart Slider Sandals, £80, Dune London

While heels might seem a good idea when you’re daydreaming of your summer holiday self, the reality of long walks and cobbled streets frequently prove otherwise.

For this reason, we suggest leaving the wedges at home and instead investing in a sleek pair of sandals you can wear all day and night.

Boho blouse

Crinkled Blouse, £34.99, H&M

Your summer wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without the perfect breezy blouse, because they’re not only effortless to wear but also have maximum style impact.

A plain, floaty option with loose sleeves will feel light and airy and can be worn with shorts and trousers or used as a cover up for the beach.

Beach bag

Jute Cross-body Bag, £19.99, Mango

When it comes to bags you should opt for something beach-friendly – meaning it will hold a towel, book and suncream – but that’s also small enough to wear comfortably for sightseeing days and evenings.

For this we suggest investing in a cross-body style that will look just as chic with your swimsuit as it will while you are exploring.

Midi skirt

Asymmetrical Button Midi Skirt, £49, & Other Stories

The weather might be scorching but that doesn’t mean you have to flash the flesh. If you prefer to keep your legs covered a little, a midi skirt will fit perfectly in your holiday wardrobe.

You can wear yours instead of a sarong at the beach, or with a bodysuit and chic sandals for dinner.

Stylish sunglasses

Ray Ban Round Flat Lenses, £127, Ray Ban

There’s something fun about switching up your sunglasses with your outfit but when it comes to packing lightly and logically, your best bet is to invest in a pair that will see you through summer after summer.

A designer pair like Ray Bans might seem a bit of a splurge, but we promise they’ll be worth the investment.

Multitasking scarf

Abstract Geo Foil Print Scarf, £18, Accessorize

A scarf might seem like an odd item to take on holiday but it might just become your summer saviour.

Light, stylish and practical, you can tie it around your waist instead of a sarong to the beach, drape it over your shoulders or loop it around your neck on breezy evenings.

Statement earrings

Wood Oval Link Drop Earrings, £12.50, Topshop

This season’s accessory of choice, statement earrings are an outfit game changer. Whether you opt for a pair of statement hoops, a chandelier style or fun tassels, they promise to have an instantly transformative effect on even the most lacklustre of outfits.

Simply pull your hair back and finish with a slick of bright lipstick for maximum effect.

Wide-leg trousers

Pale Grey Stripe Linen-look Wide Leg Trousers, £22.99, New Look

A pair of comfortable trousers will quickly become your best friend on holiday – especially if you prefer to be more covered up. A cropped or lightweight pair will ensure you don’t overheat and they can be easily dressed up with a tucked in top and statement jewellery.