The “Holiday Version” of your normal style
How to pack for holiday without dressing like a completely different person
I think holiday packing can do strange things to us.
One minute we know exactly what we like wearing at home, and the next we’re panic-buying crochet trousers, tiny tops, floaty things, beach cover-ups, kaftans, linen sets, “holiday dresses” and sandals we’ve never worn before, because suddenly we feel like we need to become a completely different person for seven days.
It feels like everyone gets this mindset that they have to dress differently on holiday than they do at home, and I’d very tempting (but very impractical) to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe of clothes, where as really the clothes you wear on holiday should be interchangeable with your normal summer wardrobe.
And don’t get me wrong, I love a holiday outfit. I love the fun of dressing for somewhere sunnier, warmer or a bit more relaxed than normal life, but I do think the best holiday wardrobes are usually not a total personality transplant.
They’re the holiday version of your normal style.
So if your everyday style is quite classic, your holiday style might be classic but lighter. Maybe linen shirts, simple dresses, good sandals, a woven bag, crisp cotton, stripes, soft neutrals or your best colours.
If your everyday style is colourful and joyful, your holiday style might be more colour, more print, more playful accessories, bright swimwear, a patterned co-ord or a really fun bag.
If your everyday style is relaxed and casual, your holiday style might be easy dresses, denim shorts, loose shirts, comfortable sandals, soft trousers and pieces that still feel like you, just more warm-weather friendly.
If your everyday style is artistic or creative, your holiday style might be interesting shapes, unusual colour combinations, statement jewellery, bold sunglasses, print mixing or a bag that makes the outfit.
The trick is not to ask, “What does a holiday person wear?”
It’s to ask, “What do I wear when I feel like myself, and how can I make that work for holiday?”
Because if you never wear very boho clothes at home, you might not suddenly feel amazing in a full boho holiday wardrobe just because you’re near a swimming pool. If you hate strapless tops at home, you probably won’t magically love them abroad. If you don’t feel like yourself in beige, you probably don’t need a suitcase full of beige linen just because it looks lovely and chic on Pinterest.
A good holiday wardrobe should feel a little bit more fun, a little bit more relaxed, maybe a little bit more colourful or dressed up, but still recognisably you.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to take your normal outfit formulas and make them more holiday-friendly.
So jeans and a nice top might become denim shorts or linen trousers and a nice top.
A shirt and trousers might become a linen shirt and wide-leg cotton trousers.
A dress and trainers might become a lighter dress and sandals.
A blazer outfit might become a waistcoat, shirt, co-ord or stronger accessory instead.
A jumper and jeans might become a vest, loose shirt and relaxed trousers.
You don’t have to reinvent your whole style just because you’re going away.
In fact, the more your holiday wardrobe connects to your real style, the easier it usually is to pack, mix outfits, and actually wear what you’ve brought.
So if you’re packing for a holiday, a weekend away or even just thinking about summer days out, try this little question:
“What is the holiday version of what I already love wearing?”
Not the Instagram version.
Not the fantasy version.
Not the version that requires a completely different body, lifestyle or confidence level.
The version that feels like you, but ready for sunshine.
That might mean lighter fabrics, brighter colours, easier shoes, a more useful bag, a good cover-up, swimwear you actually feel supported in, or a few accessories that make simple outfits feel more styled.
Because the goal is not to come home with a suitcase full of things you only felt brave enough to wear once.
The goal is to pack clothes that help you feel comfortable, joyful and like yourself while you’re actually away.
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