Key Pieces for Holiday

By Dee Momi

With fashion’s eagle-eye focus shifting away from knitted layers and masculine tailoring to the dawn of a new season dictated by explosive colour, flashy prints and softer silhouettes, the platform for a new succession of exciting trends and influences has been set – inspiring fresh options for spring holiday wardrobes and resort wear.

Key pieces you need for a spectacular summer trip:

Swimsuits
Pack a reversible bikini to ensure you save some space for all those purchases made away from home!  This monochromatic two-piece gives great support and looks effortlessly chic worn with multiple wooden bangles. (Pictured Bikini by Swimhut).

Cover ups
From loose-fitting bandeau dresses to silk kaftans, a colourful cover up is a modest essential for lunch at a nearby beach bar – this one from Missoni will suit any colouring.  Team with some strappy metallic flats for instant appeal. (Pictured Kaftan by Missoni).

Dresses
The choice is endless – opt for a floral frock worn with gladiator sandals for daytime casual chic or take it up a notch in a sexy sheer dress and oh so grown-up patent heels for instant impact!  Our personal favourite is the antithesis of the recent body-con trend - the Grecian inspired draping and gathering details which require minimal accessories. (Pictured Grecian Dress Lanvin). 

Playsuits
Sexy and fun, this instant outfit needs little more than a waisted belt and a gorgeous pair of wedges.  A longer looser leg length for the less daring among you is an alternative for greater wearability.

Renewed tailoring
Noticeably more relaxed at this time of year, sleeveless nipped-in jackets provide a groomed finish to floaty separates whilst cropped trousers offer a perfect compromise between teeny tiny shorts and billowing flares.

Fancy footwear
The flat gladiator sandal is rocking-hot right now and the ideal match to summer’s short floaty dresses.  Pack a pair of wedges - be it raffia, wooden or cork - and you can successfully add a glamorous few inches to those toned glowing pins! (Pictured Wedges by D &G  & Clutch Bag Anya Hindmarch).

Top Tips

* Natural fibres enable the skin to breathe and help keep you cool so opt for cotton, linen and silk fabrics when choosing what to pack.

* For every skirt or pair of shorts or trousers you intend to take, allow two to three tops.  Save even more space and time by packing the instant outfit – a flirty dress or playsuit!

* A multi-way bras essential for all those sexy summer necklines – don’t make the mistake of thinking a bikini top and strapless dress are a good match.

* Select your pieces and accessories and put them aside before packing.  Not putting them straight into your case will ensure you only take what you really like and need, rather than adding items for the sake of filling up space.

* Place underwear in a separate fabric bag (shoe bags are ideal) to avoid snagging on other items.

* Invest in a jewellery roll to protect delicate pieces and carry in hand luggage.

* Belts, bangles and earrings in patent, wooden and metallic finishes can complete your outfit effortlessly, so again, pack them in a separate fabric bag.

* Heavier items (shoes, thicker fabrics) should go at the bottom of the case with lighter garments susceptible to creasing, rolled and placed at the top.

About Dee:
Dee founded Clotheshorse – a luxury fashion and lifestyle consultancy based in London – after establishing herself as a stylist in the fashion industry.  Clotheshorse offers a range of styling and shopping services for both busy men and women in the UK. For more information visit http://www.clotheshorseuk.com/ email dee@clotheshorseuk.com or call 07804 645593