The Foolproof Holiday Packing Guide: How to Pack Smart and Stress Less
Do you like me stress about your holiday weeks before?
Looking through your wardrobe, thinking what should I bring with me? Or going shopping and buying random things you now consider "holiday essentials"—even though you didn’t put much thought into them?
I feel like we've all been there. The result? A suitcase bursting at the seams, full of pieces that don’t really work together. It feels like you’ve brought your whole wardrobe just to figure out what to wear after you get there. But this is not the way.
We're going on holidays to enjoy our time , not to spend half the trip panicking about outfits. You should not be spending more than 10 minutes putting your look together in the morning.
So how do we pack in a way that lets us be in the moment—and still look amazing—without hours of planning? I’ve got you.
Table of Content
How to Pack Smart and Stress Less
Step 1: Get clear on your holiday plans
Start by thinking about what kind of things you'll actually be doing. This makes everything easier.
Will you be walking around a city most days?
Lying on the beach?
Having nice dinners or drinks out?
Visiting museums or hiking?
Do you need dressy looks or mostly casual?
Write it all down. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just list the number of days, what type of activities you’ll be doing, and how many outfits per day you realistically need.
Also: check the weather ! This one is easy to forget. Are you going somewhere hot and sunny or breezy in the evenings? Will you need a cardi at night? Don’t bring 10 bikinis if the forecast only gives you two beach days. Pack smart.
This little planning session is key. Once you have a rough schedule and know what kinds of clothes you'll need, the whole process becomes easier.
Step 2: Choose a colour scheme
Before I even open my wardrobe, I always start with a colour scheme. Think of one piece you absolutely love and want to bring—let’s say a blue blouse.
Now build around that.
Ask yourself: what goes great with blue? Maybe white, beige, and grey?
Pick three colours and stick to them . This part is crucial. Keeping a consistent colour palette makes mixing and matching your holiday outfits so much easier. You don’t have to worry about things clashing, and you’ll naturally be able to re-wear items in different ways without anyone noticing.
This is the secret to building a holiday capsule wardrobe.
"I get ideas about what's essential when packing my suitcase"
Step 3: Use the 3-3-3 method to simplify everything
If you’ve been following along, you already know I love the 3-3-3 method —and this is where it really comes into its own.
Here’s how it works:
3 Tops – e.g. a long sleeve blouse, a basic white tee, and a dressy tank
3 Bottoms – e.g. linen trousers, a floaty skirt, and maybe a pair of shorts
3 Layers – e.g. a light cardi, a structured blazer, and a shirt you can throw over anything
Choose a mix of shapes and textures to give yourself more styling options. This mix-and-match method lets you create a wide variety of looks from just a few pieces.
And the best part? You don’t need to bring more. Once you’ve selected your 9 hero pieces, you’ve already got at least 10 outfits in the bag.
Step 4: Try it all on and take photos of your outfits
This step makes all the difference.
Lay everything out and try on the combinations you’re thinking about. See how they look on you, not just in your head. Sometimes things look good on a hanger but don’t feel right once you’re wearing them. That’s okay! That’s what this step is for.
Take photos of your favourite combinations. This gives you a mini “holiday lookbook” on your phone—so every morning, it’s just scroll, choose, wear. Done.
You’ll be amazed how much easier it makes getting dressed.
Step 5: Accessories are everything
Now that you’ve got the outfits sorted, it’s time to make them pop.
This is the bit where we add personality and style. Accessories are what elevate your look and make each outfit feel fresh and different—even if you’re re-wearing the same basics.
Bring:
A couple of bags – one neutral and one that adds a pop of colour
Statement jewellery – earrings, bangles, or layered necklaces
A scarf (bonus: you can use it as a headband, belt, or wrap)
Sunglasses – fashion and function
Even if you’ve kept your clothes simple, you can go a bit bold with your accessories. This gives you more variety without more weight in your suitcase.
Step 6: Shoes that work with everything
Let’s talk footwear. Shoes can take up a lot of space, so we want smart, versatile options.
All you really need:
White trainers – you can dress them up or down, and walk for hours in them
Flat sandals – something neutral and comfy that works with skirts and dresses
Heels (optional) – for a dressy night, but only if you’ll actually wear them!
You don’t need five pairs. Just pick shoes that go with your colour scheme and that you know you’ll wear more than once.
Why this packing method works
This system takes a bit of planning upfront, but it massively reduces stress while you're away. You won't be panicking about what to wear, dealing with wrinkled clothes you didn't need, or lugging around a suitcase of stuff that doesn’t even make sense together.
What you will have is:
A compact, stylish wardrobe
Outfits ready to go for every occasion
The mental space to actually enjoy your holiday
And really, that’s the whole point.