Planning a Summer Hoiday in Winter? Here's How To Pack For It.
7 April 2011
Starting out in a cold place and landing in a warm one, can be tricky to dress and pack for. The Secret is to Layer Up girls! Wear versatile summer essentials on top and fine layers underneath. That's the key. Then simply peel off or add as required. Easy!
Here's a list of packing essentials: 'Overs', 'Unders' and 'Finishers'. Remember, less is more and versatility is the key girls.
'Overs'– the top layer options.
- Kaftans – THE most versatile summer piece. Change a look in a flash from day to night, plane to pool, beach to bar. Belted or tied, they become a top. Let loose, they behave like a dress. All styles will layer brilliantly with either fine cotton, wool or cashmere.
- Summer Dresses – a great alternative to a kaftan for those who prefer a more tailored or feminine look.
Top Tip: Keep your 'Overs' at a length between just above the knee or mid thigh as they tend to produce the best layering looks.
'Unders' – to layer under your 'Overs'. To keep you warm in transit and to create multiple looks with effortless ease when you get there.
- Slip Dress – cotton or silk; to the knee or mid thigh. Wear it under your kaftan for a great bar look. Ideally, your slip should be slightly longer than your 'Over', peeping out from under at the hem and across the neckine. A scoop neck slip and a 'V' neck 'over'...perfect!
- Leggings – fabulous for on the plane or during the day when you're out and about; to the knee or full length for best layering looks.
- Long trousers/pants - again for on the plane or out to dinner; white palazzos are hard to beat
Top Tip: The best colours for unders are white, greys, blues, khakis and earthy tones as they will work with anything summer.
'Finishers' – looks would be ho-hum to say the least without these essentials.
- Accessories...the anti-oxidants of the packing world; so small yet they pack such a punch! Bangles, statement cuffs and rings are great for when you have a lot of detail already happening on your neckline.
- Jacket|Cardi |Wrap – a denim jacket goes with absolutely everything and says summer. Dump the black, it's too harsh a to co-ordinate with those colourful summer shades, unless it's with white or neutral earthy tones. Cardi's – a lovely soft, longer line to the knee or cropped to the hip are the best lengths to layer with. Pashmina wraps are a terrific alternative to their more structured cousins, the jacket and cardi. A great no fuss, throw on and go option and the perfect blanket for the plane too! They roll down to nothing and can be stashed in your carry-on. Fabulous!
- Shoes –to keep your toes warm, wear your ballet flats. They're not too hot or chunky to wear to dinner when you get there. Wedges work well too. Sandals in a versatile neutral shade, metallic or dash of bling a must when you're there. Then for the beach, it's hard to go past thongs. 3 pairs of shoes, max!
So start out as you mean to go girls. This is a precious holiday. Get in the mood before you leave home and make every moment count!
Enjoy your summer escape!
Anita...your holiday girl.
xx
