Whether it’s a girls party weekend in Mykonos, a relaxing family getaway to Alicante or an exotic Mexican mega-break – the countdown to summer holidays is on. Whilst you daydream about sipping a cocktail with your toes in the sand, it’s time to start prepping your holiday looks.
What is a beach holiday capsule wardrobe and why do I need one?
But before you go and fill your ASOS basket with countless new dresses and swimsuits, let me introduce you to the idea of a capsule beach wardrobe. The idea of a day-to-day capsule wardrobe has taken off, as we all try to streamline both our closets and our consumerism, but if you aren’t quite ready to minimize your everyday wardrobe, a holiday capsule wardrobe is a great way to start.
Because let’s be honest, how many linen shirts do you really need for one holiday? And wouldn’t you rather save the fare of a checked-in bag for an extra sundowner or two? Not to mention knowing you only have a finite amount of clothes – and outfits – means less time spent trying to decide what to wear and more time in the sun. It’s basically a no brainer.
How do I build a beach holiday capsule wardobe?
Curating the perfect capsule beach holiday wardrobe isn’t, however. With a limited number of pieces, you want to ensure that you can get as many looks as possible from those items.
To do this, start by choosing two or three statement pieces – firstly, in bold colours that complement each other and then add an eye-catching printed piece or two. Then build the rest of your capsule wardrobe around those pieces in neutral tones – think white, natural fabrics, black and denim. Ensure all your separates can mix and match with each other and when it comes to dresses, opt for pieces that can be worn both day and night.
Which accessories do I need to pack for my holiday?
And lastly, when it comes to shoes and bags – less is more. One carefully chosen basket bag and a simple pair of stylish sandals really is all you need to tie it all together. If it all sounds a bit complicated, you’ll be pleased to know I’ve complied a nine-piece capsule beach holiday wardrobe.
Which items do I need for my holiday capsule wardrobe?
Keep scrolling for the only pieces you’ll need on your summer break – that really do all fit in your carry on.
1. A basket bag
Raffia basket bags have been trending for the past few summers and aren’t going anywhere. Designer styles might be all over your Instagram right now but there’s no need to invest a lot of money in a seasonal bag when the High Street has such great dupes.
It’s the perfect bag for your beach holiday capsule wardrobe – roomy enough to accommodate your SPF, book and other beach day essentials. Plus, the neutral tones of the bag means it’ll go with everything from prints, to bright colours and other neutrals.
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2. Denim shorts
Denim shorts are not only a holiday wardrobe staple, but a summer must-have too. However, if like me you struggle to find a pair that doesn’t feel scandalously short or unnecessarily ripped, you might feel resigned to never wearing a pair again – until you see these relaxed-fit denim shorts.
Long enough that you will feel comfortable, but still cool enough to be on-trend, these are a must-have when packing for the beach. They’re perfect for throwing on over your swimsuit and will look effortlessly stylish with a linen shirt or a crop top.
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3. A linen shirt
No beach holiday capsule wardrobe would be complete without a linen shirt – a staple that can be thrown on at a moment’s notice. And whilst a white linen shirt is always a classic, this punchy hue is an easy way to add a pop of colour to your holiday capsule wardrobe.
Cut for a relaxed fit, it’s an effortlessly cool piece to style over your swimsuit (extra style points for colour blocking it with a brightly coloured one-piece) or tuck into your denim shorts for an alfresco lunch. But its versatility doesn’t stop there – leave it half unbuttoned and tie into a crop top to pair with your linen trousers and sandals for dinners, or wear it open with the sleeves rolled up over a black mini dress for a layered look.
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4. A statement dress
To really elevate your capsule beach wardrobe, make sure to add in a statement print dress. A neutral print like this one ties the colour palette together effortlessly and is an eye-catching piece to complement the more pared-back pieces in your suitcase. And the best part about this wrap dress is that it’ll look just as stylish in the daytime – either as a cover up over your swimsuit or on its own – or dressed up in the evenings. Simply add layered necklaces or a statement earring and a bright lip.
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5. Flat sandals
Whilst there are tons of summer sandal options this season – from chunky styles to caged designs - if you’re looking to streamline your packing and choose only one pair, I say the simpler, the better. These are incredibly chic – and more importantly, will pair with everything from shorts to dresses, both midi and maxi. They’re also the kind of sandal that can work for both day and evening; the neutral colourway means they’ll be the accessory to every look, not the focal point – in other words, the perfect capsule wardrobe shoe.
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6. Linen trousers
Linen plus beach holidays equals effortless, stylish looks, so be sure to add a pair of linen trousers to your suitcase. Linen suit trousers might be all over the High Street right now, but for your vacay, go for an elasticated, wide-leg pair. The higher waist elevates them from the kind of linen trews you’d lounge around in, and makes them the perfect piece to style with a crop top for sunset drinks, or for a relaxed day look pair them with an oversized linen shirt.
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7. A swimsuit
Picking only one swimsuit to take on a beach holiday is a nearly impossible task – but I’ve found the swimsuit you need for your next beach holiday and beyond.
Whilst it might be tempting to stick to a black or neutral swimsuit when only packing one, a bold colour adds so much more interest to your capsule wardrobe; it will tie in perfectly with the neutral pieces you’ve packed but also team well with bright pieces – like the pink linen shirt – for a statement look. And if you’re torn between choosing a bikini or a one-piece, consider that a full swimsuit can double up as a body for non-beach days or even evenings out. Just style it with linen trousers and some gold accessories and no-one would guess you’re in swimwear.
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8. A mini dress
An LBD is a capsule wardrobe staple, but this particular black mini dress is also a must-have for your beach wardrobe. Yes, it’s simple, but it’ll be a hardworking piece; it’s a perfect day dress, cut from a lightweight linen, so whether you’re wearing it as a cover up over your swimsuit or on its own, you know you’ll stay cool in even the balmiest of destinations. And there’s no need to even mention that this LBD makes for the perfect summer holiday evening dress – just add an Insta-worthy sunset.
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9. A crop top
This small addition to your suitcase is a great styling piece that will add extra looks to your holiday wardrobe. Pair it with linen trousers in the evening, for a chic look that shows off your tan. In the daytime, style it with denim shorts (oversized linen shirt layered on top optional) and as a bonus it can double as a bikini top if you find yourself unexpectedly sunbathing.
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