There’s never been a better time to create your own holiday capsule wardrobe. Knowing what clothes to pack for trips abroad is stressful enough without worrying about cabin bag restrictions and the price of checked-in luggage. Sticking to an essential edit narrows your packing down to eight summer staples to see you through any sunny getaway.
The key to a good holiday capsule wardrobe is versatility, so invest in multifunctional clothing that can easily transition from day to night. For instance, a black swimsuit is an essential for beach holidays but can also double as an evening top, while a linen shirt will work as a chic cover-up by the pool, or as a light throw-on for those chillier evenings.
Even better, we’ve done all the hard work for you by selecting the key pieces you need in your holiday capsule wardrobe. Simply pick one item from each category and you’ll be set for summer 2025 – and many years to come, as these classic designs will never date.
1. The day-to-night dress
A day-to-night dress is a true holiday staple. Floaty midaxi styles are the most versatile; crafted from airy fabrics such as cotton and jersey, they work as beach cover-ups during the day but are easily elevated come evening with a belt and statement jewellery. We particularly love how the Pink City Prints dress looks with neutral accessories.
M&S Pure Cotton V-Neck Crochet Detail Midaxi Waisted Dress
2. The satin camisole
A silk or satin camisole should be a key fashion staple that deserves a place in your suitcase this summer – and a space in your wardrobe every season, in GH’s opinion. It’s naturally polished compared to a casual cotton vest and can easily elevate linen trousers for evening looks or even denim shorts during the day. Just add a pair of glitzy earrings and throw over a light layer for the finishing touch.
3. The wide-leg trousers
Whether you choose a tailored fit or a looser jogger style, wide-leg trousers are always a great option for holidays – plus, a drawstring design makes for a comfy but chic airport look. Although you may think trousers are the last thing you want to wear in the heat, lightweight options cut from chambray, linen or jersey will keep you cool all day.
4. The flattering swimsuit
Despite probably having a drawer full of swimwear at home, you only need one good swimsuit for your holidays. Invest in timeless patterns such as floral and Breton stripes or, alternatively, black for a bit of understated elegance. We love how halterneck styles and asymmetric straps add polish to poolside looks and make a swimsuit stylish enough to wear as a top (simply layer a midaxi skirt and light jacket over the top) in the evening.
5. The versatile shorts
A holiday capsule wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without some shorts. Be it denim, cotton or breezy linen, they’re so easy to throw on over the top of your swimsuit. When buying a new pair, it’s important to consider the fit and cut that’s right for you. Try a longer Bermuda style that sits high on the waist for a sophisticated feel and don’t hesitate to opt for bright, patterned styles.
6. The comfy sandals
Uncomfortable shoes on holiday are a big no-no – nobody wants blisters or aching arches to ruin sightseeing trips and evening strolls along the promenade. So choose a flat sandal with some support and cushioning (for extra height, go for anything with a flatform). And if you’re looking for a more dressy option, opt for a minimal strappy design – they always look chic and will go with everything in your suitcase.
Birkenstock Arizona Eva Sandals
Teva Universal Sandals
7. The straw bag
A straw tote isn’t just for the beach. These lightweight bags are perfect for all kinds of holiday occasions where you want to add a boho touch – and we love how they look with pretty summer dresses. This season, the high street is full of oversized styles with luxe accents such as gold handles, leather trims and fringe. If you’re worried about security with these open-top designs, go for the Marks & Spencer bag as it has an internal drawstring for your valuables.
8. The chic sunhat
A chic sunhat is a must when you’re travelling to warmer climes. A wide-brimmed boater or fedora will keep your face protected from the sun’s rays and add a touch of glam to the simplest of outfits – this season’s styles feature cut-outs, decorative bows and crochet. If you don’t want to wear it on the plane, look for foldable styles that won’t warp in your suitcase.
