Not many things, but the right things …
Whether packing for a mini-break or longer holiday, the rules are the same: with space at a premium, think ahead, plan outfits, cut down on pieces that won’t work hard enough to earn a place in our suitcase. We need the basics – linen pants and tops or tees, a light jacket, a sweater or two, a couple of dresses for the beach, and a couple for the evening.
Accessories do have the power to transform an outfit. Adding a scarf or two to your suitcase means you can dress up a sweater, wear a scarf as a headscarf, or as a belt around jeans. Headbands – we love KDK’s striped Breton silk headbands (€40) in pink or blue – allow us sweep our hair back for evening, and add a finishing touch.
Likewise, we need a smart beauty kit with products that do double-duty – after-sun doubles up as body moisturiser, everyday moisturiser should contain an SPF anyway. Some hair situations call for a dedicated product and if you are one of those people whose hair takes on a life of its own in the heat, you need to make this a priority. Apply Olaplex No9 Bond Protector Hair Serum (€27.50 at www.thebeautykit.com) to just-washed, damp hair and leave to air-dry. You will marvel at the difference – think beachy waves rather than sun-frazzled straw locks. Also, Aveda’s Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Rich Masque (from €9) is genius for packing moisture back into hair – five minutes will help, though if you leave it on overnight you’ll see an emphatic change in hair softness and smoothness.
One thing that always earns a space in our suitcase is comfortable cotton nightwear. A holiday is about relaxing and resting so why would we compromise on that? Sleep soundly even on hot summer nights in cool pyjamas – we love KDK’s Cherry Blossom cotton short pyjamas set, the Fresh as a Daisy set and the gorgeous white and Blue Koi set (all €85). They’re smart enough for breakfast, but if you prefer to wear a robe at coffee and croissant time, pack the Koi robe too (€89), also lovely to wear at post-beach shower and after-sun time. (A KDK silk scrunchie is perfect for gathering up damp, post-beach hair so that by the time you are going out to dinner, you’ll have a soft wave.)
A little thought goes a long way when packing. Keep your holiday wardrobe simple and comfortable and invest in just a few pieces that make the difference. Bon voyage!
See more at www.kdk.ie.
READ MORE:
How to Stay Chic at the Beach This Summer
Beauty Travel Tips: How to Arrive Refreshed and What To Take With You