Travelling Light – summer suitcase

OK. So you are going on holiday – yipee. Next question – what to pack?

I get unreasonably angry with visitors to London who insist on driving wheeled, wardrobe-sized suitcases onto the tube. Our congested, crushed tube. Our commute gets a whole lot worse when a suitcase the size of a small child encroaches on our space. Despite being well aware that our weather is changeable I wonder what eventualities they have packed for? Just how many outfits do you need for one week’s holiday in London? Or anywhere for that matter?

I have one suitcase and it is small enough to qualify as hand luggage (even on Ryanair). This is important in terms of maneuverability, ease of travel, and reduced chances of finding it has gone to Stockholm when you are in Madrid. And, these days, budget airlines charge for putting your luggage in their boot.

With less space to play with – what to pack? Obviously this depends on where and when you are going. I have based this proposal on a summer trip to the French countryside, but it would work for London too. It covers all the weather bases, and can be flexed. It is formulae that allows you to make changes to accommodate any specific needs (e.g. dressier, hotter weather, more swimming etc).

And if something really surprising happens – like non-stop rain, or you get invited to a wedding, then you might have to buy something in the country you are visiting. That’s what the credit card is for!

Step 1

This wardrobe is based on separates to allow maximum flexibility. Also cardigans and jackets, and layered tops allow you to create more looks. Similarly if you pack a dress choose one that allows you to wear a T shirt underneath to increase the options.

Choose two colours that you like and work well together. People often base their holiday wardrobe on Black and White. Boring. Don’t do it. Choose something a bit different – what about brown and pink, purple and silver, red and turquoise, or yellow and green?  Let’s call the colours A and B, and each item can be plain, or a pattern (at least 50% of which is in the main colour). Cardigans can be exchanged for a light jacket.

Step 2

Choose four sets of separates that work together but are interchangeable.

• A set 1 : skirt, top, cardi
• A set 2: long skirt and top, or pinafore type dress and top
• B set 1: trousers, top, cardi
• B set 2: shorts and light jumper (eg cashmere)
• Colourful patterned scarf which includes A and B
• Five additional T-shirts which go with A and B – say 2 long-sleeved, 2 short, and 1 vest so they can be layered.
• Indoor/evening shoes or sandals in B or neutral
• Three belts in B and two other colours, one additional piece of jewelry
• Plus four pairs of pants/knickers, 3 pairs of socks, a pair of thick tights in A, your swim suit, sunglasses and wash bag
• Sun hat in neutral shade

Step 3

Pack carefully, with the shoes and heavier items at the bottom.

Step 4

Prepare your travel outfit:

• Underwear and socks
• Jeans or stretch trousers in a suitable neutral colour
• T-shirt, Cardigan and/or lightweight jacket in neutral
• Necklace, earrings, or other jewelry
• Raincoat in B with hood, gloves in pockets
• Soft bag or rucksack including passport, tickets, Kindle, pen, make up, credit card and small purse, phone, and transparent bag with small containers of moisturiser, shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen.
• A second scarf that includes A and B
• Trainers

Here are some of the possible outfits (in addition to the sets you started with):

1. Navy skirt, pink T, pink cardi, white belt, floral scarf, pink shoes
2. Navy skirt, grey stripy T, grey cardi, pink belt and shoes
3. Navy skirt, white and navy T, yellow belt, navy tights, trainers
4. Patterned trousers, blue bias top, navy cardi, pink belt and pink shoes, floral scarf
5. Patterned trousers, brown vest, white belt, grey cardi, pink shoes
6. Patterned trousers, red sweater, white belt, pink shoes (evening in casual venue)
7. patterned trousers, pink vest, pink belt and shoes
8. Shorts, pink T, socks, trainers (going for a walk on a hot day)
9. shorts, blue bias top, yellow belt, pink shoes, pink bag
10. Jeans, pink T, red jumper, white belt, trainers
11. Jeans, navy striped T, floral scarf, pink shoes
12. Jeans, red jumper, grey cardi, socks, trainers, raincoat, spotted scarf, gloves (in the event of rain)
13. White dress worn over short-sleeved grey T, grey cardigan, silver jewellery, pink shoes and bag(evening in a restaurant),
14. white dress worn over red T, spotted scarf, pink shoes, with red jersey in case it goes cold
15. etc.

And finally

Of course over two weeks your clothes may need a wash –  I usually find a laundry/launderette, or hand wash.