Holiday fashion: How to pack like a pro

Not a T-shirt nor a hat will be unworn, not a hairdryer nor travel-size beauty product unopened. Yes, this will be the holiday that will see me use every single item in my suitcase – at least once.

It’s all in the planning, and this year, I have enlisted the help of a travel packing expert, Bethanie Lunn, editor of the Modern Guides series and style adviser for Meadowhall Shopping Centre. She believes in a firm but fair-minded and minimalist approach.

“As much as we’d all love to take that extra pair of shoes or a jumper ‘in case it’s cold’, it’s no fun lugging extra weight around and using up precious space in your holdall by packing things you simply don’t need,” she says.

“Ask yourself the right questions to prepare. What’s the weather going to be like? Check the forecast using a weather app. Are there any formal evening events to attend? Questions that help you to picture the trip will help shape the contents of your packing method.”

Bethanie is also a believer in lists. She says: “Write down the essentials – underwear, sunscreen, swimwear, along with a wear-anywhere dress and suitable footwear. Add in a few on-trend pieces and STICK TO THE LIST!”

She continues: “Be sensible. Do you really need those Prada platforms or will one pair of versatile heels and a pair of daytime flats suffice?

“Don’t be too sensible though,” she adds. “If it’s a social trip full of romantic meals or formal dinners planned every night, then you’ll need to pack a few extra outfits, but choose colours that are easy to combine with other pieces. A neutral dress will go with that floral kimono one evening and would look fabulous with flat sandals over your bikini, beachside.”

Back to those on-trend pieces. Bethanie’s tips for this summer include a crochet bikini or one-piece, block heels, a tea-length skirt, a kimono and sunglasses in a wooden or tortoiseshell frame.

She adds: “The current Palm Springs super wide-legged trouser keep you cool by day and look glamorous teamed with a cami or knotted sheer shirt for evenings. They are high-waisted too, camouflaging less-than-flat midriffs.”

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ

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MORE EXCELLENT PACKING TIPS

Roll your clothes instead of folding them, ensuring each item, including sleeves, is flat first to minimise creases At your destination, hang clothes in the bathroom with a running hot shower and closed door so the steam can remove wrinkles.

Invest in a good quality suitcase and line it with scented drawer liners to keep clothes smelling fresh.

Wear your sunhat or, if you have several for all the family, place them one inside the other, smallest first, and pack in the centre of your case. Roll your pashminas and scarves around your jewellery to fill the centre.

Make items double up. Some tablet cases make great clutch bags, as do some make-up bags. Use your big beach tote bag as your carry-on cabin bag – and keep your sunglasses in there so you can put them on as soon as you hit the ground.

Take an oversized shirt as a beach cover-up but also to wear with leggings and bangles for a night out.