Lines in the sand

With space more limited than ever on many flights, unless you want to pay higher costs, all the items we choose simply have to be able to double up, translating with ease from day to night, from the beach to the taverna, from sight-seeing to

on-board easy dining.

The first essential is a kaftan. In fact, more than one kaftan – take two or three of varying lengths, from hip high to maxi, to wear over your bikini or swimsuit, to team with shorts or capri pants for sight-seeing, or to dress up with sandals and bling foran evening meal.

Harem pants are ideal holiday wear, perfect for wearing on the beach with a bikini top (and cover-up shirt, if you feel self-conscious) and then later on with glitzy sequin top and scarf or shawl.

If you have been looking with mild curiosity at harem pants and wondering whether or not you might be able to wear them, a holiday is a good opportunity to give them a road test.

You might find yourself unable to part with them once you get home, as they are so easy to wear, surprisingly flattering to most figures, especially pear shapes with small waists, and can look sleek and sophisticated on all ages as long as you de-hippy them, thinking minimalist, teaming with slim-fitting T-shirt top or vest in a near-match colour palette (try pink/purple/grey).

If harem pants are a step too far for you, make sure you take a maxi skirt (crinkle cotton with sequins works well) and wide-leg trousers, to wear with close-fitting tops (you don't want to look like an awning). Take along some vest and cami tops and plenty of bangles and beads, for a sophisticated nomadic look, with gladiators or toe post sandals.

Don't forget a big hat (you'll have to wear it on the plane unless you find one that folds) and lovely big shades – the bigger the better, and this season in pink, orange and purple.

Finally, take lots of sun cream, with a high SPF – most of us haven't seen the sun for quite a while.