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Woman & Home
Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Caroline Parr

I'm a fashion editor - here's everything I packed for a 9 day holiday with only hand luggage

Models wearing a red floral dress, a leopard print midi skirt, a black cut out maxi dress and a blue striped waistcoat and trouser set .

I've just come back from a trip to Spain, and since I'm normally a bit of an over-packer, narrowing down my holiday wardrobe to the size of a large cabin bag for a 9 day trip felt like a big ask.

Packing lightly really is an art, not least because on this trip I was staying in 3 different places, going between the city and the beach, as well as catching several flights on airlines with different luggage allowances.

Zara is my go-to for summer capsule wardrobe basics, and I'd recommend giving your suitcase a bit of a refresh each year with a handful of new pieces. However, I've recently been focussing on investment items that make packing a bit of a doddle. It meant I even had space for some purchases while on holiday - I couldn't go to Spain without checking out Zara, Massimo Dutti, Mango and Oysho, now could I?

Wondering what to pack in carry on luggage? The key items you need, in my opinion, are the following:

  • 2 co-ords
  • 4 dresses
  • 3 tops
  • 1 skirt
  • 1 pair of trousers
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 2 bags
  • 2 swimsuits
  • 2 sandals
  • 1 beach towel

Dresses and co-ords

Tops

Skirts, trousers and shorts

Swimwear, shoes and accessories

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