It’s the summer and everyone is headed to wherever for some much-needed time off, for a long weekend perhaps? Or a two week banger… for however long we are away, whether it’s the French or the Moroccan Riviera the rules of packing for the summer holidays are really simple… to keep it well, simple. There is nothing wrong with basics but keep them elevated because basics are the fundamentals of a solid wardrobe, they are the staples hence should also form the base of the summer holiday wardrobe. Think about it, its simple, dresses, light separates accessories and sunscreen.
While not a lot of people schlep to Morocco in the summer months because IT IS HOT, a few brave souls do but make sure to head to the seaside like Essaouira or Agadir or up to the Atlas mountains where the air is much cooler. I am a shoulder season traveller myself, therefore October in Morocco will always be perfect. For others of us, it is exploring beyond Europe and beyond because there’s a wider world out there, and for those sticking to the continent, these packing rules are hard, fast and absolutely applicable to all except of course you are heading to ANZ where winter is upon them.
Here are the essential building blocks:
THE WARDROBE:
- Day dresses: it can get really warm, matter of fact it is really warm in Europe this summer, warmer than last because global warming so pack easy pieces that can multifunctional, items you don’t need to think twice about to get out and about and dresses are perfect.
- Toteme silk sets: for day trips and lounging around the village in the cool evenings. These sets are ideal and practical all at once, uber stylish and oh so cool.
- Evening linens: I love a linen set for an evening dinner or outing, shorts and shirt so make sure to pack a couple for the evening.
THE ACCESSORIES
- Sunglasses: what are holidays without sunglasses? Nothing so pack a pair pack three.
- Walking shoes: Supergas are not walking shoes, neither are Sambas; I love these shoes and I have tried and tested them walking Europe and I am going to be that friend to let you know, ditch them if you intend on racking up miles on holiday or hiking up a steep cliff. Get some proper walking trainers with cushion and a bit of bounce.
- Strolling shoes: you can absolutely potter around in Supergas and sambas because it’s a stroll and they will see you right in these circumstances because these are typical everyday pairs that work.
- Dress shoes: sandals for evenings and fancy lunches in Michelin starred places are an absolute must because it’s not every day sambas.
- Hat: oh I have come to love a good wide brimmed straw hat on holiday; it doesn’t get much chicer than a nice solid havana hat and if you cannot get one in Havana because of course I did, then get one from your local charity shop or in Accessorise where there is a spectacular sale on hats at the moment.
- Swimsuits and sarong: for the beach obviously but also for something you can work in versatility with.
- Evening clutch: are a must pack a couple that work well with your day to evening and your evening look because you simply never know.
ESSENTIALS ETC.
- Day canvas bag: everyone and I mean everyone must have a few good canvas tote bag options for the summer. It is a wardrobe staple.
- Sunscreen: because we are not leaving home without it, we are not poking our heads outside of windows without it. we are absolutely not doing this.
- Earrings: get some hoops, get some massive gold studs, get some chained ones, get some diamond studs
And remember what cannot fit in the suitcase gets left behind you will pick it up at your destination. To a wonderful summer and all the sangrias we can have! Bums away!