I wouldn’t call myself an expert in many things—jack of all trades, master of none seems more fitting. But packing? Packing, I know. As someone who has lived out of a suitcase for the past two years, hopping between Miami, Lisbon, London and Toronto (yes, very lucky, I know), curating a case that comes in under the weight limit and is packed with things I’ll A) actually wear, and B) wear in enough different ways not to get bored, has become something of a specialist skill. And minimalist styling really is the key to making it all possible, especially when you’re working with a carry-on.
The hack, essentially, is packing items you can wear multiple ways. A silk slip dress that doubles as a skirt. A linen shirt that takes you from the beach to a restaurant. A pair of flip flops that works just as well by the pool as it does traipsing through the city in search of ice cream.
What gives pieces that mix-and-match quality often comes down to colour and curating an edit that follows a concise palette. For me, that’s neutrals: creams and browns with a slight smudge of black and blue woven through. For you, it might be khaki and navy, or strictly black and white. The premise stands either way: opt for shades that pair together seamlessly, without too much thought.
Thirdly, you want items that can flit between occasions. Denim hot pants may feel freeing by the sea, but if, like me, you’d rather not wear them to dinner, save the space for a longer length that works for even a fancy restaurant.
And don’t go assuming a small suitcase and a minimalist approach means boring. Sequins, animal print and accessories in bold pops of colour all go a long way to injecting personality into an outfit. You’re on holiday, after all.
15 Minimalist Fashion Finds I Always Take on Holiday:
Toteme
Curved Rib Tank Black
I own six of these tank tops in a range of shades—granted, I bought them at half price in the Net-a-Porter sale—and they form the base of 60% of my outfits.
Chloé
Logo Aviator Sunglasses in Brown – Chloe
My girlfriend and I rarely argue, but we’ve had full wrestling matches over who gets to wear these sunglasses. They make every outfit infinitely cooler.
STAUD
Ainsley Asymmetric Lace-Trimmed Cotton-Voile Maxi Skirt
An asymmetrical hem will add just enough interest make an outfit feel far more considered. Pair with flip flops, a simple vest top and belt to make it more casual.
Next
Chocolate Brown Round Toe Leather Thong
I’m always going to be honest with you—the first three times I wore these flip flops, they really did rub. Two summers on, they’re the most comfortable shoes I own. Breaking them in with small bursts is the way to go.
Massimo Dutti
Linen Strapless Midi Dress
Minimal effort, maximum impact really is the aim of the game when on holiday and a strapless white dress offers exactly that. To add a bit of personality, style it with a a large earring.
The jury’s out on whether these are actually considered minimalist, but I’m a firm believer that you have to have fun with fashion in some capacity (and they are technically monochrome). While the mules I own are cow print, this zebra pair delivers the same unexpected pop of personality while also being easy to style.
With Nothing Underneath
The Set: Hemp Periwinkle Blue Shirt & Boxer
You may immediately think of shirts as a workwear go-to, but they really are one of the most versatile holiday staples around. Wear this one with the matching shorts, white jeans, a sequin skirt or simply slung over a bikini.
COS
V-Neck Midi Cami Dress
One of the easiest ways to create multiple outfits from one small carry-on is to incorporate dresses that can be worn in multiple ways. Style this one under the boho blouse, with a vest top and belt, or simply wear alone for three looks in one.
If there’s one brand that makes me instantly think of summer, it’s Éliou. Whether worn long, short or wrapped around your wrist, ankle or even bag handle as a charm, it will add just a pop of colour to an all-neutral outfit.
Arket
Pure Cotton Balloon Trousers in Khaki
Balloon trousers add an effortlessly laidback feel to any outfit. I’ve found a classic tank top, flip flop and sunglasses look especially cool.
HUNZA G
Julia Hoop Crinkle Bikini
Hunza G bikinis will stretch to meet your body, and after four summers, mine is still going strong. Although I’d absolutely swap my bandeau style—which has a habit of rolling down—for this classic bra shape.
H&M
Tailored Bermuda Shorts
Denim cut-offs are cool, yes, but their styling capabilities are quite limiting. A longer length linen short, however, can be worn to the beach with a flip flop and bikini top or to dinner with a mule and black tank.
ISABEL MARANT
Lonny Leather Belt
This belt, albeit a bit fiddly, makes any outfit feel more much more impactful. I wrap mine around white jeans, blazers, dresses, skirts—anything that could do with an extra oomph.
Poupette St Barth
Moon Ruffled Blouse in Brown
Chemena Kamali’s first Chloé collection had every high street brand rushing to push out boho bits. I nabbed a brown sheer bohemian blouse from Mango, very similar to this Poupette St Barth pick, and layer it over dresses, shorts and jeans.
ikechop
Handwoven Straw Bag With Leather Accents
No accessory brings that beachy feeling quite like a straw tote bag. I found my long-loved style at a market in Ibiza and have my eye on Handmade by Akua’s Berekina style for something more statement-making.
Autograph
Pure Linen Contrast Button Shirt
Roll up the sleeves of this linen shirt to just above the elbow and undo a few buttons to lean into that laidback beach vibe. It will also layer especially well over a brown slip dress.
DÔEN
Almadia Crochet-Trimmed Ramie Mini Dress
Filp flops, a straw bag and oversized sunglasses will take this dress into daytime territory, while a mule and clutch will see it through the evening.
