What shall I pack for my Summer Holiday? The Colourful Resort wear Guide

You've booked the flights, you're already mentally sipping a cocktail at sunset wearing something glamorous.. "What shall I pack for my summer holiday?" is the key question to unlocking your holiday goddess! Your holiday packing list needn't be long (less baggage often equals less stress) but it should be carefully curated. How do you want to feel when you're on holiday? If you want to feel relaxed and carefree, choose floaty fabrics for example. If you want to exude easy glamour, opt for some striking colours. The important thing is that you pack the clothes to help you step into that holiday version of yourself you're longing to release. This colourful resort wear guide is designed to inspire you, if like me - you love embracing fun and feel-good clothes when you're on holiday.

What are the best clothes to pack for a beach holiday?

To maximise your return on suitcase space, make sure you include at least 3 multi-tasking dresses, that will take you from a chic daytime look to an elegant evening dinner. Ideally the designs you select should work whether you are sightseeing, by the pool, or heading to a cocktail bar: versatility is key.

Just because they are versatile doesn't mean they have to be boring! Opt for flamboyant prints and stand out colours to bring vibrancy and fun to your holiday wardrobe, and to embrace your best holiday-self.

The High Impact Holiday Dresses

Don't you agree there's nothing quite like a dress for easy, no-stress glamour? Jumpsuits come a close second, but in my experience, dresses have the edge on versatility, especially at the beach and by the pool (yes I have tried pulling a jumpsuit over a soggy swimming costume, and it wasn't pretty).

1) The elegant maxi dress for daytime to evening glamour

Long dresses have a timeless quality that works beautifully on holiday for standout style. The flowing skirts look elegant, and practically speaking they feel airy when it's hot too.

If a maxi dress isn't right for your body shape, then opt for a midi dress for the same effect.

The dress I'm wearing here has a very full skirt, which made me feel feminine as I walked around Barcelona. It was incredibly hot, but the skirt swished and cooled me down.

I love the fact that the dress is belted too, to emphasise my waist for extra femininity.

The key is that it not only felt good when I was sightseeing, but this was a dress that worked well by the pool (buttons down the front so easily taken on and off), and also felt elegant for our evening meal.

2) The Playful Sundress for Joyful Styling

Bright colours always feel fitting on summer holiday. They match the energy of the sunshine, and make us - and other people - smile.

To step into your happy holiday self, make sure you pack 1 or 2 bright coloured dresses to wear when you just can't get enough of the joy!

Orange is a favourite colour of mine, it works well with my warm palette, although this is quite a bright shade of orange for me to wear when I'm at home. But somehow on summer holiday, it feels like just the ticket. You too may enjoy wearing brighter colours than you'd normally wear at home, so get out of your comfort zone, and go crazy with colour!

3) The Chic Resort Wrap Dress, the Ultimate Poolside Cover Up

Ever got stuck in your dress by the poolside, because you had to hoist it over your head? Those sorts of manoeuvres are fine when you're alone in your hotel room, but when you're removing your clothes in public, you want to think about how elegantly you can slip in and out of them, to channel your holiday goddess!

That's where a wrap dress comes in. One simple bow untied, the dress slips over your shoulders, and it's as smooth and easy as sipping on a pina colada.

The wrap dress I'm wearing in the photo above has become a real holiday favourite, as it's got all the figure flattering properties that wrap dresses are well known for - meaning that it will take me from the poolside to evening drinks - plus the fiesta of colours puts a spring in my step whenever I slip it on. Versatility and vibrancy. What's not to love?

The Transformer Accessories: Your Secret Weapon

When you're looking to keep your style fresh each day throughout your holiday, accessories are your best friend. They elevate your look in an instant, turning your pretty sundress into a head-turning ensemble. They take up very little room in your suitcase, yet they deliver maximum impact in the style stakes.

4) Oversized Statement Sunglasses to Instantly Jazz Up your Look

Sunglasses can add a lot of personality to your outfit, and they are wonderfully practical too; keeping your eyes protected, and instantly adding movie star allure.

Try a retro-inspired frame shape like the cat-eye sunglasses I'm wearing in the photo above for timeless glamour. Or opt for a great colour in your frames that brightens your daily look These red sunglasses were gifted to me by a friend, and I love the way they add a dash of energy to any outfit.

For a playful, carnival-inspired look try teaming bright sunglasses with some statement earrings. You can't help but have a good time when you're wearing this combination! Which leads nicely on to my next packing list essential...

5) Bold Statement Earrings for Effortless Day to Night Drama

Statement earrings are always in style, and never more so than now - since jewellery is having a maximalist moment.

When you choose your statement earrings to bring with you, look for styles that move and sway to capture that free-spirited holiday vibe.

Statement earrings really do add drama to your outfit, so if you are low on dramatic dresses, then investing in a pair of statement earrings can completely change the look of a classic dress into something altogether more interesting.

6) Metallic Sandals and a coordinating small bag for gentle sparkle

Metallics are incredibly versatile for shoes and bags, especially when you are on holiday, as their gently sheen feels like just the right touch of sparkle.

A bronze pair of sandals for example, when teamed with a gold and bronze bag should work with all of your dresses of varying colours and patterns.

For a bonus, try adding a headband to your holiday capsule wardrobe. It's a simple and fuss-free way to create a great hairstyle, without the need for braiding or styling tools. Headbands really do give you a confidence boost!

The Travel Wardrobe Multi-Tasker

The Chic Jacket to pair with all of your summer dresses

If you're anything like me, you love an evening cocktail, but then you're also sensitive to the sea breeze. Your essential jacket firstly serves a practical purpose so make sure it's warm enough! (I've made the mistake before of packing a jacket that didn't actually keep me that warm, and regretted it throughout my holiday).

You want to choose a jacket in a neutral colour like denim, or a linen colour, but then it should be glamorous enough not to detract from your gorgeous dress if you cover up in the evening.

We want to look fabulous all the time, and that includes when we're feeling a bit chilly.

This is one piece that it's really worth taking some time to think carefully about. What jackets do you have in your wardrobe that will lift all of your dresses? If your destination is cool in the evening, it could even be worth taking a scarf or shawl with you that coordinates with your essential jacket - so that you know you've got that ready should you need it. You can't be shivering and be a holiday goddess simultaneously. They are mutually exclusive!

I hope you've loved my Top 7 Holiday Packing Tips. Do comment below and let me know what you'll be packing on your summer holiday. I'd love to hear from you.