The Holiday Packing Formula: Look Fabulous, Pack Light, and Never Panic Again!

Hello,

Welcome to The Weekend Read, where your style dilemmas go on a permanent holiday — starting with your suitcase. If you’ve ever stared down a bulging pile of clothes while trying to zip up your case (and maybe sat on it, cursed it, or re-packed it five times), this one’s for you.

Today we’re diving into The Holiday Packing Formula — a smarter way to travel light without sacrificing style. Whether you’re jetting off to the Amalfi Coast, glamping in Cornwall, or sneaking away for a cheeky city break, this is your ultimate guide to curated, colour-coordinated, capsule-style packing.

Let’s turn chaos into calm — and your suitcase into a stylist-approved treasure chest.

Why Packing is So. Flipping. Hard.

Let’s be honest. Packing is emotional.

We pack for the woman we hope to be on holiday: relaxed, radiant, roaming local markets in a linen dress and fabulous earrings, sipping cocktails with perfect hair and zero sweat patches.

But then real holiday us shows up. She’s sticky, sunburnt, and wearing the same three things on repeat. So how do we bridge the gap between aspirational Pinterest board and actual suitcase reality? With a formula.

A Holiday Packing Formula is rooted in: your seasonal colour palette, your style personality and the realistic activities you’ll do. Then add in a dash of Holiday Magic (aka accessories and attitude).

Step 1: Choose Your Colour Palette

If you’ve had your House of Colour analysis, this part is easy. Stick to your seasonal colours — they do 80% of the hard work for you.

But here’s the twist: you don’t need to take the entire palette. Choose one of your 3 points of red from your season and than add 3–5 other colours.

Remember, your 'three points of red' are a special family of colours within your palette. They can clash if worn together, but each of them can successfully be worn, with any of the other colours in your palette.

These are:

Springs: Corals, Pinks & Warm Reds

Autumns: Corals, Rusts & Warm Reds

Summers: Plums, Rose Pinks & Cool Reds

Winters: Burgundies, Bright Pink & Cool Reds

The 3-5 their colours include 1–2 Neutrals from your palette (e.g. navy, white, cream, tan and dark blue-grey) and 2–3 Basic Colours from your greens, blues, yellows and purples.

Make sure everything mixes and matches. That way, every top goes with every bottom, every layer complements every dress and nothing is left sitting alone at the bottom of your suitcase.

Bonus tip: Stick to one metal tone for accessories (gold, silver, rose gold) based on your season — it makes everything feel more intentional.

Step 2: Know Your Style Personality on Holiday

Your style doesn’t take a break when you do. In fact, it’s a brilliant time to lean into it.

Dramatics: might pack a statement maxi dress, mirrored sunglasses, and bold swimwear.

Classics: keep it chic, with tailored shorts, Bretton tops and neat accessories.

Naturals: wear floaty linens, comfy sandals and cross body bags.

Gamines: opt for co-ords, cropped trousers and statement t-shirts with personality.

Ingenues: add a splash of broderie anglaise, cute shorts and pretty jewellery

Romantics: glam it up with a floaty cover up, oversized hat and statement sunglasses.

Understanding your style personality helps you avoid impulse buys at the airport or packing that sequin jumpsuit you love but haven’t worn since Ibiza 2009.

Step 3: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Rule

Here’s the formula magic. Tailor this depending on your holiday length and vibe, but for a week away in a carry-on case, it works like a dream:

5 Tops: Think variety - tank-top, short sleeve, linen blouse, sleeveless, and one dressy option.

4 Bottoms: take 1 pair of shorts, 1 skirt, 1 wide-leg trouser and 1 casual trouser ( comfy jersey or denim).

3 Shoes: Flats/sandals or trainers for walking, smart shoes )wedges or glam sandals) and flip flops or sliders. Always your heaviest pair on the flight.

2 Swimsuits and Bikinis: Mix and match with sarongs or wraps. Add a rash vest or swim top if you're active or sun-sensitive.

1 Hat (and 1 Wildcard Item) - The hat keeps you cool and photo-ready. The wildcard is your style flex - maybe a jazzy kimono, killer jumpsuit, or that dress you always feel amazing in.

Step 4: The Layering Trick

Airports are generally air conditioned and can be chilly. Beaches tend to be extremely hot whilst evenings can be cooler and breezy, therefore, you need a a layering strategy. So remember to pack a lightweight jacket made of linen, denim, or cotton. Having a wrap or larges scarf is perfect for flights, covering shoulders at temples, or adding style oomph. Consider packing a long-sleeved top or button-up shirt which can double as cover-up or outfit piece.

To maximise space roll everything rather than folding. You can also wear layers on the plane which can double as pillows if needed.

Step 5: Accessory Alchemy

Accessories are the secret sauce of the holiday wardrobe. They take the same dress from day to night in a heartbeat.

Consider packing the following:

• 2–4 pairs of earrings varying statement to subtle.
• 1 belt for shape, especially with floaty styles.
• 1 crossbody bag for hands-free chic.
• 1 tote bag for the beach or the pool.
• 1 pair of sunglasses in your best colour.
• 1–2 necklaces and bracelets.

Keep everything within your colour palette and style personality. Organise in a soft pouch or travel jewellery roll so you have no tangled chains.

Bonus Round: The Mini Beauty Edit

Keep your skincare and make-up simple, stylish, and season-appropriate.

Skincare:

• Mini cleanser
• Hydrating mist or toner
• Day cream with SPF
• Night cream
• Lip balm with SPF

Makeup:

• BB Cream or mineral foundation
• Bronzer or blusher
• Mascara
• Brow pencil
• 1 lipstick to match your ' Three Point of Red' choice and one lip-gloss.

Pro tip: decant your skin care and makeup into travel pots to save space.

Real Life Packing Scenarios

Beach Resort in Greece (7 days)

You’ll mostly be lounging, walking and dining. Go for breathable fabrics, swishy skirts, floaty tops, swimsuits that double as bodysuits, and sandals that go from beach to bar.

City Break in Europe (4 days)

Pack smart-casual separates. Think: printed trousers, camisoles, midi dresses with trainers, and a lightweight jacket.

UK Coastal Staycation (5 days)

Layers, layers, layers! Include a rainproof jacket, relaxed trousers, Breton tops, walking shoes, and a cosy jumper.

Adventure Holiday (variable)

Function meets fashion. Take quick-dry tops, shorts, supportive sandals, activewear, and a structured rucksack. Keep the colours joyful even when the itinerary is rugged.

Holiday Packing Mistakes to Avoid

If you say that phrase, 'just in case' leave it at home. If the occasion arises, you’ll either have to make do, or have a fabulous excuse to buy something locally.  Ignoring your colour palette leads to overpacking and random items that don’t work together. Never take shoes you haven’t worn before. Do you want Blisters on day one? No thank you. A travel-sized detergent or knowing there’s a machine on-site can buy you 3 extra outfits in the same suitcase.

Final Thoughts: You’re the Main Event

You can have the best capsule wardrobe in the world, but remember to be you, in your colours and your style - that's where the magic happens.

So don’t panic-pack and don’t doubt your choices. And don’t forget that you deserve to take up space - even in a carry-on case.

Bon voyage!

Click Here for Your Holiday Packing Inspiration 

Enjoy your weekend! Next week's 'The Weekend Read' is all about - ''The Midlife Style Reboot' - Look out for that next Saturday.

Best wishes,

Judi & Jenny x

Written by Judi Prue & Jenny Goldsmith from House of Colour for The Weekend Read – 40 years of colour, confidence, and community.

Judi Prue

Personal Stylist & Colour Analyst

Celebrator of Individuality

Curator of Confidence

Tel: 07904 347847

e: judi.prue@houseofcolour.co.uk

w: www.houseofcolour.co.uk/judiprue

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