I will bravely admit it that amongst my family and friends, I do not have a reputation for packing light (just ask my long-suffering partner). But as someone who is regularly guilty of going over my baggage allowance, I made the decision a while ago to make my next trip a well-planned one, and that would mean making sure that every item I packed would be entirely necessary and relatively light. Yes, I wanted to keep cool, but more importantly, I wanted to dodge the additional charge.
It just so happened that my first holiday in three years would be a big one—15 days in fact—and before having a packing meltdown, I set about building a capsule wardrobe that would create as many outfits as possible with as few a pieces as possible (bar some shoe options). And for the first time ever, I perfected the formula for holiday dressing, and the secret is… swimwear.
With a forecast of nearly 32°C every day in Greece, my main focus were pieces that would stay cool and look good, and it turned out that with the exception of a couple of light and airy dresses, bikinis and one-piece costumes would form the basis of everything I wore. Whether paired with shorts, under skirts or, of course, on their own, it turned out that all I would require in my case for a fortnight of island hopping would be a few changes of swimwear, cotton separates, a couple of cover-ups and my favourite jewellery.
Below are my fail-safe suggestions based looks I wore on my trip, and some of the pieces you may already own already. I'm happy to say that each piece is able to be mixed and matched with another. Oh, and there's also a very handy scarf styling tip for those extra low on space. So consider this a maximalist's guide on what to wear in Greece (or any other European island) with minimal fuss but maximum impact.
1. Mini Dress or Cover Up + Sandals + Basket Bag
Style Notes: Is there anything more versatile than a light and easy mini dress? I wear them throughout autumn with a chunky knits and knee-high boots, but summer is when they really come into their own. Lucy's bold crochet mini dress [pictured above] is the perfect option for an easy day-to-night outfit that will keep you covered enough once the temperatures drop after the sun sets.
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Crochet dresses were everywhere last summer, and they still look just as strong now.
Every holiday wardrobe needs a pair of flip-flops, but investing in a leather pair means you'll get plenty of wear out of them for many summers to come.
When it comes to bags, the bigger the better. A large tote like this is ideal for travelling, as it doubles up as both a carry-on and a beach bag.
I'm a sucker for statement sunglasses, and Toteme's latest offering are guaranteed to suit everyone.
I've been wearing a Daisy London necklace every day for the last week, and it's still getting complimented.
2. Shirts and Shorts Co-Ord + Flip Flops
Style Notes: It's official—the shirt-and-shorts co-ord is the best thing to happen to our summer wardrobes since the Birkenstock. Not only does it make an easy cover-up straight off the beach, but it's also smart enough to wear back in the office too.
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I couldn't stop thinking about this co-ord from the moment I saw it. I'm someone who never wore head-to-toe white before, so consider me a convert.
A flexible, soft fit that feels so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing any support at all.
There's nothing "ugly" about easy flip flops, and the outfit options are endless.
My raffia tote comes with me on every holiday. It's a timeless classic that has reached icon status for good reason.
3. Cover Up + Slides
Style Notes: Gone are the days of the lurid kaftan. Cover-ups are now so chic you'll want to wear them off the beach too. Amp up the drama in a billowy maxi that's light enough to keep you cool and looking good whilst doing it.
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Monikh's exact cover up has gone out of stock, but for a similar look, I've got my eye on this linen dress from Rise & Fall. Light enough to wear over my bikini but covered enough for the city.
Fed up of underwiring? This wide-strapped top is perfect for even fuller busts.
Leather sandals, whether flat or heeled, are a proven favourite amongst our editors.
If there's an outfit that doesn't look exponentially better with a pair of simple hoop earrings, I haven't found it yet.
A bag big enough to hold everything from your SPF to your sunnies (and a couple of books for good measure).
4. Backless Dress + Mid-Heel Sandals
Style Notes: If you also find dressing for muggy evenings difficult, allow me to suggest a backless dress. You can't beat this level of ventilation, and a sleek silhouette only makes it cooler than bulky fabric. It's perfect for those special evenings when only al fresco dining will do.
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Weddings, summer parties, dinner dates, you name it. This dress covers it all.
A surprisingly roomy and elegant clutch.
Quiet luxury accessories still reign supreme, so start here if you don't already have a pair of sandals in your wardrobe.
Some serious arm candy that looks just as good stacked as it does alone.
5. Silk Scarf + Just About Anything
Style Notes: You can save on space in your suitcase by getting creative with what you pack. One large silk scarf ended up being a headscarf, a top and a neckerchief on this trip. The best part? It's light as a feather, so there's no need to worry about that baggage allowance.
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Simply fold diagonally and wrap around for a new top in an instant.
An easy, laidback shorts style that will go with literally everything in your wardrobe.
A '90s-inspired 'fit calls for well-matched accessories, and what's better than a sleek shoulder bag?
You know you're onto a winner when passersby ask where your shoes are from. Prepare for compliments when wearing these buckled flats.
6. Breezy Maxi Dress + Comfortable Flats
Style Notes: The sun is setting, and whether I'm wrapping up my evening or just getting started, a breezy maxi dress is my holiday go-to. Buttermilk yellow is the quiet luxury colour of the season, and pastels wear particularly well with macramé accessories and artisanal jewellery to channel a boho spirit with a polished edge.
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Bring the sunshine in this sheer and lightweight gathered dress with the ultimate summer maxi silhouette.
A special pair of earrings like these are the ideal conversation starter.
Good vibes by name, good vibes by nature. This is mood-boosting jewellery if ever I've seen it.
Slippers don't get more luxurious than this.
Just when we thought Dear Frances couldn't up its accessories game, these seriously impressive bags just landed and are just as good as their famed shoes.
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