Heading on a sun holiday? What to pack for hot destinations
The most common pitfalls are a lack of organisation, overpacking, and a failure to consider fabric quality.
Summer is now in full swing, and with the holiday season upon us, many travellers are seeking out hot, humid destinations.
While a trip abroad is a cause for celebration and a much-needed opportunity to unwind, packing the right clothing for different climates can be anything but straightforward.
The most common pitfalls, according to celebrity stylist and fashion expert Alex Longmore, whose clients have included Amanda Holden and Dame Joanna Lumley, are a lack of organisation, overpacking and a failure to consider fabric quality.
Stylist Lisa Talbot, who’s worked with brands including H&M and Fenwick, adds that women frequently overlook how humidity affects clothing choices, instead packing purely for heat.
From the best colours to pack to the essential items for a holiday capsule wardrobe, here are Longmore and Talbot’s top tips for dressing well in hot and humid destinations.
A pair of wide-legged linen trousers should be on everyone’s packing list as they’re breathable and versatile. Longmore recommends opting for a block colour, rather than a print, to pair with multiple tops without eating into precious suitcase space. White vests and negligee-style tops are her top picks to style them with. Aside from linen trousers, Longmore says blue-and-white striped pyjama-style trousers are a must as they can similarly complement multiple tops, such as an oversized linen shirt.
To travel even lighter, Talbot is a strong advocate for co-ord short-and-top sets. “You can wear the items together, or you can deconstruct them and wear them separately, so you’re taking more outfit options but using less space in your luggage”. Crochet co-ords, she adds, are particularly on-trend this season.
For more outfit options, you don’t need to pack more clothes; you need to pack more accessories. Jewellery, in particular, can “elevate your outfits and can change from night to day”, says Talbot, who suggests buying a pill box, normally used for medication, as a neat way to keep pieces organised in your luggage.
Base metal jewellery, such as gold and silver, suits women of all ages and works across any outfit. For an easy win, Talbot recommends a layered bracelet, combining gold, silver and rose gold bangles, for an effortless mixture of tones.
Along with wide-rimmed sun hats, Talbot says bandanas are one of this summer’s most coveted items. “You can print, you can add colouring, and it’ll protect your head and prevent coloured hair from being damaged in the sun,” she says.
Though bandanas are popular, Talbot says they are less in demand for evening wear. Instead, they’re an ideal accessory to upgrade your daytime look – and can even add a stylish flair to everyday swimwear.
After the Princess of Wales Kate Midleton’s headline-making return to Royal Ascot in a striking yellow dress, this summer is all about yellow, according to Talbot. She says that all hues of yellow are in, from neon to buttery. Longmore also highlights yellow as this season’s trending colour and suggests pale yellow kaftans and beach dresses.
Though light-coloured clothing is typically more popular for hot and humid destinations, Talbot doesn’t caution against wearing black. “Black will draw in heat, but in the evening when it cools down, a black slip dress with a white pair of sandals would be a really nice look,” she adds.
Longmore cautions against packing more than two maxi dresses or jumpsuits due to their bulk. To save space, opt for a lightweight negligee dress. Longmore points out that negligee clothing is fashionable at the moment among A-list celebrities. Even singer Dua Lipa has been seen wearing a black-and-white laced trimmed negligee top on her honeymoon with Callum Turner. If negligee clothing is not your style, Longmore says that white with a black polka-dot print is an on-trend option for dresses.
If you’re adamant about packing a variety of dresses, Talbot suggests midi-dresses. “They work well for ladies who don’t want to show their knees but want to remain cool,” she says. “A midi-dress can also take you from day to night with accessories.”
“A fan is a really good idea if you’re older, as it’s often around the face and neck you feel hot,” Longmore says. “You could go for a de-misting fan, which I’ve seen all over Instagram, or a really cool Spanish-style fan, for example.” As for footwear, Longmore points out sandals, which are roomier to allow for any swelling in the heat. She does, however, advise against flip-flops for both fashion and practical purposes. “They’re not really a look that works, and they’re also not often comfortable,” she explains.
Talbot says fabric is especially important for women going through the menopause. “You’ve definitely got to pack items that are 100% linen or cotton because they will not hold the heat, so they will be much more comfortable and flattering,” she adds. Older women may also want to wear less clothing in hot and humid conditions, and to do so, while remaining chic, Talbot would suggest strapless or spaghetti-strap dresses.
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