The Style Story: How to pack the perfect holiday wardrobe

Womenswear buyer-turned-stylist and personal shopper, Cambridge’s Nerys Copping understands fashion’s power to make us not only look good, but feel good too. Here’s her guide to stress-free - and super-stylish - holiday packing

Let’s face it: by August, most of us are in full-on escape mode. Whether you’re headed to the Amalfi Coast or just a lovely UK staycation, one question looms: what do I pack that’s both stylish and functional? Here I’ve put together a go-to guide for curating travel outfits that look good and are comfortable enough for real life. No wardrobe meltdowns, overstuffed suitcases, or outfit regrets necessary.

1. The elevated airport/travel look
Aim: To look chic but still feel cosy
What to wear:
Oversized blazer over a fitted tank
Wide-leg trousers or soft tailored joggers
Smart leather sliders or a comfy pair of trainers
Canvas or raffia beach bag to carry all the essentials
Top Tip: Layer up! Planes can swing from sauna to arctic in seconds. A light scarf also doubles as a pillow.

2. Poolside/beach chic
Aim: To maximise swimwear with minimal effort
What to wear:
Standout swimsuit: go bold with colour or cut-outs if you feel confident
Sheer button-down or linen shirt as a cover-up, for that effortless beach-to-bar look
Wide-brim straw hat
Sliders that you wouldn’t mind wearing to a restaurant
Raffia beach bag for texture
Top Tip: Pack a bikini and a couple of one-pieces: one for sunning, one that doubles as a bodysuit with shorts or a skirt for an easy evening look.

3. Day-tripping essentials
Aim: To be comfy enough for exploring and stylish enough to give you confidence
What to wear:
Lightweight jumpsuit or cotton midi dress
Flat comfortable sandals
Crossbody bag
Oversized sunglasses and SPF setting spray
Top Tip: Choose light colours to stay cool and hide sweat marks (yes, we all get them)

4. Dinner and drinks mode
Aim: To look effortless and glam
What to wear:
Slip dress or linen co-ord set
Block-heeled sandals
Layered necklaces
Your favourite lipstick
Top Tip: Wrinkle-free fabrics are your best friend. And yes, a little travel steamer is worth the suitcase space

5. The finishing touches
These are the small, packable details that pull outfits together:
Silk scarf (for hair, bag, neck — whatever you fancy to harmonise with your style)
Jewellery; a fab stack of necklaces, bracelets and earrings
Sunglasses
Your signature scent in rollerball form

Final packing notes:
Plan in outfits, not pieces
Stick to one colour palette to mix and match easily
Always pack a ‘wild card’ look — the piece you love but weren’t sure about. It usually becomes your favourite!

August travel is all about finding joy in the journey and looking good doing it. Whether you’re hopping on a plane or just playing tourist in your own city, remember: you don’t need a new wardrobe to look amazing. You just need the right pieces and the confidence to wear them.

Find out more about Nerys and the services she offers by emailing nerys@thestylestory.co.uk, visiting thetstylestory.co.uk and following @neryscopping on Instagram.

Pictured: Says Nerys: “These wide-leg trousers by Object from Iris & Violet, Cambridge, are perfect for travelling and then wearing again with a swimsuit as a bodysuit and block heels for an evening look.”