The Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
The goal: maximum outfit options, minimum suitcase weight, zero outfit regrets.
The 10-piece holiday capsule:
Everything should mix and match to create 15+ different outfits.
Beach Outfit Ideas
What to Wear on the Beach
Cover-ups:
Beach shoes: Flip flops for sandy beaches, water shoes for rocky beaches, espadrilles for beach bars.
Beach bag: A large woven straw tote — practical, looks beautiful, packs flat.
Beach to Bar Outfit
The trick: a cover-up that doubles as an actual outfit.
Best options:
The accessories that make the difference: Good sunglasses, gold jewellery, a nice bag.
Daytime Holiday Outfit Ideas
Sightseeing Outfit
Sightseeing rules: Wear broken-in shoes. Bring a light layer. Check dress codes for religious sites.
Resort Restaurant Evening Outfit
Evening holiday colours: White and cream look stunning in warm evening light. Coral, turquoise, terracotta.
Holiday Outfits by Destination
Mediterranean Holiday Outfit (Greece, Italy, Spain)
Must-pack: A white linen dress, a good swimsuit, one midi dress for evenings, espadrilles.
Tropical Holiday Outfit (Bali, Caribbean, Thailand)
UK Coastal Holiday Outfit
Holiday Outfits by Budget
Under £150 total
Boohoo and ASOS have excellent holiday capsule pieces. 2 bikinis (£20–£30), 2 sundresses (£35–£50), flip flops (£10), woven bag (£15–£20), 1 evening dress (£30–£40).
Under £300 total
Better fabrics and more considered pieces — linen from Next or M&S, a quality swimsuit, good leather sandals.
Holiday Outfits by Body Shape
Hourglass Holiday Outfit
Wrap-style swimwear and cover-ups show off your waist. A wrap midi dress is perfect for evenings.
Pear Shape Holiday Outfit
Bold printed bikini tops draw attention upward. A-line sundresses balance the silhouette.
Apple Shape Holiday Outfit
One-piece swimwear with ruching is flattering. Empire waist sundresses elongate the silhouette.
Petite Holiday Outfit
Monochrome swimwear elongates the silhouette. Mini and midi dresses with a defined waist work beautifully.
Plus Size Holiday Outfit
Bold prints and bright colours are brilliant on the beach. A flowing kaftan is both practical and beautiful.
Tall Holiday Outfit
Maxi dresses look stunning. Wide-leg linen trousers with a cropped top is a brilliant combination.
Find Your Holiday Outfit in Seconds
Not sure what to pack? Outfitly is a free AI outfit finder that builds complete holiday looks personalised to your body shape and budget. Takes 30 seconds, completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a beach holiday?
2 swimsuits, 2 cover-ups, 2 casual dresses, 1 evening dress, 1 linen trouser, flat sandals, wedges and flip flops. Everything mixing and matching.
What do you wear to a beach restaurant?
Smart casual. A midi wrap dress with flat sandals and simple jewellery is the most versatile option.
What is the best beach cover-up?
A linen shirt dress — it genuinely doubles as a cover-up and a daytime outfit.
What colours look best on holiday?
White and cream look stunning against tanned skin. Bold prints and bright colours work beautifully in warm holiday light.
What should I wear beach to bar?
A linen shirt dress or crochet cover-up over a bikini, with flat sandals, gold jewellery and a straw bag.
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