Staycations are set to be very popular this year - so many of my clients are taking a trip within the UK over the coming months (and I'm off to sunny Norfolk during the school Summer holidays!)

Packing for a trip in the UK can be somewhat problematic though. The weather here is temperamental at best and even if the forecast predicts sunshine it's always good to be prepared!

With this in mind this month’s article will help you create a staycation capsule wardrobe that will ensure you can pack light whilst still having plenty of outfit options (whatever the weather!)

So many of us take loads of options only to bring half of them home unworn - this is where you really need to plan ahead rather than just chucking everything into a suitcase. Think about the activities you'll be doing during the day and how you're going to spend your evenings - is it largely going to be the same sort of thing each day or will you be doing lots of different things that require different clothing options?

Aim to re-wear each item you take 2-3 times during the duration of your holiday to cut down on the volume of clothes you take away.

I generally apply the same guidelines to a holiday wardrobe as I do to a capsule wardrobe for day-to-day life, this helps me get maximum wear out of everything so I’m not packing loads of items to end up bringing half of them back unworn.

Some things to think about…

Colours - your footwear, jackets, jean/skirts/shorts ideally all need to be in versatile shades so that you can easily mix and match different top halves (and therefore need less of them) - add the colour with your top halves and accessories and any dresses you take.

Dresses - these don't take up loads of room and if it's going to be warm you're bound to want to take a few. Ideally, choose ones that could be worn for the evening as well to maximise the amount of wear they're going to get.

Choose footwear that can be worn with a variety of outfits rather than bringing a pair for each option.

Keep footwear to a minimum - one thing you definitely don't need is lots of footwear options. Try and keep it to one practical pair for the daytime (that you'll also wear to travel in), a lighter sandal option if the weather is warm and something a little smarter if you plan on going out in the evenings. Of course, if you’re going on walking holidays in Yorkshire or somewhere similar, you might need further footwear options.

Outerwear - needs to be versatile. One waterproof, one jacket (ideally something you could wear day or night like a shacket) and one or two warmer options (sweaters/knits/cardigans. If the forecast is cold you may need to up the sweater/cardigan quota but plan to wear each one 2-3 times as they will bulk out your suitcase considerably.

One thing I wouldn't skimp on when you come to packing are your accessories - these will elevate your daytime dresses for the evening, transform a simple jeans and shorts combination and generally give you greater variety within your holiday wardrobe. Whether you take costume jewellery or the real thing, take care of it and store it well. A jewellery roll is well worth using so that items don't get mis-placed or tangled.

Now you’re packed and ready to set off for your staycation in style!

Until next time,

Anna xo

Anna Mewes - Personal Stylist was established in 2012 and has helped thousands of women with their personal style ever since. With a strong focus on using style as a form of self care Anna uses her expertise in colour and body shape to help her clients build a wardrobe of clothes that ensure they look fabulous for day-to-day life. A wife, mum of two and now with a new puppy in-tow, Anna caters for women with busy lives who want to feel their best whatever the occasion.

Alongside her successful career as a stylist, Anna is also a Fashion & Lifestyle writer with a Journalism diploma from London College of Style. Anna publishes articles weekly for her own blog as well as regularly contributing to fashion and lifestyle publications both in-print and online.

Visit Anna’s website here, read her blog here or follow her on social media here.

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