I book Easyjet flights for the same reason everyone else does: they’re cheap and cheerful (if a little late sometimes). Taking a flight to Europe for the price of a large weekly shop is my idea of money well spent – who doesn’t love exploring new places on a budget? So, having visited Provence a few times over the past couple of years using Easyjet, I was eager to return and so mum and I decided to go for a mid-week break. Three nights away meant we couldn’t justify paying the extra money for hold luggage so we settled on cabin cases, failing to realise that a handbag wouldn’t be allowed – a bit of a nightmare when I tend to stuff half of my life in my handbag, especially when travelling.
Time for the capsule wardrobe to take action.
For a few days relaxing in a small village in the South of France, the capsule wardrobe is simple: navy, white and swimwear. I want to feel my best when I’m holidaying, but relaxed too; the last thing I want is to be stressed about my wardrobe. On this trip we plan to do little more than sunbathe and stroll around la village, drinking cafe au lait and eating croissants (fingers crossed the thunderstorms don’t make an appearance and spoil our al fresco fun). With this minimal itinerary in mind, I packed only the essentials.
- Great Plains floral jumpsuit (not strictly in my navy and white theme but it’s good to have a third alternative);
- navy and white polka dot palazzo pants (similar here);
- navy tank top, white tank top (great basics at Primark), white crochet top (similar here);
- white knit (in case the thunderstorms do join us) (similar here);
- wedges, flats (similar here and here);
- bikini and poolside/beach cover up (even better if this doubles up as an outfit) (similar here and here);
- straw basket (or buy one when you get there – the markets are great in Provence);
- underwear, pyjamas;
- Breton stripe top or dress;
- all the extras, including my book, magazine, camera, iPhone, mini toiletries, brush, hair styler, and minimal make up supplies.
That’s it! It all fits in my Tripp cabin case – the key is to pack every nook and cranny, and store items inside other items (so putting underwear inside shoes, slotting bulkier items into corners, slipping shoes inside handbags, etc, etc). I’ll gain a third outfit by wearing blue jeans (or you could wear shorts), with a t-shirt under my white blazer (which will smarten up any look for evening), with my new Superga trainers and Zara scarf. Sunglasses will stay on my face from the moment I leave for the airport (as Diane von Furstenberg says, wearing sunglasses should make us feel like movie stars!), and if I’m feeling bold I’ll wear (or carry) my straw panama hat – I’m not risking Squished Hat Syndrome by packing it.
My top tip when packing hand luggage only? Firstly, try and book a flight with a handbag too, so your documents, purse, phone, magazine/book, scarf and toiletries are nice and handy for security and during the flight. If you can’t take an extra bag, then keep all of those important bits in a dustbag at the top of your case, which you can just pull out anytime and keep with you on the plane, making life so much easier. If all else fails, do a Joey from Friends and simply wear your entire wardrobe on the flight.
Where are you jetting off to this summer? Or will you enjoy this gorgeous British summer (so far) with a staycation? Share with me below, or send your travel diaries to me on Snapchat! (Find me at daydreamer.net)
Happy travels, daydreamers!
