We reveal what to take and how to pack it so you can fly away to your destination like a true fashionista.

What to pack
Don't plan on taking every sundress and pair of shoes you own – unless you're so rich you can afford to take an entire, matching set.

You need to take enough clothes to make you feel good on holiday.

And all your new stuff will obviously be first on your list, along with all those summer perennials that you love wearing whenever you go away because they look so great with a tan.

But taking too much just complicates things when you get to your destination.

If you've got too much choice, getting dolled up each evening becomes confusing – and way too time-consuming, say the fashion advisory team at John Lewis in Sheffield.

Trying on one thing after another is guaranteed to get your holiday partner hot under the collar.

And then there are those luggage weights to take into acount. Airlines are sticklers now. Go a few kilos over and you end up paying through the nose for it, say the city centre store's personal shoppers Kim Bennett and Sandra Dennell, who are currently taking bookings for their free one-hour, one-to-one sessions on how to build that versatile capsule wardrobe.

"The problem is women want to look as good as they can look at home, when they have their entire wardrobe at their disposal," says Sandra.

"But you can look fantastic all holiday long with just a fraction of your clothes and acessories.

"The key is in the advance planning."

So check your weight restriction, lay all the clothes you fancy taking out on your bed... and then get tough with yourself.

You don't need two of anything (apart from undies!) or a different outfit for each evening.

And you don't have to team a pair of shoes and a handbag with each dress you take, say Sandra and Kim.

Put what you think you might not wear straight back in your wardrobe, then work with what's left.

"Tops are great holiday takeaways.

"We advise women to take three tops to every bottom item because what you wear on the top half of your body gets so much more attention.

"But choose those tops wisely – work out which ones will go with your linen trousers and also with that flirty skirt."

Kim recommends JL kaftans, a versatile white JL halterneck and vest top at £14 and suggests women take a second look at the selection of shrugs and matching camis under the Phase Eight label.

Items which can be worn in the day or glammed up at night are essential for a capsule holiday wardrobe.

Look for versatile maxi skirts that can be worn as beachwear cover-ups or a dress in the evening.

Linen clothes are perfect for holidays. They are cool and light and look so chic in hot climes. Even those creases look glamorous.


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