You might be thinking that, as Good Housekeeping’s Style Director, I’m a disciplinarian who knows her stuff about holiday capsule wardrobes. In fact, I worked out the 17 items I need for a perfect holiday capsule wardrobe while I was on the holiday itself.
Truth be told, I brought a lot more than 17 items.
But when my suitcase was two kilos overweight at the airport – again! – I made myself a promise. To carefully log exactly what I wore and notice what was ignored, so I could share it with you when I got home and use it as a template for any future breaks.
Here’s what I learned.
The Shoes – You Only Need Three Pairs
Shoes are hands-down the most important decision of your holiday capsule. They need to deliver for evenings out, local strolls, hikes, lunches and on the beach. That brief requires styles with versatility, comfort and chic in one package.
My ‘you never know’ gene was given full reign when packing shoes, but in reality I wore just three pairs on repeat.
My top recommendation for everyday chic and versatility are the white leather ‘Leola’ rope sandals by Dune.
Leola - White Flat Leather Strappy Sandals
Easy to slip on, they made everything I wore look more elevated, and with their lightly cushioned sole, they were also super comfortable.
I paired my Leola sandals with a skirt and silky top to go dancing, shorts and a T-shirt for my morning stroll to the coffee shop, and a bright orange sundress for a 10,000 step trawl around Cape Town to visit galleries.
For hiking and longer walks, I went for my trusty Wylder canvas walking boots by FitFlop, which were light enough for the warmer weather and sturdy, grippy and comfortable enough to climb a small mountain, complete with ladders and chain grips. FitFlop are low in stock on the Wylder, but Palladium do excellent versions.
For beach walks and casual days, I went for the slip-on Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sneaker mule. Stylish, comfortable and easy to take on and off.
Lower Half – You Only Need Four Items
My heroes here were my hiking leggings and a pair of black denim shorts with a wide cut, to create the impression of slimmer legs. I wore them everyday, and they could be dressed up with a crisp shirt or down with a cosy jumper. I’ve owned my pair for five years, but M&S and Levi’s do excellent similar versions.
Coming a close second are white cotton balloon trousers because they are light, airy, very chic for spring 2026 and extremely comfortable. M&S has a brilliant linen pair for £46 that come in both black and white. I wore mine out to dinners and for a chic lunch.
My red party skirt is an old one I’ve worn and loved for years, but I recommend M&S for pretty holiday skirts. Choose something in a bright colour and make memories.
Linen Rich Shirred Tie Detail Maxi Skirt
Linen Rich Shirred Tie Detail Maxi Skirt
You Only Need One Dress
When you have a perfect holiday dress, you know it. It makes you feel summery, and when it's comfortable and easy to wear, why would you need another? I chose this cotton one over the others I brought, and in the future, I know one dress in a natural fabric is enough.
This is one I bought last summer from Nobody’s Child, but M&S have one in exactly the same design in cobalt blue cotton, at £40. Or for something with sleeves, go for Next’s pretty pink cotton sundress.
One Matching Set
I’m a fan of matching sets, they make an instant outfit, and when I found this matching top and shorts in soft cream linen by Nobody’s Child, I was sold. I wore it twice, but I know it’ll come with me on all my future holidays.
Buy the matching top here, £45
The List in Total
3 x shoes – sneakerina mules, sandals, walking boots
1 x colourful dress – Nobody’s Child
1 x bright jacket for lunches or evenings
2 x evening tops – Zara and Uniqlo
3 x bottoms – shorts, trousers, skirt
2 x T-shirts
1 x matching set
2 x bikinis
1 x sports leggings
1 x jumper
Total: 17 items
