Hands up anyone who’s never experienced a fashion drama whilst packing for a holiday. It’s happened to all of us, I know, because striking a balance is never easy. On the one hand, there’s the urge – and indeed the need – to travel light; on the other, the desire to have the perfect outfit for every occasion.

Packing yet another suitcase before setting off, only to fill it with clothes we won’t actually wear, isn’t the best solution – not least for your wallet. What we can do, however, is pack a smart, stress-free suitcase.

How? Simply focus on essential items – just a few pieces, but versatile and space-saving ones that can be mixed and matched to create different looks for daytime, evening and every occasion on holiday. Here’s how to do it!

Strategic, space-saving items for a light, stress-free suitcase

Some items work on their own, whilst others go well with everything. And it’s precisely these that we’ll be packing in our lightweight suitcase. Let’s start with linen trousers: light, cool and breathable, perfect for wearing both in the morning and in the evening, even in extreme temperatures. They’re a piece that goes with everything: a tank top for the day, a crop top or a blouse for aperitifs and dinner. Our tip? It’s best to opt for white or a light, neutral shade such as beige, cream or sand, so you can pair them with every colour in your wardrobe.

A shirt dress is an absolute must-have in your suitcase – a garment that creates a look all on its own. Feminine, versatile and incredibly comfortable, it can be worn from morning to night: simply change your accessories to create a different look to suit the occasion.

A shirt and a camisole are the other two essential items that must never be missing from a light holiday suitcase. The shirt, in cotton or linen, is a versatile piece with endless variations and uses. It can be worn open as a cover-up, buttoned up or tied at the waist over shorts and miniskirts and, if needed, it doubles as a ‘jacket’ for cooler, breezy evenings. Here too, the advice is to choose neutral shades so you don’t have to worry about matching.

The vest top is the quintessential summer staple. Opt for a simple style, with thin or wide straps, and neutral colours so you can create coordinated outfits and mixed-and-matched ensembles to wear both during the day and in the evening.

Shorts are also a must-have. When packing for your holiday, we recommend two styles: one in cotton and one in denim, both to be worn with T-shirts, tops or oversized shirts. Perfect for leisure time, walks, shopping trips and even at the beach, perhaps paired with a one-piece swimsuit.

Last but not least is the matching set, a major summer trend. You can choose between Bermuda shorts or a waistcoat, trousers and a shirt, or a skirt and a top. It’s easy to see why we love them: they’re ready to go and just waiting to be worn, and if needed, individual pieces can also be worn separately to create new looks.

There you have it: this is our perfect suitcase – lightweight, versatile and stress-free. And if you’re looking for inspiration on what to pack for your holiday, then take a look at our selection, which you’ll find at the end of this article, and set off with peace of mind.