Whether you're choosing to travel to Cornwall or Croatia, Greece or your best friend's back yard, the ease of restrictions means that a vacation (or in some cases, staycation) may be on the cards this summer, after all. From bucket hats to beach bags, swimsuits to sunscreen, there are a few key items every holidaymaker needs to ensure their trip runs as smoothly as possible. And since it's been a while since any of us have packed a suitcase, we thought we'd tap into the knowledge of six stylish women to understand the items they always take with them while travelling.
Of course, as we're often working with a weight limit, I asked for the top five essentials that always make the cut on their summer holiday packing list. For seasoned traveller Laura Nadine Herbert—who is one half of travel couple @laurandnicolas—an old-school film camera is an absolute must, while Maggie McCormack advises on wave spray for that perfect mermaid-on-the-beach look. Léna Farl always packs a multipurpose silk scarf, which acts as top, skirt and hair accessory all in one, and Aysha Sow has her holiday beauty routine down pat.
Keep scrolling to see the holiday essentials six very stylish women always pack while on vacation.
"A bucket hat should be in everyone’s beach bag this summer! I wear it during the day, at the beach, any time of the day actually!"
Miss Selfridge
Amethyst Ivory MacRam Tote
"We all need a beach bag when we go on holiday! My current favourite is a market-vibe bag."
Urban Outfitters
Harman 35mm Reusable Camera and Film Set
"We have been loving taking old-school film photos. So it’s definitely a must on holiday!"
We Are Feel Good Inc
Coconut Sunscreen Lotion Spf 50+
"Sunscreen that’s good for the corals in the sea! It’s something we really pay attention to. That’s why we love this one. It smells like coconuts, it protects really well, and it does not harm corals."
Manebí
Ribbed One Piece - Hamptons - Lilac
"Bikini and espadrilles from one of my favourite brands Manebí. I love matching my swimwear with espadrilles!"
"You always, always, always should wear SPF, especially on vacay. So why not get a nice dewy glow from your sunscreen to give you that sunkissed, glowy look!"
Jacquemus
Le Panier Soleil Bag
"A beach bag—my fave is from Jacquemus. This beach bag can't be any cuter! Not to mention it's super roomy and can fit a lot of things in there."
Vehla
Dixie - Choc Tort/Cinnamon
"Sunnies, of course. These shades give off such a vintage vibe so you protect your eyes from the sun while looking cool and stylish at the same time."
Lack of Color
The Ventura Frayed Grosgrain Trimmed Straw Hat
"My go-to summer hat. This one is my fave because it will go with any summery outfit you have. I mean, how cute!"
Ouai Haircare
Wave Spray
"A MUST for me to look like I have mermaid hair coming from the beach."
"When I'm packing for the summer holidays, I always make sure to bring a classic black one-piece swimsuit. It's always chic, and I can wear it as a top over denim shorts or a long silk skirt for example."
Purdey
Printed Silk-Twill Scarf
"I have a whole collection of vintage silk scarves that I love to wear in the summer. It's such a versatile accessory! I wear it over my hair like a turban, like a top, and, if it's big enough, like a skirt over a swimsuit."
Castañer
Catalina Espadrille
"Espadrilles are the shoes I love to wear in the summer because they are so comfortable and feminine."
Mirae Paris
Elle Ciel
"I simply love slip dresses! For me, they're definitely my must-have for summer vacations."
Miu Miu
Eyewear Shiny-Effect Cat-Eye Sunglasses
"I never leave without my pair of sunglasses! This summer, I opted for a cat-eye shape for a retro style."
"I live in linen shirts over summer, and it's just the perfect versatile holiday piece. I wear it open over my bikini, tied up with denim shorts or thrown over minidresses as a light jacket in the evenings."
Church's
Kelsey Leather Sandals
"A comfy pair of sandals that you can dress up or down and will go with everything in your suitcase!"
Marysia
Antibes Scalloped Stretch-Crepe Bandeau Bikini Top
"I really hate tan lines, so a cute, barely there strapless bikini is an essential for me, and I love the scalloped edging on Marysia pieces!"
Dôen
Orchard Scalloped Embroidered Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress
"An easy-breezy white cotton summer dress that you can wear day or night."
Lack of Colour
Scalloped Straw Hat
"And finally, I absolutely love a headpiece, so an oversize straw hat with a cute little ribbon tie finishes off my holiday looks perfectly!"
"Everyone needs this beauty elixir. It is the perfect mist to refresh your face whether you are wearing makeup or not!"
Fenty Beauty
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
"Aside from being the most beautiful lipgloss ever, this is also quite moisturizing and works both as a lip gloss and moisturizer for me."
Sonrei
Sea Clearly Gel Sunscreen Spf 50
"Love how this leaves no white or blue cast and simply melts onto the skin while also feeling like a moisturizer."
Fresh
Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturiser
"My go-to moisturizer—feels super soft on the skin and melts right into the skin too, leaving it very hydrated and dewy!"
Dior
One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum
"The perfect serum to apply right after cleansing and toning your face. Adds hydration and leaves your face feeling super dewy and ready for moisturizer."