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How To Pack For A Summer Holiday With Petro Stofberg from Wardrobe Icons

How To Pack For A Summer Holiday With Petro Stofberg from Wardrobe Icons
Founded by former fashion editors Laura Fantacci and Petro Stofberg, Wardrobe Icons has become our go-to source when it comes to selecting investment pieces that are sure to stand the test of time.

So who better to turn to for packing advice for that much-needed summer holiday than Petro herself?

"My idea of packing used to consist of simply emptying the entire contents of my summer drawer into a suitcase. It's not that I didn't like the idea of being prepared, on the contrary, it would have been a relief to arrive at my destination with everything I needed rather than three bikini tops and no bottoms, but I just felt it was a waste of time.

And this laissez-faire attitude worked fine…until I had my son Jacob. Having a child forces even the laziest of packers to get their act together, and since doing so I must admit I’ve never looked back. Laying out your clothes a few days before you leave means you won't forget essentials. Choosing a strict colour palette will also help to narrow down your choices, rather than feeling like you have to pack every summery piece you own- another (unsuccessful) packing strategy I use to employ."

Here are my tips on how to arrive at your destination expertly packed.

LIMIT YOUR TOP SELECTION

I recently discovered the joy of wearing peasant blouses. These, along with three t-shirts, are more than enough tops to take on holiday. I can wear them in the day and in the evening so they save on packing space.

BE SELECTIVE WITH SWIMWEAR

Three pieces of swimwear is more than enough to allow for drying time in-between wears. Go for neutrals when picking swimwear and remember they are a part of your whole beach look, so don't suddenly introduce a neon suit if it doesn't appear elsewhere in your holiday palette.

GET NERDY WITH STORAGE

One of the things that has transformed my packing life is putting 'bitty' items such as socks and underwear into cloth bags so they stay together. I also add lavender sachets to my bags so everything smells wonderful coming out of the suitcase, and it's good for potential moth encounters whilst away.

BE PREPARED TO COVER UP

I am a big fan of maxi/ midi dresses so I always include one in my holiday packing list; I like to be more covered up until something reminiscent of a tan appears and like a loose trouser, you can wear them in the evening or during the day. I would always opt for something plain, perhaps with a bit of lace detailing - It just means you will wear it for more than once on holiday, and potentially on a hot city day too.

MAKE REALISTIC SHOE CHOICES

In the past I have gone berserk when packing shoes for a holiday, but realistically I won't wear heels on a relaxed beach trip nor will I wear four pairs of sandals- two will do. Espadrilles are a holiday hero, wear them when you need something more sturdy than a pair of sandals, but they look great with a pretty dress in the evening too.

MINIMISE YOUR BAG COUNT

I am a fan of a large beach bag and I like it to be big enough to carry onto the plane too. This, alongside a fun clutch and an across-body bag, are the only bags I take on a beach holiday - anything else seems excessive.

THE ALL IMPORTANT JEWELS

Jewellery wise I keep it simple, anything that I can keep on and not worry about taking off too much. I love these mix and match studs from Astley Clarke and I never take off my star ring so obviously it always comes with.

Lastly, I like to take two pairs of sunglasses on holiday. One pair inevitably gets borrowed and/or broken, so I always take a cheaper pair to loan out!

All photos by Eva K Salvi