Susie McWatt Forbes is a Gold Coast local and fashionista with more than 20 years of personal and corporate styling expertise. Susie is fun, vibrant and an expert in dressing for your body shape while making the most of key trends and new season pieces. We reached out to Susie to chat about her top tips for mastering the art of packing light for your next summer vacay.
Packing for travel can be a stressful experience. I absolutely hate taking anything that’s just “along for the ride”.
Last year I challenged myself to pack for a three-week Greek European holiday with just 8kg of carry-on luggage. Much to my hubby's delight, I made him take the challenge too…
It can be done and let me tell you how! Firstly, look for cabin sized luggage that's soft and weighs nearly zero. Strandbags have some great options.
Secondly, be super organised. I have a rule that must be adhered to - everything I pack must be worn at least five different ways. So, I started with where we were going which would require mostly casual and easy lifestyle pieces.
I pack mainly with separates so I can mix and match to create many options on the go. When selecting items, I tend to make a palette of three basic colours, and then add a few pops of colour to keep things interesting.
Here’s what I packed for my basic capsule wardrobe plus some helpful tips:
- 1 x swimsuit - to be worn as a bodysuit from the beach to cocktails
- Singlets in basic white and black
- 1 x pair of travel pants - choose a colour to work back with your whole wardrobe
- Shirts - long and short to be worn casual, tied, wrapped
- Black skirt, any length that works for you, to tie back with your singlets. The same colour top and bottom creates a dress!
- 1 x denim jacket - adds style to every piece and provides a layer for cooler weather
- Shorts (depending on the season)
- 2 x pairs of shoes (depending on the destination)
On your travel day, be sure to wear your heaviest sneakers and carry your denim jacket as planes get cold!
Happy packing, and trust me, this can be done. The best part is the excitement of creating many looks each day.
For the rest of your life would you rather wear…
LBD or bohemian maxi?
LBD every time. Keep it casual or dress it up.
Crisp white shirt or graphic tee?
Crisp white shirt – structured for more wearability.
Cut-out one piece or bikini?
One piece in a solid colour. Wear as a bodysuit for evening or pair back with shorts/casual skirts and a denim jacket.
Sneakers or slides?
White sneakers. They go with everything and are so in right now!
Statement sunnies or classic cap?
I absolutely live in both, but I never leave home without lippy and sunnies.
Top predictions for summer:
Colour: Naturals like sand and beige. Pair with denim or bright block colours like green, pink and turquoise.
Accessory: Small crossbody bag
Footwear: Slides in every colour
Dress silhouette: Long shirtdress (wear loose, belted or open as a jacket over everything)
Fabric: Linen (top tip: pop in the dryer before wearing to remove pesty wrinkles)
Susie the Stylist x
