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The carry-on edit 

Stylist Corina Gaffey puts together a holiday capsule wardrobe that can take you anywhere

Stulist Corina Gaffey chooses a capsule wardrobe that will see you through a holiday with just carry-on luggage
Stulist Corina Gaffey chooses a capsule wardrobe that will see you through a holiday with just carry-on luggage

Holiday packing has become a bit of an art. Between tighter baggage allowances and the reality of not wanting to drag heavy suitcases, it’s all about travelling lighter and smarter. To get the most out of what fits in your 10kg, think carefully curated holiday wardrobe, one with a clear colour story that works hard and can easily be mixed and matched.

Co-ords are a smart choice – offering impact when styled together and multiple outfit combinations when paired with other pieces in your suitcase.

Swimsuits are a one-piece wonder working as a bodysuit/top when styled with a shirt/short co-ord or paired with trousers, and don’t underestimate the power of accessories or sunglasses to elevate outfits without taking up valuable suitcase space.

As for shoes, keep it to three pairs: one for the pool or the beach, a comfortable pair for exploring, and a dressier pair for evening. 

Outfit 1

Shirt, €115, Whistles; Shorts, €89, Whistles; Sunglasses, €39.99 Mango; Straw tote bag, €165, Whistles; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara
Shirt, €115, Whistles; Shorts, €89, Whistles; Sunglasses, €39.99 Mango; Straw tote bag, €165, Whistles; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara

Outfit 2

Sunglasses, €240, Marc Jacobs, Specsavers; Sandals, €22.99, Parfois; One-Piece Swimsuit €180, Naia beach, Brown Thomas; Print Sarong €95, Naia beach, Brown Thomas; Straw tote, €165, Whistles
Sunglasses, €240, Marc Jacobs, Specsavers; Sandals, €22.99, Parfois; One-Piece Swimsuit €180, Naia beach, Brown Thomas; Print Sarong €95, Naia beach, Brown Thomas; Straw tote, €165, Whistles

Outfit 3

Cardi, €120, Hush; Sandals, €189, Whistles; Dress, €185, Hush; Necklace, €39.99, H&M; Bag, €129, Mango
Cardi, €120, Hush; Sandals, €189, Whistles; Dress, €185, Hush; Necklace, €39.99, H&M; Bag, €129, Mango

Outfit 4

Ruched top, €90, French Connection; Sandals, €22.99, Parfois; Clutch, €18, Penneys; Drawstring trouser, €100, French Connection; Stone cuff, €6, Penneys
Ruched top, €90, French Connection; Sandals, €22.99, Parfois; Clutch, €18, Penneys; Drawstring trouser, €100, French Connection; Stone cuff, €6, Penneys

Outfit 5

Swimsuit, €38, The Very Collection, Very Ireland; Shorts, €89, Whistles; Sunglasses, €39.99, Mango; Hat, €45.50, Oliver Bonas; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara
Swimsuit, €38, The Very Collection, Very Ireland; Shorts, €89, Whistles; Sunglasses, €39.99, Mango; Hat, €45.50, Oliver Bonas; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara

Outfit 6

Vest, €8, Penneys; Sandals, €22.99, Parfois 2; Pendant necklace, €6, Penneys; Drawstring trouser, €100, French Connection
Vest, €8, Penneys; Sandals, €22.99, Parfois 2; Pendant necklace, €6, Penneys; Drawstring trouser, €100, French Connection

Outfit 7

Sandals, €189, Whistles; Shirt, €115, Whistles; Shorts, €47, M&S; Sunglasses, €39.99 Mango
Sandals, €189, Whistles; Shirt, €115, Whistles; Shorts, €47, M&S; Sunglasses, €39.99 Mango

Outfit 8

Sunglasses €29.95, Eco Sunglasses; Shorts, €47, M&S; Cardi, €120, Hush; Top, €90, French Connection
Sunglasses €29.95, Eco Sunglasses; Shorts, €47, M&S; Cardi, €120, Hush; Top, €90, French Connection

Outfit 9

Swimsuit, €38, The Very Collection, Very Ireland; Necklace, €58, Hush; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara; Drawstring trouser, €100, French Connection
Swimsuit, €38, The Very Collection, Very Ireland; Necklace, €58, Hush; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara; Drawstring trouser, €100, French Connection

Outfit 10

Sarong €95.00, Naia Beach, Brown Thomas; Vest, €8, Penneys; Bag, €125, Mango; Necklace, €39.99, H&M
Sarong €95.00, Naia Beach, Brown Thomas; Vest, €8, Penneys; Bag, €125, Mango; Necklace, €39.99, H&M

Outfit 11

Cardi, €120, Hush; Sunglasses €29.95, Eco Sunglasses; One-Piece Swimsuit €180.00, Naia Beach; Shorts, €47, M&S; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara
Cardi, €120, Hush; Sunglasses €29.95, Eco Sunglasses; One-Piece Swimsuit €180.00, Naia Beach; Shorts, €47, M&S; Flip flop, €19.95, Zara

Outfit 12

Sandals, €189, Whistles; Shirt, €115, Whistles; Dress, €185, Hush; Cuff, €6, Penneys
Sandals, €189, Whistles; Shirt, €115, Whistles; Dress, €185, Hush; Cuff, €6, Penneys

Corina Gaffey

Corina Gaffey, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about fashion