We recently reported that women spend more money on their holiday wardrobes than the holiday itself. And, though we still reserve the right to counter this claim, there is something to be said for packing light on the clothes front and going large on the accessories. With the right pieces you can take one classic dress from the beach to the bar in seconds. Click on the gallery below to see a selection of MyDaily's loveliest finds for your travels.
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
First you need a dress. Something simple. Something elegant. Something like this Halston Heritage number. If it's good enough for SJP (ala the opening scene in "Sex and the City 2" when it was blinged up with gold aviators, clutch, statement necklace and glittery Louboutins), then it suits us just fine.
Halston Heritage V-neck Jersey Dress, £216
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
For some, the Halston might be a little too overdone or pricey. We also adore this dress by Reiss. Not only is it purse friendly, but it also hits this season's asymmetrical trend. Add to the bargain that it's made of jersey (so will travel well) and that it's now on sale, and we know we're on to a winner.
Flower pleated asymmetric jersey dress, £67
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
Flip-flops are a holiday staple. But, while rubber-soled Havaianas are great for poolside frolicking, when you're out sightseeing or walking the promenade after dark, something a little dressier is in order. We love these studded Fiorentini and Baker sandals in aquamarine.
Aquamarine studded sandals, £170
Slim mint green Havaianas, £19
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
They're definitely aviators. They're with out a doubt retro. And there's no denying they're red. That's three reasons to adore these Chloe shades. Turn heads, they will.
Chloe 2104 sunglasses, £180
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
Bangles and cuffs are adorning wrists everywhere and they can be worn any which way. Grab a stack of chunky colourful pieces and push them up both arms, or plump for something simpler, such as this engraved Perspex cuff by London-based designer Sarah Heyton.
Kismet cuff in white, £48
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
Although it's supposed to balmy at this time of year, let's face it: when the sun goes down it can get a little nippy, even on the Costa del Sol. This Burberry scarf is the perfect solution. It'll pack nicely into your carryall tote, and when the mercury plummets your shoulders will be swathed in something romantic and luxurious. On the other end of the scale, Uniqlo have some lovely pieces for beach babes on a budget.
Light Beige Check Cashmere Scarf, Burberry, £147.50 (Was £295.00)
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
One of these easiest ways to pretty up a simple dress is to add a brooch or clip. This cute pinwheel from Anthropologie is the perfect piece to add a splash of bright floral colour.
Pinwheel Clip, £16
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
Keeping the sun off of our faces is a good thing. It prevents wrinkles, skin cancers and an unsightly peeling nose. It also keeps us looking stylish – particularly if we opt for something like this Helen Kaminski raffia number.
Helen Kaminski Wide Brim Raffia Hat, £120.00
Matches
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
Statement necklaces are the biggest accessory trend for the summer. We here at StyleList have amassed quite a collection, but it must be said this turquoise piece has elicited more compliments than most, so we'll let you in on the secret too. We bought it at Sainsbury's and got change for a tenner. Not bad, huh?
Turquoise necklace, £6
Summer accessories to make holiday packing easy
Wedges are both on trend and easy to walk in – and by purchasing this nautical-inspired pair you're doing a good deed too. For each pair of TOMS sold, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in a developing country. That's what we call a win-win-win.
Red & White Espadrilles, £56