If I am going away for a whole week or more the problem really doesn't bear thinking about. I take every item of suitable clothing out of my wardrobe along with all shoes and accessories and a jumper or two in case it is cold in the evening. (For Goa in April – am I mad?) I then struggle to cram it all in, weigh the case and get cross and upset because it exceeds the weight limit and I now have to make choices.

So this year I am going to do things differently. I am going to learn to travel light by taking a capsule wardrobe. I have researched the issue thoroughly and I would like to share my findings with you.

The first thing to consider is the sort of holiday you are going on. Is it a beach holiday, city break, safari or cruise? They each need a very different
wardrobe of clothes. Then think about what you will be doing each day and whether any of these have special requirements such as hiking boots for long walks or tops to cover your shoulders and arms for visiting some religious sites. Is there likely to be an occasion where a posh frock or smart shirt, tie and trousers will be required. If so pack just one and use the hotel laundry service if required. If not then just don't pack it! (I am really struggling with this piece of advice as I always pack at least one just in case!) One really comfortable pair of 'walk anywhere' shoes is usually sufficient, in a neutral colour that can be worn with dresses, shorts, jeans or trousers.

Many holidays involve lounging by the pool or on the beach, shopping, sightseeing and nights out at restaurants or a show. This can mean a selection of clothes that, these days, will put you seriously over your weight limit and out of pocket before you have even hit duty the duty free shops or boarded the plane! However, with some clever mixing and matching and some multi-tasking staples it is possible to look perfectly dressed for all occasions and still come in under your weight limit, which is great because you can bring more back with you.

The easiest option is to wear an outfit out in the evening and then wear it again the following day with a change of shoes and fewer accessories. Current trends can easily be dressed up for evening and down for day so you always look stylish.

The basic items to go into your suitcase are the following:
• Safari dress
• Floral dress
• Floppy hat
• Gladiator/flat sandals
• Tote bag for beach, shopping and sightseeing
• Clutch bag for evenings and more formal day events
• Sunglasses
• High heeled shoes or sandals for evening – 1 pair in a neutral shade such as pewter or bronze work well
• Lightweight flip flops for beach (not essential)
• Lightweight, neutral cardi for cool evenings
• 2 sets of swimwear with 2 sarongs
• 1 pair of linen trousers (wide leg to be on trend)
• 1 or 2 smart, embroidered vest tops
• 3 or 4 cotton tops for the beach and general day wear
• 1 pair of cropped trousers and 1 skirt for day and beach wear
• A couple of sets of jewellery – 1 for the safari look and 1 for the floral look

And that should see you happily from night to day, beach to shops for a week or two with clever mixing and matching and the occasional use of the hotel laundry service or some handwashing. If you coordinate all your colours you will have an even more versatile look. The dresses and shoes will see you happily through shopping sprees, sightseeing and more formal business meetings with no problem.

For men, consider taking a selection of short sleeved cotton shirts that can be worn over jeans or trousers for the evenings and then again the next day over shorts for the beach, sightseeing or carrying the shopping! A pair of trainers or shoes for the evening and sandals for the day, a couple of pairs of trunks and you're sorted. The shirts will be smarter and cooler than many of the synthetic t-shirts that are so often worn on holidays abroad.

Ladies, there are trends for beachwear as well as outerwear – we don't have an easy life, do we? Happily the trend for skimpy bikinis has gone and has been replaced by a more modest, girlie, retro-inspired look. There is even a revival of the one piece. As with outerwear trends, so with swimwear the trends are monochrome or prints in tribal, floral or geometric patterns. There are also styles to flatter all shapes.
If you are a pear shape then opt for a padded bikini top and high leg briefs with a carefully coordinated and draped sarong to accentuate your top whilst drawing attention away from your hips.
If you are an apple shape then a tankini top or one piece will create the illusion of a waist, especially if it contains bodyshaper colour inserts.
If you have a full bust then halter necks offer more support and are more flattering. Team your chosen swimwear with a coordinating kaftan or sarong for walking to and from the beach or for having lunch.

Over the years I have learnt that most holiday destinations sell beach towels quite cheaply, so I always buy when I arrive to save weight. I have also found that many resorts stock well known brands of toiletries and over the counter remedies for holiday ailments that work very well, so I buy those when I arrive as well. The more weight you can save on items like these, the more clothes you can take. The more weight you can save on the clothes you take the more you can bring back with you. I have even invested in a very lightweight suitcase. In these days of luggage weight restrictions every kilo saved is an extra pair of shoes or an extra dress to give you a wider choice.

I hope you enjoy your holiday and look stunning throughout your stay. My goal this season is to take a capsule wardrobe that is significantly under the weight limit. Wish me luck!

Sue Courtney is a Personal Success Coach and Stylist.
She can be contacted by email at: sue@successandimagecoach.co.uk or by phone on 01730 814439