Packing for a holiday can be equal parts exciting and challenging. While it’s tempting to bring all your favorite pieces with you, suitcase space is limited. To help your vacation wardrobe work harder, our merchandising team has selected designer pieces that add sunshine to any suitcase. Discover vacation-ready styles from Dolce&Gabbana, Prada, KHAITE and more, plus learn how to build a capsule wardrobe for your next trip.

Modern romance is a key aesthetic for SS26 — think lace, crochet and fabrics that feel fit for a Brontë classic. Case in point, this floral mini dress from Dolce&Gabbana – perfect for long Sicilian nights or yacht trips off the coast of Monaco. Another example is this DÔEN dress, with botanical print and subtle fit-and-flare silhouette. Simply add a bright ballet pump or a statement mini bag and your day-to-night look is complete.

The perfect pair of designer sunglasses is key to a vacation capsule. This geometric pair from Gucci Eyewear would feel at home in the fantastical world of Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’. Instead of a corseted dress, we’d recommend pairing with a minimalist slip dress and gold jewelry. On the other end of the spectrum, KHAITE is serving strong 80s Hollywood glamour with these Browline 0OV5584U sunglasses. Aviator styles are trending for spring and are set to dominate resorts everywhere this summer.

Nothing says summer like a Miu Miu raffia tote. A new-season twist on the classic design, this iteration features 70s-style stripes. For an evening-ready accessory, we recommend The Spiaggia tote from Jacquemus. Here, the brand has effortlessly applied French fashion codes to the traditional beach bag, modernizing it with a circular silhouette and gold hardware.

Missoni’s signature Zig Zag pattern elevates this barely there bikini set. The midwaist bikini bottom design promises a flattering silhouette while the white straps bring out the best in a tan. If it’s an all-in-one you’re looking for, ERES is your go-to for quiet luxury infused with French sartorial codes. This palm tree print swimsuit would work for eveningwear as well as poolside. Simply add a boho skirt and some statement jewelry and your dinner outfit is complete.

Raffia bags, raffia shoes — it might not always feel like summer but there will be signs. This pair of Prada crochet heels combine the house’s classic chunky design with boho appeal, a trend we’re seeing time and again this year. For low-key, resort-ready glamour we’re suggesting the classic flip-flop, but not just any flip-flop — The Row Dune Ginza sandals. Made of soft rubber and suede, the shoe gained acclaim for its minimalist design and comfortable feel.

Nothing says laid-back glamour quite like a floaty kaftan thrown over your designer swimwear. For elevated waist-down wearing, opt for this sarong from PUCCI, which exudes sun-drenched style thanks to its bold Matisse-like print. Following on from the blue and brown color combination, DRIES VAN NOTEN reframes the color palette, this time with sharp geometric patterns in the form of a delicate pareo (a Tahitian wraparound skirt).

Take the guesswork out of curating your outfit — invest in a two-piece set. Cala de la Cruz brings Miami energy to this Bahamas matching set. High-waisted shorts pair perfectly with a tie-at-the-waist blouse for a preppy, vintage feel. If you’re looking for refined sophistication, this flowing set from ALEMAIS features an elegant halterneck top and billowing palazzo pants. Both pieces can work as statement separates or one flowing tapestry.

The capsule wardrobe has long been mythologised in the fashion world. The pathway to a more minimal way of life, the capsule is all about decluttering your collection, refining your style, prioritizing quality and highlighting versatility. It’s as much an exercise for the mind as it is for your closet space. 

How then, do we apply the same principles to vacation packing? We spoke to merchandiser, Judit Kovacs, who says versatility is the way forward: ‘When packing a capsule wardrobe, think beyond one use: your bikini can become a top, and a scarf can style your hair or wrap around your waist, creating multiple looks from the same pieces.’

So then, what can we realistically rework? Here are some multi-wear vacation pieces:

- Bikinis can work as crop tops

- Swimsuits can work as bodysuits

- Scarves can work in your hair, around your waist and as an accessory around the neck

- Sarongs can work as strapless evening dresses

- An oversized T-shirt or button-down shirt can work as a cover up

Olivia Woodhouse is an SEO copywriter at FARFETCH, where she optimizes on-site content and has helped relaunch the fashion blog as the Fashion Feed. With a background spanning fashion, lifestyle, tech and travel, she brings a versatile voice to every project.