Going on holiday means packing the right wardrobe — easier said than done. Not too long ago, I used to take whatever I could squeeze into a suitcase (plus two bags: one over my shoulder, the other clinging for dear life to the handle). As you can probably guess, I ended up wearing maybe half of it.

But lately, I’ve been practicing. Each trip, I pack a little lighter, a little smarter. Because when the sun’s out and your days flow from beach to terrace to dinner, you don’t need much. If my wardrobe back home is already pared down, it should be even more so when I’m away for just a week. So I did exactly that — no heels, no extra jewelry, no excessive bathing suit options, and I wore (almost) everything I packed. A personal best.

So, this week’s round-up is dedicated to the pieces that are easy to work with (both at home or on holidays, you decide). Comfortable, versatile, easy to dress up or down — essentials you can take anywhere, anytime.

Starting off with the perfect shirt — the kind you’ll want to wear all day, every day. Throw it over a bikini, wear it solo to show a little skin, or add a belt to turn it into more of a look. One shirt, endless options.

A perfect pair of very timeless black leather Prada slingbacks that are priced surprisingly well. Plenty of wear left in them, too.

Simple yet elegant leather moccasins by Chanel. The leather looks buttery soft — perfect for long walks without compromising on style.

A very chic swimsuit by Prada in a retro nautical palette of red, white, and blue that evokes a classic and maritime look.

Not much to add, other than the fact that everyone needs a good pair of loafers — and these suede Tod’s absolutely do the trick.

A gorgeous A-line Miu Miu skirt in bold, bright red. The perfect transitional piece — pair it with grey wool tights in autumn and winter, or wear it with nothing but a white tank come spring and summer.

A soft, slouchy cashmere turtleneck in a slightly longer fit. Just sheer enough to show a hint of what’s underneath — making it the perfect piece to wear with your prettiest lace bra and a great pair of jeans.

A few months ago, while vintage shopping in Antwerp, I tried on something strikingly similar to this vintage Calvin Klein dress. The lightweight fabric drapes beautifully — soft around the upper body, perfectly skimming the hips. It might look like an unstructured silhouette at first glance, but it wears like a dream.

Apparently, I’ve moved on from pinks and fuchsias — bright reds are the new obsession. This chic blazer by Tara Jarmon is exactly the kind of piece I’d wear on repeat.

A navy two-piece swimsuit with flattering high-rise bottoms. The small buttons on the back are a charming detail.

Please don’t scroll past the picture below. The seller might not be the strongest in photography, which is probably why this gem is still available — but trust me, take a moment to scroll through the images. You’ll see it.
I can’t decide what I love more: the soft blue suede lining or the buttery black leather exterior. Either way, at this price point, I can’t believe it’s still there.

A very sexy swimsuit by Saks Potts — and yes, you can still tan a few upper body parts while wearing it. Also spotted a pair in orange, size M, here.

Have not moved along from thee two-pieces obsession, because why not have a full look in one go? Together or apart, both pieces are just that good.

Croc-embossed ballerinas by Repetto that seem to be quite the rare find. I’ve decided to pass them on — already guilty of owning too many croc-textured bags, wallets, and other bits.

A vintage Donna Karan red mini dress (again, reminding me of that grey version worn by Carrie Bradshaw).

More red because why not? This vintage Dior knitted tee is slightly cropped, making it perfect to pair with high-waisted denim or skirts.

A pair of vintage Prada sunglasses with a soft, swirled marble frame in a light caramel hue — giving off that perfect early-2000s feel.

Ending this edit with what might be the most affordable piece I’ve ever included: a chic navy wool top with a deep V-neck by Gianfranco Ferré — for 5 euros (???). I kid you not.