Picture the scene: you’re out with the girls, sipping on cocktails, moaning about the shocking non-summer we Brits appear to be undergoing. You jokingly check SkyScanner and see a cheap flight to a hot climate for a long weekend? Shall we? Can we? Yes, you bloody can – and here’s what you should pack.

Let me first tell you about the sarong. So often is the sarong overlooked and I ask, my God, why? It is the most versatile item of clothing in your wardrobe and absolutely perfect for a beach break. Skirt? Check. Scarf? Check. Beach cover-up? Check checkity check.

Silk slip skirts are your best friend and perfect for a warm summer’s evening. Pair it with a white tee-shirt tied up in a knot at the front, baring a little midriff for proper holiday vibes. Your white jeans that you once bought in good faith (“yeah, I’ll wear these”) can finally be worn in the glorious sunshine, with a pair of espadrilles or wedges. In fact, break out all your white clothes; go for prairie shirts and frilly linen dresses. Live your bohemian fantasy.

Obviously, no beach holiday would be complete without a swimming costume; before anybody even thinks twice about their ‘beach body’ a top tip in obtaining one is to have a body, and subsequently go to a beach. Look at Hunza G for gorgeous bikinis and increasingly popular one pieces *they’re belted* – tanned tums are so overrated. And honestly, any excuse to whip out a huge floppy hat, I’m a huge advocate for. Protect your scalp and face while also looking painfully chic, these hats are usually fold-proof and can fit nicely in your suitcase. Who doesn’t love a floppy hat wide enough to sail away on?

If, like me, after numerous lashings of sun cream your skin still remains fallible, try OUAI’s ‘After Sun Body Soother’ which comes as an aerosol and releases an icy foam creating an instant cooling sensation to relieve irritated, burnt skin, leaving you with a little shimmer afterglow. For salty, ocean hair, Kératase’s ‘Apres Soleil’ range is designed specifically for taming frizz and fighting dryness. Give your skin a chance to bathe in the sun, so try a tinted moisturiser with SPF; try Sisley’s brand new ‘Super Stick Soltaire SPF50+Teinte’ which acts like a tinted foundation stick, which you can easily buff out, leaving a light, non-greasy coverage. Nothing says beach break like bronzed, freckled cheeks and little rosy nose.

A weekend in the sun is the perfect opportunity to try out those statement earrings. Think chunky jewellery, anklets and toe-rings poking out of strappy sandals. Pair this with a clutch or a raffia tote bag for instant beach babe couture.

Finally, a good book is a necessity. There’s nothing more relaxing and fulfilling than finally taking the time to read that book you’ve been saying you would for the past year, in the sunshine, with the waves lapping nearby. Maybe even the most recent issue of Voir Fashion?

Check out Voir’s City Break packing list for more advice on The KonMari Packing Method, on-board make-up tips and ‘emergency underwear’. Bon voyage x

Illustrations by Sasha Green

The post Voir Sends You Packing: Beach Break appeared first on Voir Fashion.

With flights being cheaper than ever (and winter feeling longer than ever), a weekend away has never been so appealing. Here’s Voir’s condensed guide to making sure you pack wisely and economically for your city mini-break.

When it comes to sartorial choices, versatility is key. Plan and create a capsule wardrobe,

comprising a few pieces that are compatible with multiple garments. Sun dresses are always a

winner; they’re pretty and lightweight and can be dressed up with wedges or dressed down with trainers. They’re perfect for a warmer day with a pair of sunglasses or a baggy jumper if the weather isn’t playing ball. Similarly, cotton and jersey jumpsuits can be just as versatile, as well as bang on trend. Alternatively, think about taking silk camisoles or loose shirts which are lightweight, floaty and crucially don’t cling to your armpits so can be worn on consecutive days (shout-out to my fellow sniff-test Sweaty-Susie’s out there). Style that with a pair of jazzy palazzo pants or culottes and you’re good to go.

Pack comfortable trainers or tennis shoes, and roll socks and underwear inside them, to maximise space. In fact, roll all your clothing (like a proverbial sushi roll). Check out packing cubes if you’re serious about organisation, which helps delegate space appropriately, as well as keeping clothes and beauty essentials together and easy to find.

Check out The KonMari Method to spark unadulterated joy while packing.

Toiletries can be tricky, especially when you’re only permitted to bring what you can fit in that pitiful plastic bag. For a weekend away though, less really is best. A tinted moisturiser does two jobs in one, always with SPF as your skin won’t be used to the sun in other climates (hot or cold). Keep it simple with pared-back makeup and multipurpose items – think lipstick as blush,

bronzer as eye shadow and setting powder as dry shampoo. What’s appealing about mini-breaks is the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, so let your skin do the same. Flying can be very drying on your skin, so check out cult beauty favourite Weleda’s ‘Skin Food’ which acts as an all-purpose skin balm that is both rich and creamy (and smells sweet with orange blossom, drool) and can be used on the face, body and hands. They have different versions too, effective for all skin types and ages – lighter or richer, depending on the coverage you need.

Let’s not split hairs here… you’ll need to leave straighteners, curlers and hairdryers at home

because they’re real space stealers. Just whack your hair in a bun or a low ponytail with a big pair of sunglasses (note, sunglasses also v. important – can be worn to block out the sun AND

disguise hangover hooded-eyelids) and a slick of lipstick – instant Hepburn elegance. Greasy hair can be easily concealed with a hair band or a chic, bohemian hair wrap. Keep jewellery to an absolute minimum; think understated with gold hoops and whatever day-to-day jewellery you normally wear. Regarding gadgets, resist throwing the wires and chargers recklessly in the suitcase as this is prime time for damage, so keep them all together and safe in a small purse. You’ll thank me later. Also, don’t forget an adaptor, obviously.

We’re all guilty of packing ‘emergency’ underwear – you won’t need them, I have faith in you and your continence, girl. Your weekend away should be a source of enjoyment and relaxation; you’ll be surprised about how much you can fit in your hold-all if you pack frugally and smartly. Now, go forth and mini-break in style. Send us a postcard.

Artwork by Luke Walwyn

The post Voir Sends You Packing: City Break appeared first on Voir Fashion.