Look Book feature is the backbone of
DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!
As a result of last week's
Goodie Bag contest I got a lot of great tips for how to pack for a holiday. As a few people pointed out, your destination and the activities you get up to, have a huge influence on what you put in your suitcase. But I have to admit that when I had this Look Book in mind, I was purely thinking of a beach holiday (probably as I can only dream of one this summer!), with possibly some sightseeing thrown in.
A lot of people swear by the 'capsule' - a collection of key items, which you can mix and match. The most important thing about the capsule wardrobe is the colours you choose. There should be 3 or 4 colours, two of which should be black and white, so that you can easily mix and match all the items in order to create different looks. For this capsule I chose black, white, grey and yellow as the main colours. This capsule is put together with the day time in mind and it's all about ease and comfort. You need to have a comfortable pair of sandals, or alternatively trainers, with you if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing.
Veera gave the most comprehensive list of items she would pack if she was packing for a holiday right now, and it works as a great base for a capsule wardrobe:
- Pair of leggins
- Pair of jeans
- Jersey dress
- A black cardi
- 2 tees
- 2 camis
- 2 tunics
- Sandals
- Flats
- Trainers
- Jewellery
While a capsule wardrobe will get you a long way, I think it's important to pack some items that will add an individual touch to your look. You are bound to go out in the evenings and need to pack a pair of more festive shoes, dressier tops and maybe that one really gorgeous frock for a special night out. If you keep your original colour choices in mind, you can easily team the dressier items with the more casual ones to give you more options. Jewellery is also an easy way to change your look from day to night.
Then there are of course those essential items you need for when you hit the beach. This Freya bikini has been a bit of a hit this summer, and with the ability to get different tops and bottoms to mix and match, it should be the only swimsuit you need with you. A beautiful kaftan is an essential for when you need to cover up, or go for a stroll on the beach. And don't forget your sun hat! Sunstroke is never a good look. Good music and light reading are also essential parts of obtaining that state of pure relaxation. Bliss.
Here are some tips I received via email from Tracey, a true beach-holiday pro:
"A girl can never take too many pairs of shoes on holiday, as shoes make an
outfit! Never pack more than four colours - everything you take should be a
mix of black, white and two other colours (red, green, blue, pink, orange
etc) - preferably that complement each other (ie green and pink - but not
orange and purple!) - that way you can make about a hundred outfits out of
15 key items.
If a beach holiday, forget shorts and t-shirts (sweaty and uncomfortable) -
pack knee length kaftan/cover-ups than can be jazzed up with a belt, flip
flops and a hat for going off the beach/pool and into a bar at lunchtime....
Cool and appropriate (if you must sunbathe topless, cover up when you get
vertical and move around!! There are likely to be children present!! LOL)
Don't forget to take spray in hair conditioner and comb through after
swimming, large shades and a great hat..... And always wax before you get
there!"
Some other useful tips you shared:
- "Roll your clothes as it saves space and stops clothes from creasing up."
- "Always pack an iPod and charger!"
- "Raid your dirty washing basket for the clothes you've been wearing most in the last days and wash those to take with you - you're guaranteed to feel comfortable."
- "Blister plasters!"
- "My big holiday dressing tip is scarves. Light fabric pashminas are cool to wear and can give any outfit a more dressy feel. Can also be used to disguise any bits you would rather not show in a strappy top!"
- "Gladiator sandals are a must, as they're simultaneously dressy and casual, and so do double duty for your wardrobe while away."
So there you go, I hope you got some inspiration for when you're next getting ready to pack for some holiday sun. Soak up some sun for me as well!
Labels: All Looks, asos, beachware, bravissimo, DIVA Look Book, evans, laredoute, look book, monsoon, new look, plus size fashion, plus size magazine, simply be, topshop
