Christmas abroad? Here’s what to pack for a stylish winter sun getaway

How do you get through the dreary, dark, sombre winter months? You book a holiday, of course. I broke the news to my friends yesterday that instead of our annual Christmas Eve get-together, I shall be on a beach some 23,000 kilometres away. But my enthusiasm was quickly curbed as soon as I was asked, “What are you packing?”. What AM I packing? Is there a local dress code? What about New Year’s Eve?

Whether travelling in December or June, there are a number of absolute travel essentials: a knockout dress, a comfortable utilitarian jumpsuit, a slip-on sandal, a multi-purpose beach bag (and suncream, of course), the perfect pair of cheerful earrings that make for easy wearing when paired with holiday classics.

If you’ve booked a month-long hiatus to Barbados or a quick rendezvous to Spain this winter, I applaud you. Take the stress out of packing by choosing fewer pieces with bigger impact. Just don’t boast about it on Instagram while we’re here battling the cold, okay?

Printed midi dress at & Other Stories

Duo printed midi dress, €89 at stories.com

The urban explorer, Uterque

Orange polka dot jumpsuit, €199 at uterque.com

The beach kaftan, Kalmar Lifesyle

Zahara dress, €912 at kalmarlifestyle.com

The bikini, Zimmerman

Corsage Safari snake-print belted bikini by Zimmerman, €392 at net-a-porter.com

The day skirt, Reformation

Chantelle skirt, €130.15 at thereformation.com

The NYE number, Kitri Studio

Bianca feather jumpsuit, €175 at kireistudio.com

The party bag, Zara

Sequinned crossbody bucket bag, €39.95 at zara.com

The summer co-ord, Emilia Wickstead

Ines floral-print linen crop top and skirt by Emilia Wickstead, €715 at matchesfashion.com

The sandal, Birkenstock

Arizona rose sandal in suede leather, €84.99 at littletreeshoes.com

The sunnies, Poppy Lissiman

The Barbara in pearl white, €68 at poppylissiman.com

The necklace, Noir Jewellery

Gold-tone charm necklace, €120 at theoutnet.com

Dazzling earrings, Anni Lu

Gold plated silver baroque pearl hoop earrings by Anni Lu, €212 at brownsfashion.com