I wouldn’t go so far as some colleagues in the fashion department and say that packing is the best part of a holiday, but get it right and a deep sense of calm and contentment descends.

What is getting it right? Not over-packing. Unearthing ten unworn but crumpled T-shirts when you get home just piles on the misery of return. Drawing up lists may seem indulgent, but it prolongs the holiday experience.

Be clear about the kind of holiday you’re embarking on: pre-empt activities that require outfits that can’t be cobbled together from your capsule wardrobe. Colour-coordinate: pick three to four colours that work together. Be realistic: ritzy bikinis can seem tempting in the shop, but would you ever wear them? How many bikinis does one person need anyway? Look for tolerant fabrics – this summer Gap has a range of cotton jersey dresses that emerge from most suitcases intact. Meanwhile, here are suggestions for three different kinds of holidays.

The fortnight staycation We’re talking Britain in all its variety and four-seasons-in-a-day climate. What you need: five tops, four of which could be T-shirts, one something you can dress up for dinner, maybe ruffled; two cardigans (a long, boyfriend one, a draped asymmetric one for maximum versatility); two jumpers (Boden’s done well this summer); one pair of chinos or shorts; the softest jeans you can find so you won’t bake on a warm day – Current/Elliot’s distressed boyfriend jeans (at Trilogy, 020-7730 6515) are as good as it gets; one great necklace and a cuff or two (see Boden’s affordable Marni-esque looks); two cotton dresses; flat sandals; some trainers or plimsolls; cork or espadrille wedges which you can wear to a smart restaurant or a beach shack; a cashmere shawl; two or three bikinis; one jacket to help those jeans journey from day to night (but not expensive or you won’t feel relaxed – try Banana Republic or Gap); a cagoule (Topshop or, for something more glamorous, toast.co.uk).

The long weekend city break What you need: comfortable closed-toe shoes (www.prettyballerina.com has some of the best ballet pumps); one pair of heels; black or navy trousers – endlessly adaptable, day or night; one cotton shirt for formal sightseeing or dinner; one dress in a day-to-night fabric such as jersey; a decorative sleeveless top; a lightweight jacket; a nylon trench coat; a chunky necklace; a stylish, smallish bag that can be worn across the body.

The fortnight beach getaway What you need: three to five bikinis; three kaftans; three cotton dresses (silk always gets wrecked by traces of suncream or moisturiser); two fine-knit cardigans; two pairs of flat sandals; one pair of heels; one pair of wedges; one sunhat, one halterneck or strapless top to wear at lunch and avoid strap marks; a big scarf, to wear as a top, a skirt… or a scarf; a soft, washable beach bag that doubles as a carry-on; one small shoulder bag; cheap but not trashy jewellery that you can afford to lose. Heartbreak is never a good souvenir.

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