In a summer daze

Words: Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha | Photography: Sven Kristian | Styling: Mira Leibowitz

Whether you’re road tripping or flying, packing with luggage size limitations in mind is a real thing, yet a complete wardrobe is still imperative, no matter your destination – even if a shopping trip is on the cards. Keeping in mind that “clothes maketh the man”, flawless style naturally maketh the holiday... and double tap-worthy Instagram posts. Leaving that up to a picturesque background would be unbecoming of any fashion girl worth the #styleappreciation.

So, here are five dress styles, you can do the most in, that won't take up too much space in your suitcase... All packed and ready? Let's go!

Slip Dress

As pyjama-dressing style shows no sign of slowing down, the slip dress lives to see another day. Initially thought to be a fleeting trend, the proof in its versatile pudding has made it a key wardrobe mainstay. Kind of like the red lipstick of your closet, a slip dress really is what you make of it: a slinky dress you can wear with strappy heels on a night out, a casual basic when paired with sneakers and a tee, chic and ready for a day of gallery-hopping when worn with a velvet high neck bodysuit, brogues and a beret and glam AF with a matching fur coat and statement heels.

Playsuit

One of the easiest items to work into your wardrobe, a short denim playsuit is a must for holiday-dressing. Ideal on the days you need to get ready in a flash (impromptu beach days or last minute grocery run for whatever festivities you might be hosting), it’s the cutest way to get-up-and-go.

Mini Shirt Dress

One of the biggest trends to make a splash on runways this season, shirting has long been the backbone of many wardrobes – even in simple non-decorative styles, worn with trousers or jeans, shirts are a classic go-to for men and women alike. And so naturally, the shirtdress, a fuss-free versatile extension of shirting would be a sensible essential for summer. Chic enough to take you from a smart day-time soiree to a dinner where you have to impress.

Wrap Shirt Dress

And just to turn the style game up a notch, this shirtdress is every well-loved staple in the history of fashion in one. The ultimate juxtaposition of classics and a trend of the now, the cold shoulder and wrap dress styles give it a feminine feel while the shirt material edges on masculinity.

High Slit Tunic

This is the type of piece you can use as a cover-up with swimwear or slip on some trousers and look elegant. An absolute must-have, in a nutshell.