After two years of disrupted travel, the excitement of packing a suitcase is palpable. For that precious weekend away, or fortnight in the sun, whether you’re by the pool at Villa Igiea in Palermo or on the rooftop of the Hotel de la Ville in Rome, you’ll want to look your best this summer.

To help you get the most out of your portable wardrobe, we spoke with Keren Beaumont, a former Buying Director at Ralph Lauren and Coach. The London-based Personal Stylist has also featured in the fashion pages of Grazia and Good Housekeeping.

After reading her inspiring tips, meet your own personal stylist at The Bicester Collection, our partner who is offering exclusive benefits to Rocco Forte Friends. Our Concierge will happily arrange your appointment with a stylist who can direct you to this season’s must-haves at the renowned designer shopping villages across Europe.

How to pack like a professional

If you’re a light traveller, well practised at the art of hand luggage only, let us introduce you to an essential tool in your travel armoury: packing cubes. These ingenious zip-up rectangular fabric containers magically enable you to fit more into your case. Even better, your clothes will be organised and less creased when you arrive.

Travel in comfort and style

Comfort is key when you’re in transit. Take one pair of trainers for sightseeing and wear these on the plane along with a warm evening cover-up – a light jacket, jumper or wrap.

A favourite of the frequent flyer, a large, lightweight Cashmere wrap is the most useful piece of clothing you can pack. This multi-tasking item can be used as a sarong, an evening shawl, a headscarf or something to lie on. And it’s blissfully comforting in an air conditioned cabin.

Another clever trick is to invest in a beach bag – one that’s stylish enough to double up as a handbag for day trips and flights.

Stay Cool in the Heat

You’ll want to look elegant by the pool – picture yourself at the glamorous Masseria Torre Maizza on the Italian Adriatic coast or secure your own private pool at Rocco Forte Private Villas in Sicily. Wherever you choose, take a chic cover up like a cool linen shirt or channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor in a floral, floaty kaftan. To elevate your holiday look, pair it with a wide-brimmed sun hat for something that’s stylish and sophisticated as well as practical.

A Wardrobe that Works, Day to Night

Choose a colour palette with just one or two accent colours, to ‘pop’ when teamed with neutrals. Daytime pieces such as dresses, playsuits and shorts can be re-invented as evening looks when coupled with smart accessories and jewellery.

While it’s wise to leave your most precious jewels at home, accessories are a surprising travel essential. They transform a simple shirt or shift dress and statement earrings add polish to your look, especially when hair is swept up.

Before you set off on summer adventures, ensure all of your travel essentials are in place. If you wish to enjoy a personal shopping experience at The Bicester Collection, contact our friendly concierge teams at Brown’s Hotel in London, The Charles Hotel in Munich, Hotel Amigo in Brussels and Hotel Savoy in Florence who’ll happily assist with the arrangements.