Packing - it's the least fun part of travelling. Deciding what to take - and more importantly, what to leave behind - is the bane of even the most enthusiastic holidaymaker. But with our Top 5 guide on what to wear on your spring break, we've made it that bit easier. Whether you're going to trendy Paris, grooving to the laid-back jazz vibes of New Orleans, hitting the beach in Cape Town, touring the souks of Muscat or heading to cosmopolitan Istanbul, you'll find all the fashion inspiration you need.
PARIS, FRANCE:
The Parisians are known for their chic style. Trendy is the watchword here but it’s never as try-hard as London; think understated cool but with a bit of French flair thrown in for good measure. Top fashon tip: take a scarf – come rain or shine, you’ll find Parisians still insouciantly wrapped in theirs.
Peter Jensen capri pants £225 Farfetch; Peter Jensen bag £199 Asos; Carven sweater with collar £220 Browns; Nicholas Kirkwood brogues £495 Selfridges; Chloe sunglasses £215 Asos; Mary Katrantzou for Topshop scarf £60 Topshop.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY:
Istanbul may no longer be the capital of Turkey but it certainly comes out top in the style stakes. Every bit as cosmopolitan as any other major city, bright colours and chic separates will see you through. Top fashion tip: Most likely you’ll be doing lots of walking so grab a pair of stylish-but-sturdy sandals that will stand up to it.
Steven Alan tank top $168 La Garconne; gold sandals £78 Rebecca Minkoff; Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag £255 The Shop at Bluebird; Maryam Keyhani Josephine necklace £349 The Shop at Bluebird; Oliver Peoples sunglasses; floral skirt £55 Topshop.
NEW ORLEANS, USA:
Home to all things jazz, New Orleans has a laid-back vibe. Keep it casual in jeans and a t-shirt as you wander through the colourful French Quarter, sample some tasty Creole cuisine and of course, listen to some jazz. Top fashion tip: in many places wearing a hat might feel costume-y but here it’s de rigeur. Try a fedora or a trilby out for size.White top £7.99 H&M; Cosmic Wonder blue jeans $441 La Garconne; Rocas carpet crossbody bag £42.83 Free People; trilby hat £120 Bates; Gucci suede sandals £405 Net-A-Porter; sunglasses, Oliver Peoples.
MUSCAT, OMAN:
Omani culture is very respectful of its Islamic heritage but there’s a more tolerant outlook here that’s not often associated with the Middle East. Female visitors will need to cover up, but Muscat is a sophisticated city so no need to feel frumpy with it. Stay chic in silky flowing fabrics and tailored but loose-fitting clothes. Top fashion tip: it’s a strong sun here so make sure you take a pair of sunnies that can stand up to it.Edun printed silk cropped trousers £245 Browns; Philip Stein watch £1725 Nuval; Boy by Band of Outsiders cropped shirt $495 La Garconne; Zara metallic evening bag £40 Zara; Acne silk and leather mules £350 Net-A-Porter; straw visor £15 Asos; tortoiseshell sunglasses £17.99 Zara.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA:
Cape Town is as easy breezy as they come – with gorgeous beaches, cultural sights and great restaurants and shopping you’ll want a wardrobe that can take you from coast to club in an instant. Try wearing vibrant fun pieces that make the most of the sunshine. Top fashion tip: it’s worth investing in a great swimsuit since you’ll probably be spending most of your time in it!
Carven knit shorts £240 Browns; Toms shoes £40 Selfridges; sunglasses $160 Illesteva; Mara Hoffman bandeau bikini £175 Net-A-Porter; raffia bag £45 Celtic sheepskin; grey t-shirt £90 Acne.
