What to pack for a holiday: chic daywear inspiration from our resort collection

There's a particular kind of joy in packing for a holiday when you actually love what you're putting in the case. Not the usual compromise of "that'll do" and "it's practical" — but real, considered pieces that make you feel like yourself from the moment you arrive.

This is your guide to holiday dressing done properly, inspired by our resort collection — created for exactly this kind of moment.

Holiday dressing: the mindset shift

Most of us pack for holidays the same way we approach a problem: what's practical, what won't crease, what can I wear more than once? And while those things matter, they're not the whole picture.

The women who always seem to look effortlessly wonderful on holiday aren't packing more — they're packing with intention. A smaller number of pieces they truly love, chosen because they work together and because they reflect the woman they are when they're at their most relaxed and happy.

Think of your holiday wardrobe not as a problem to solve, but as a small capsule collection. Everything in it should feel like a choice, not a fallback.

The resort collection: what it's built for

Our resort collection is designed around exactly this kind of thoughtful holiday dressing. Pieces that move beautifully in warm weather, that work from a morning walk through a village market to a long, unhurried lunch, and that photograph the way holidays should feel — bright, relaxed, and completely alive.

Here are four key pieces from the collection to build your holiday wardrobe around:

Roma Twist Knot Floral Dress A vibrant all-over floral print in pink, green and blue — this sleeveless dress is the kind of piece that makes you feel like you're already on holiday the moment you put it on. The twist knot detail at the waist creates a beautifully draped effect that's both flattering and effortless. It works just as well at a beachside lunch as it does dressed up for an evening out. Wear it to: breakfast on the terrace, a morning exploring a local market, or with heeled sandals and gold jewellery for dinner.

Adrienne Shirt Dress The shirt dress is perhaps the most versatile piece you can pack, and the Adrienne does it beautifully. A full button-down front with a self-fabric tie belt and knotted short sleeves gives it a fresh, considered feel — the kind of dress that looks intentional whether you're pairing it with trainers for a day of sightseeing or heels for something more dressy. The attached slip lining means no layering faff in the heat. Wear it to: day trips, casual lunches, exploring — and anywhere that calls for something smart but relaxed.

Jinny Button Split Neck A-Line Dress Sometimes the most quietly elegant piece is the one that gets the most wear. The Jinny A-line dress is exactly that — a timeless silhouette that skims the body beautifully, with a button-accented neckline that adds just enough detail to feel polished. At 93cm it sits at a flattering length for most women, and it moves wonderfully in warm weather. Wear it to: anywhere you want to look effortlessly put-together without trying too hard — a gallery visit, a long lunch, an evening stroll.

Marisa V-Neck Sleeveless Maxi Jersey Dress For evenings that drift from golden hour into dinner, the Marisa maxi is your dress. A flattering V-neckline and sleeveless silhouette in a vibrant green and soft blue floral print — it elongates the figure and moves beautifully, which is everything you want from a warm-weather dress. This maxi dress can even be thrown over a swimsuit for an easy cover up Jersey fabric means it travels well too: fold it into your case and it will come out ready to wear. Wear it to: sundowners, dinner, any evening that deserves something a little special.

Chiffon Layers Wide Leg Trousers If you're a woman who feels most herself in trousers, these are the ones to pack. Triple layer wide leg chiffon with a side slit — they float beautifully as you move and look effortlessly elegant in the warmth. A mixed flat and elasticated waistband means they're genuinely comfortable all day, which matters more than you'd think when you're on holiday. Wear them with a simple cami for lunch, or with something glitzier for an evening out. Wear it to: long lunches, evening drinks, anywhere you want to look polished without the dress.

Alyona Heart Button Knitted Jacket A vibrant pink jacket with gold-tone heart-shaped buttons — this is the piece that pulls an outfit together and makes it memorable. The feminine silhouette and collar-like neckline give it a tailored feel, while the playful buttons stop it from ever feeling stuffy. Layer it over the Jinny A-line dress for daytime, or over the Marisa maxi for a cooler evening. It also works beautifully as a standalone piece over a simple white outfit. Wear it to: cooler evenings, day trips, or any occasion that calls for a little something extra.

Browse the full resort collection at ginabacconi.com/collections/resort

Building your holiday capsule

The key to packing well is choosing pieces that genuinely work together — so everything you pull out of your case feels like an outfit, not a question.

Start with a colour palette. Choose two or three colours that you love and that suit you, then make sure everything you pack sits within that palette. Neutrals like white, cream, tan, and navy work beautifully as a base. Add one or two accent colours — terracotta, cobalt, soft coral — and everything will mix and match effortlessly.

Prioritise fabric. Lightweight cotton, chiffon and crepe all travel well, breathe in the heat, and look considered rather than casual. Avoid anything that will crease badly in a case and need attention before you can wear it.

Think in layers. Even on the warmest holidays, evenings can be cooler than you expect — particularly if you're in the Mediterranean or at altitude. A lightweight bolero, a fine knit , or a jacket gives you flexibility without taking up much space.

Daywear that works harder

The best holiday pieces earn their place in your case by working across multiple occasions and times of day.

A beautifully printed midi dress can be a beach cover-up with flat sandals in the morning, a sightseeing outfit with trainers by day, and an evening look with heeled sandals and jewellery at night. Three looks, one piece. That's the standard every holiday item should meet.

chiffon floating trousers in a neutral tone are perhaps the most versatile piece you can pack — they work with almost any top, look polished rather than casual, and feel appropriate from a boat trip to a nice restaurant.

What to leave at home

As important as what you pack is what you don't.

Leave the "just in case" pieces. If you're packing something because it might come in useful, it almost certainly won't. Every item in your case should have a clear purpose.

Don't over-pack shoes. One pair of flat sandals for day, one pair of heeled sandals for evening, one pair of comfortable walking shoes. That's it. Shoes are heavy, take up space, and you'll wear the same two pairs regardless of how many you bring.

Avoid pieces that only work as one outfit. Every top should work with at least two bottoms. Every dress should work with at least two different footwear and accessory combinations.

The finishing touches

Holiday dressing is as much about accessories as clothing.

A quality sun hat is both practical and elegant — a wide-brimmed straw or raffia hat gives you sun protection and an instant holiday feeling that nothing else quite replicates.

Simple gold jewellery works with almost everything and catches the light beautifully. A few pieces you can mix — a fine chain, simple hoops, a cuff — will serve you better than a full jewellery collection.

A roomy tote or basket bag is your daytime essential — practical enough for the beach, beautiful enough for the market, and a holiday wardrobe staple in its own right.

Pack less, enjoy more

The best holiday wardrobe isn't the biggest one. It's the one where everything you pull out makes you feel good — where getting dressed is a pleasure rather than a decision, and where you come home with photographs that look exactly the way the holiday felt.

That's what the resort collection is for. Take a look and find the pieces that feel right for wherever you're going.

Explore the full resort collection at ginabacconi.com/collections/resort