Pack Smart For Summer, Mamas!
It’s that time of year again…where we all think about escaping the sauna (Dubai summer) and head on our summer hols – usually back to our home countries to enjoy a cooler climate, long evenings and that outdoorsy lifestyle. But for a lot of us – in particular those of us who are from Northern Hemisphere countries whose summer is – lets just say – quite temperamental at the best of times (I’m looking at you Ireland and the UK in particular!!) the whole packing situation is a minefield to say the least. For those of you lucky to be going ‘home’ to countries where more than likely – summer means actual ‘summer’ – you’re sorted! Just pack what you wear here on a day-to-day basis in Dubai and you’re good to go! But for the rest of us going to much cooler (emphasis on the ‘much’ here!) – the fact that the majority of our wardrobes in Dubai cater for desert temperatures, it leaves us wondering, what the hell we pack, buy and need!
I myself will be heading home to Ireland for a couple of months with the family and because I’m back and forth quite a bit now, I actually have a wardrobe at home to cater for my cold little body which finds it difficult to acclimatise back to Irish weather every summer as I basically have sand in my veins now! When I say a wardrobe, it mainly consists of coats, jackets, cardigans, all types of knits, boots and Christmas jumpers! So it’s basically a winter wardrobe – which I turn into a summer wardrobe every year!
So I’m going to let you in on a secret – when it comes to packing for the summer – LAYERS, LAYERS, and LAYERS! Put it this way, layering is now your best friend! Think vest tops, t-shirts, denim shirts, long-sleeve shirts, cardigans, jump-suits, light scarf, midi-length dresses, couple pair of jeans, trainers, flat sandals, light ankle boots, light summer jackets (khaki ones are great), blazers, cropped trousers and midi-skirts. Cardigans in particular are probably my favourite item to travel with and have everywhere I go. They have a multitude of uses and one of the most versatile items of clothing you can own especially for summer in cooler climates.
Depending on the weather (where I’m from – its usually four seasons in one day) by layering you are prepared for all eventualities. Remember also, to try and keep your wardrobe for your destination a similar colour palette. This makes pairing options a lot simpler plus if you purchase additional items whilst on holiday, it’s always easier to buy knowing what you have with you and what will go with your holiday wardrobe.
Put it this way – for traveling home to summers which are cool and rainy – just pack some items from your Dubai winter wardrobe.
Top Tip: If you do require more wardrobe basics plus pieces which will keep you warm, dry and prepared for a colder climate – buy online in advance and get them sent to the address which you will be staying at for your holidays. It just means, it’s less for you to pack and they are waiting for you when you arrive.
Scroll through the gallery for items that I feel serve a good purpose when ‘summering’ in a colder climate and which you probably already have in your Dubai winter wardrobe here – plus if not – are easily available in most online retailers.
Parkas and in particular Khaki jackets are so stylish especially in summer plus so versatile. Light enough to layer over, a great neutral colour, which goes with everything and can be worn over dresses, jeans – practically everything. This is essential. Shop for it here.
Jeans – no explanation needed! I would pack a couple of pairs and include a light colour such as white etc. – ideal for summer and will also go with everything. Shop for it here.
This will see you through the entire summer and winter in Dubai. The colour is perfect to team with prints, bright colours etc. and again, it’s the perfect layering item. Shop for it here.
I told you I like big oversized chunky knits and I really want this one! A fab bright knit that screams summer – I can just see this teamed over a fab polka dot dress… Shop for it here.
White long sleeve basic top – which should be part of any capsule wardrobe. You can wear this under a cardi, light jumper, jacket etc. and team with jeans, shorts, skirts and cropped trousers. Shop for it here.
Jacket with tassels: REPEAT AFTER ME – ‘A light jacket is my best friend’ and who doesn’t love a few tassels to add a bit of fun to your holiday wardrobe. Shop for it here.
Plain white tee – ideal for layering under items such as jumpsuits, dungarees amongst countless possibilities. Shop for it here.
Cropped Jumpsuit – I love this one, as it’s the perfect summer shade, it’s light for when the weather decides to play ball and you are summer BBQ ready plus it can be easily layered over a t-shirt with a light jacket on top. Shop for it here.
Oversized Denim Jacket – notice how I keep placing emphasis on ‘oversized’ which just makes layering a lot easier and oversized is so on-trend these days. Shop for it here.
Back-pack which is great for traveling and ideal on holidays plus they have gained a lot of notoriety of late in terms of fashion and style. Shop for it here.
Waterproof Rain Jacket – for when it feels like it’s been raining an entire month whilst you’ve been home on holidays – fact. Probably the most practical item you need to buy – trust me – I have one similar in the exact colour and it looks fab with a dark wash denim – rain jackets are where it’s at these days, you know! Shop for it here.
Of course, there should always be room in your case for a couple of pieces of party attire for those summer night bbq’s and long al-fresco lunches. Just bear in mind the layering options because – even if the sun is shining in the morning, there’s a good chance by the afternoon – it will be raining with a light chill. That’s just the way summer in cooler climates goes. For now, wishing you all the most amazing summer and safe travels to and from your destinations. See you back here soon and
Happy Packing,
Irene xoxo
Hero image sourced via USA Today.
