If you’ve been a blog reader for a while now, you’ve probably heard me talk about capsule wardrobes before. I created my first capsule wardrobe several years ago, and it transformed the way I curated my closet. Personal style, lifestyles, how we need our clothes to function can all change, so today I’m sharing my casual capsule wardrobe.
As experienced travellers, you’d think we would know what to pack for a boating holiday without a second thought. You’d think we could throw together a holiday bag in just a few minutes. The reality is, it’s usually a long process of gathering, folding, rolling and occasionally ejecting half the contents at the last minute after all!
We’re very accustomed to the limited space for storage of suitcases aboard a hire boat or hotel barge. It’s often less about wardrobe space and more about hiding the bags and bits from sight. So we’ve put together this easy checklist to help you (and us) on what to pack for a boating holiday.
If you’ve planned a boating holiday this summer you may be wondering how much you can take on board and then exactly what to pack. Have you hit the shops already? Are you mooching through the sales to fill your bag?
We may be in France but you don’t have to exercise Parisian chic unless you really want to. The style aboard a hotel barge tends to be comfortable smart casual. There’s no expectation that you dress for dinner, but if you wish to spruce up your attire or change, then please do.
Our top tip is to think like a sailor and keep it lightweight, layered and multi-functional. Whether you’re opting to self-drive, are going on a river cruise, or have chosen the ultimate in luxury hotel barging, smart casual comfort is the order of the day.
We like to think of our river cruises as city breaks on water. You’ll be on board for downtime and dining but there will also be days where you’re out exploring ancient towns and villages, visiting churches or museums, and often there’s the option of walking or cycling along the pretty river paths too.
Kit list – what to pack for a boating holiday
Sunhats and SPF
On the water, the light bounces around creating a stunning ‘sun glitter’ that is as beautiful as it is blinding! Remember your well fitting hat and sunglasses to protect head and eyes from the glare. A high factor SPF is also strongly recommended.
How to accessorise
We always hear that accessories are an optional extra when you are packing for a boating holiday, but we beg to differ! A few small and well chosen pieces will lift the plainest of outfits or create a different look entirely.
Choose a delicate necklace or a pair of classic earrings to make you feel complete on holiday. A pashmina or pretty scarf can glam up a simple shift dress but also provide essential modesty at religious sites.
Colour-matching
It’s a smart trick to make sure all your clothes can be mixed and matched on board. Stick to a palette of colours that go well together so that everything gets worn, in many different ways.
Pack layers
Fluctuating weather is no surprise to Europeans and you may need to prepare for everything from chilly winds to baking sunshine. So think layers. Take tank tops, t-shirts, one smart shirt, long-sleeves and a cosy fleece.
If you need to wear only one of these, that’s great! If the weather turns breezy you’ll be able to put them all together and stave off the chill.
Tailored shorts
We’d advise taking at least one pair of tailored shorts. If you’re going to really get stuck in to the practicalities of your cruise – the stretching and leaping to catch ropes – you’ll be thankful you packed them!
By choosing a smarter pair, you’ll be able to wear them out, too.
Lightweight fashion
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Lightweight trousers with a little stretch will be invaluable. Jeans are heavy and soak up any moisture so are best avoided. A pretty crease-proof dress will take you from day to evening with the addition of your necklace or scarf.
Swimwear
Whether you take a dip in the cool waterways, sink into the on-board hot tub or simply catch some rays on deck, you’ll need your swimsuit or trunks. Make sure they’re comfortable to wear at rest and play.
Shoes for boating
You’ll need non-slip, flat deck shoes to wear by day, and even better if these can be worn out as you explore the cobbled streets and pretty river paths along your route. You may well be hopping on a bike so be prepared.
Pop in a pair of pretty sandals for an evening out too, but only make room for your heels if you really can’t be without them. We never leave home without our favourite pair of cosy socks for the evenings. They can make you feel right at home, wherever you are.
Evening glamour
You won’t regret taking a smart evening top, plus a cardigan or lightweight jacket to throw over your daywear.
Do you need an oilskin?
No! But a lightweight, good quality waterproof is essential, plus a soft shell jacket to cover you in all weathers. If you’re travelling in winter, you’ll need to bulk this up with a thick woollen jumper – in true sailor style!
Essential extras
Don’t forget your binoculars for wildlife-watching and we recommend bringing mosquito repellent for the early evenings when you don’t want that kind of wildlife to get too close. You could also find room for an attractive, collapsible Japanese-style fan if the forecast looks hot, hot, hot.
And finally, a packable day rucksack is super useful for days on shore and to keep with you on deck.
If you don’t already work from a capsule wardrobe, now is the perfect time to wend such magic into your closet. Creating a capsule wardrobe is the easiest way to wear the things you feel great in while streamlining your closet.
It’ll give you the freedom to pick something quickly and feel styled and confident. In a boating context it will enable you to pack light and allow for layering – the best way to keep warm or cool on board.
So when it comes to what to pack for a cruise consider the following three pointers:
1. Basic and versatile
For a seven night trip pull out 10 – 20 basic and versatile items (clothes, shoes, scarves and jewellery) that can be worn in various combinations. Lay your items out on your bed – how many tops could be worn with any of the trousers, skirts or shorts?
You want to avoid having set outfits and to aim for being able to interchange tops with bottoms.When you think about shoes, what have you got that is comfortable, not too high (stilettos and boats don’t really mix) that could work with multiple outfits?
Ideally you want shoes that look stylish with a pair of jeans but are dressy enough to work with a skirt one evening. It would be remiss of us to exclude the boat shoe from our packing – comfy, flat, suitable for pottering around onboard, cycling or walking along the towpath and wandering around towns and attractions when you stop off.
2. Repeat but mix
This is all about mixing and matching. Even with just two tops, two bottoms, one scarf and one necklace you can create up to 12 different looks by wearing different tops with different bottoms, adding or excluding an accessory. If you’ve got long hair, thinking about hair up or hair down can also change a look completely, too.
A plain top and capri pants will provide a comfortable and casual daytime outfit that can be ‘upcycled’ by adding a blazer and scarf or piece of jewellery for dinner out. The boat shoe would compliment both of these outfits as would a low heel.
3. Accessorise
Choosing accessories is the perfect way to create new styles while keeping your packing minimalist. Pack 2 – 3 scarves and a similar number of necklaces, some statement, some subtle, and you’ll be amazed how different your outfits can look with these small space items.
In the words of personal stylist Lindsay Punch:
“The benefit of creating a capsule wardrobe is to define your favourite clothes and ensure you wear them, rather than save them for best. Remixing them regularly and shopping less often but more intentionally keeps your collection perfectly suited to your style and the size of your suitcase.”
Lindsay has dressed some of the biggest names in the world. She spent many years at Ralph Lauren and Harrods before flying solo as a personal shopper and independent stylist.
Back on board , feel free to ask us or your chosen boat owner-operator for their packing tips according to your destination and itinerary.
You’ll be travelling light enough to leave plenty of room for souvenirs and French boutique buys – once you hit the shops you’ll know what we mean!
We’ve assumed as you’ve read this, that you know where you’re cruising already, but if not, you’ll need to figure out where you want to go. Take a look at our guide to barging in Europe to help you start your search.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of yacht-style capsule house. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.