Air travel has lost its glamour. In a recent court indictment against an Italian no-frills airline, the prosecution argued against the company on the grounds that passengers were "thinking human beings, not merchandise". Travelling light can take some of the pain out of the plane. Alannah Sparkspacks capsule wardrobes that meet the 10kg limit.
When was the last time you felt like a "thinking human being" during the jostle at the airport? Was it while squatting down in the security queue, frantically trying to locate your illegal Vaseline? Was it as you shifted uncomfortably in front of the check-in girl, silently imploring her to disregard your bulky carry-on? Was it during the ritualistic Dance of the Seven Veils before you can pass through the security sensor? Perhaps it was prior to all of this, as you realised you'd been hoodwinked into paying for "priority boarding", and you had only 10 kilos of hand luggage to carry all your gear.
However, with some advance planning, 10 kilos should be enough for any mini break, from a visit to New York for the summer sales to a stop-off in Montenegro to top up your tan. By choosing quality over quantity, it is possible to look as if you've just chartered your own Learjet rather than battled through the airport trenches. No-frills blues? What are they?
TIPS FOR ANY DESTINATION
Good quality cotton racer-back vests, in white for day and black for night, are eternally chic and go with everything. A striking belt could be your most versatile accessory. Choose one that can be worn either slung-low the hips, or used to cinch in your waist. An elasticated one can be worn both ways. Belts with metallic detail add glamour - check out Kate Moss's studded version in Topshop.
A printed silk scarf can be worn as a bandana top, a head band and a belt, and it weighs next to nothing. Check out second-hand stores for a variety of these. Wear your clunky wooden wedges on the flight to lighten your load.
Roll, rather than fold, your clothes, to eliminate creasing and maximise space. Be sure to get to the departure gate promptly to get in line - you don't want to be left without a space in the overhead lockers.
CITY
A bold print shift dress is a statement at any hour of the day. Take a faded denim jacket as a cover-up, and accessorise with showy cocktail rings, perspex beads and an oversized tote bag. Monochromes are the simplest and most effective way to cut a dash on city streets. White skinny jeans worn with gladiator leather sandals (still in, especially if embellished) are cool. The same sandals can be worn with tailored shorts.
Don't leave without: A sexy little clutch for evening time. Use it to store your jewellery on the flight.
Leave space in your case for:underwear from Paris, cheap 'n' cheerful high-street finds from Barcelona, vintage bags from London.
ADVENTURE
Even while trekking mountains, negotiating fjords or picking grapes (wine tasting is not considered an adventure sport), it is possible to look chic. When packing for an active break it is important to take into account the space that will be taken up with heavy kit such as hiking boots and waterproofs. Fill the space you have left in your case with loud, bright prints paired with neutral basics. Day dresses and smocks in animal prints are fun, and loose cargo pants can be dressed up with a white T-shirt and heels. Add a statement set of beads and you're ready for action.
Don't leave without:Bum bags are enjoying a new vogue, and are very practical. If you aren't keen on spending Gucci prices, check out the updated versions at www.fannypackonline.com or seek out funky retro versions on eBay.
Leave space in your case for:Local handcrafted jewellery that no one will have at home.
BOAT
Cringingly clichéd though it may be, nautical stripes are perfect for when you're all at sea. A form-skimming T-shirt dress is enough to plant tongue firmly in cheek. White denim minis work for both day and night with a variety of vests and belts. Boating holidays call for increased wattage in the evenings - the perfect excuse to try out this season's hottest trends, whether Dynasty-style dresses or luxurious silk playsuits. A man's Panama hat in pale straw will be both extremely practical and, tied with a printed scarf, chic at every port.
Don't leave without:Appropriate boat shoes and your favourite pashmina for cooler evenings.
Leave space in your case for:A souvenir for those at home who missed out.
BEACH
To take you from sun-up to sundown mojitos requires bright, light, versatile pieces. Lunch at the beach bar means a sheer colourful kaftan for the leggy, or, for the rest of us, a twirling skirt that can be worn at night with a variety of fun, lightweight tops. Gold is essential for adding glamour and highlighting bronzed skin. Metallic leather flip-flops work for both day and night. DKNY's dolly-style dress and Orion's sweetly suggestive floral frocks can be dressed up with very tall wedges. Rhinestone jewellery abounds on the high-street. Pick up a long chain or some outsize earrings to bling up your disco nights.
Don't leave without::A large sarong which can be used instead of a fluffy, weighty beach towel.
Leave space in your case for:Swimwear. Often the best and cheapest options can be found at your destination, where bikinis are designed for people who live in them. For particularly sexy swimwear, check out www.calzedonia.it to find European stockists.