Lucy Williams' guide to packing a capsule wardrobe this summer

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Here's how to pack light but still look impossibly chic on your next break

So many of us are guilty of overpacking, and we often end up lugging far too many belongings across the globe as we struggle to edit down what we actually need for our holiday. Unfortunately, the perfect packing formula does not exist, but there are ways to do more with less – it is all about nailing your personal capsule summer wardrobe. For a little extra guidance on how to do this, we spoke to fashion influencer and keen traveller, Lucy Williams for her tips on how to pack light, but still look impossibly chic when on holiday.

For her, it is all about choosing those versatile pieces that complement everything else you're bringing, sticking to neutral earthy tones, and then letting the odd accessory or statement piece do the talking.

Williams has just teamed up with Ancient Greek Sandals on a collection of sandals, hats and bags that she hopes will help you to do just this – the sandals are designed to be relaxed and unfussy, so that they can work with pretty much anything, while the hats will definitely help make your look pop.

Shop our edit of the collection below, and read on to discover Williams' advice for summer packing.

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Bag, £460

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Bag, £215

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Hat, £155

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Sandals, £215

"As a serial over packer that's tricky but I'll try – it's only in the last few years I feel like I've nailed packing. I'd start with two linen or cotton shirts (one white and one in a different colour), a slip dress that can be dressed up or down, tailored linen trousers, a white tank top which can dress down smarter trousers or a silk maxi skirt (which is a must), a cotton dress that works day or night, stripy shorts for the beach. And then I would pack one statement piece, be it patterned trousers, a dress or a going-out top that works with the separates you've packed. And don't forget the swimwear – black, white or brown works with everything else in your suitcase."

"A fun sarong or pareo that you can make into a top and skirt is my secret weapon. They look so cool knotted into asymmetric mini skirts or can be made into a halter dress. A big oversized white shirt that can be worn to the beach or tucked into trousers for the evening is always a must-pack for me too and so versatile. Likewise, a long, bias-cut silk skirt work with so many different tops for dinners out."

"I think a bit of tonal packing works wonders for this. My favourite 'neutral' this season is a rich chocolate brown – it's much softer than black and white and works so well with pinks and blues. I love dark brown linen separates to mix in with everything. I also feel like stripes are a neutral for me at this point, I wear them so much. A candy-striped shirt or trousers just look good over and with anything."

"I would love to be that person that pre-plans it all, and I am getting better but I always like to have options so i can go with my mood on the day. I think making sure you have some basics like neutral tank tops, linen trousers and shoes that go with everything (like a platform-soled sandal) because this means that you can mix and match super easily.

"I try and lay everything out before I start rolling and putting into the case so that I can see what works with what, and what I'm missing. I love colour but sometimes not having the neutrals or more earthier tones in there to balance everything out can make getting dressed hard. I find the rule of three for a week normally works; three dresses, three trousers, three shirts etc..."

"Quite a lot actually. I'm always the most inspired when travelling so unsurprisingly I'm normally day dreaming of where I'm heading and staying before I get there, which no doubt influences my packing. I think I always feel a bit more hippy and relaxed in the likes of Greece and Spain whereas maybe Italy makes me want to be a little more pulled together maybe. I always think the surrounding and architecture plays a big role too of subtly working its way into my subconscious when packing. I think this is the most fun part of holiday style and packing though – it's fun having a little bit of story-telling around it."

"I'm not a heels person on holiday at all; I just feel much more chic when I am comfortable, which means flats for me. I think the key is flats that are relaxed and unfussy without being scruffy so they work for everything. Leather flip flops and woven slides tick this box for me while a flat, platform sole is so flattering and a great alternative to heels or wedges (very handy on cobbled European streets or on the beach)."

"I think colourful, fun accessories and jewellery can transform the simplest of looks into something different everyday. I really like keeping everything simple bar one standout thing, be it a dress, earrings or a bag. A big pair of hoop earrings or colourful basket bag can make an otherwise minimal look feel much more intentional. I love our bright, stripy bucket hats too with black or white swimwear they just give that instant effortless holiday feel."

"I definitely inject more colour into my holiday wardrobe and will play with print a bit more. I'm always quite casual and 'undone' and I think holidays and summer just exacerbates that in me."

"I try and think about where I'm going while still being comfortable on the plane and in the airport's air conditioning. Pyjama-style trousers with a simple white tee or oversized shirt with trainers is normally my go to. I'll travel in a jacket that works when I get there (a denim jacket or lightweight blazer normally) and have a big basket or cotton tote for my hand luggage that I can use for the beach."

Lucy Williams' collection for Ancient Greek Sandals is available to shop now.

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