How to... Over Pack

I always, always over pack when ever I go away. I'll take a week's worth of outfits, even if I'm going away for a weekend. It's a problem. On Monday I'm going to France for three weeks so there's no way to over pack, right?

From left: Urban Outfitters, Miss Selfridge, Primark, Topshop, Zara

Shorts are an absolute staple for my suitcase. The styles I'm taking are versatile, so perfect for day or night and even for the beach. I picked up the elephant pattern (far right) from Zara a little while ago. The drawstring waist and light fabric make them perfect for summer. I always go for waisted shorts as they suit my figure most. I bought the Primark pair for a costume ages ago, never thinking I'd wear them again, but as they're the only hipster pair I have I thought I'd bring them along so I don't end up with dodgy tan lines after wearing waist shorts for the whole trip.

 From left: Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Topshop, Accessorize; Centre: Topshop

I love a summer dress. It's going to be really hot as we're spending the majority of our trip in southern France, so a lose cotton summer dress will be my saving grace. The Accessorize number (far right) is more of a beach cover up. I bought it years ago and never had much of a chance to wear it, so this summer it shall make its debut! The blue Topshop dress (centre) is my favourite; I can imagine myself wearing it to death this summer. I think it's lovely enough to wear into winter too, styled with tights and boots or brogues.  

Top row: Topshop, American Apparel; Middle row: Zara, Urban Outfitters;  Bottom row: Zara, Topshop

I'm taking a big variety of tops (these are just a selection) as these will dress up or down the shorts; whether that be for a casual day look, or throwing them over a bikini. Recently I've bought loads of crop tops and depending on your definition of 'cropped' I'm taking about five with me. With waisted shorts they're super cute and versatile, I just hope the trend hangs around as I've really invested in it!