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What to pack for winter sun – or slopes
Bjackets – the White Company is good for both. I’ve always thought it better to be prepared than be cold.
Then a pair of comfortable shoes for any excursions, sandals (gold and silver go with everything) and perhaps a pair of pretty flats or low heels. I pack these in dust bags to avoid dirtying anything else (if you have a case on wheels, pack them nearest to the wheels so that their weight doesn’t press down on your clothes).
Whether you’re on a cruise or visiting Rajasthan’s golden triangle, you’ll need comfortable daywear for sightseeing. For me, that means two or three pairs of trousers, or skirts, and several simple T-shirts, to be worn on their own or under thin tops. Indian cotton tunic tops are perfect; try East, Maharani and Monsoon for pretty, reasonably priced selections.
Many such tops can double up for the evening if you add a good necklace, earrings or bangles – or all three. Silky evening trousers work well and are small and light to pack, but if you have an easy-topack dress for the evening then put that in, too.
Lastly, a couple
of swimsuits if you plan to take the plunge, and a sun hat that folds flat, such as a man’s Panama, is an idea, as it can be rolled up to pack. They look rather chic on women, I think.
Try to minimise the number of handbags you take – perhaps a small clutch in gold or silver, along with a not-too-heavy tote for excursions, ideally made of cloth, so it’s easy to pack, and something for travelling, with zip compartments to keep documents safe. Into this bag I always put a change of underwear and a fresh T-shirt just in case my luggage takes a different route to me. And of course, don’t forget your sunglasses.
Cruise dressing is still a smart affair, but at least you won’t need to pack a tiara such as the one saved from the Lusitania when she sank that is on show in Ocean Liners: Speed and Style at the V&A from February.