How I Packed for the Most Instagrammed Holiday of 2018

Lisa Aiken is Net-a-Porter's retail fashion director and the woman responsible for our extensive wish lists and dented wallets. She is something of an oracle for the Who What Wear team in the UK. We trust her every recommendation (and attend her seasonal trend presentations without fail), we look to her wardrobe choices and unwaveringly cool NAP edit to make our own moves, and now, she's a regular columnist here on the site—hurrah!

Lisa Aiken is a seriously frequent flyer and knows how to pack better than anyone we know. We can't think of anyone better to turn to for packing advice. Net-a-Porter hosted a weekend trip to Tulum earlier this month, where Lisa was joined by the likes of Alexa Chung, Harley Viera Newton and many more favourite fashion faces. Packing for any beach holiday is difficult, but what do you take when the whole of Instagram is watching? Keep scrolling for what Lisa took in her suitcase and her essential holiday packing tips.

On Lisa Aiken: Albus Lumen Bucket Hat; Solid & Striped Swimsuit

On Lisa Aiken: Loewe Fringed Printed Silk-Twill Scarf (£525); Saint Laurent Two-Tone Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses (£220)

What do you always have in your holiday suitcase?

A great one-piece in a neutral colour from either Matteau, Hunza G or Solid & Striped, a pair of Ray-Ban wayfarers, Ancient Greek Sandals' slides and cutoff denim shorts by Alexander Wang.

Do you like dressing for a location's theme/vibe? If so, what would you say the look is for Tulum?

I tend to go to places with the same kind of vibe. I love incorporating a beach vacation with a little city and culture thrown in. I opt for relaxed, soft fabrics—lots of natural linens in understated neutral tones.

On Lisa Aiken: Loewe Fringed Printed Silk-Twill Scarf (£525); Saint Laurent Two-Tone Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses (£220)

What did you specifically pack because of being in Tulum

Faithfull the Brand's mustard midi dress, a linen shirtdress by Albus Lumen and Kalita's gorgeous Avedon Days maxi skirt in a light shade of burgundy.

What are your favourite new holiday pieces/brands/styling tricks?

I recently started covering up my hair with a Totême head scarf and I love it, or I usually wear my Albus Lumen bucket hat. For other styling tricks, I like belting my cover-ups. It makes the outfit feel more finished and gives it a good fashion twist. I always wear a pair of great sunglasses—currently, it's Saint Laurent's white cat-eye shape.

On Lisa Aiken: Faithfull the Brand Shirt

If you could only take one piece of swimwear, what would it be?

You can never go wrong with a classic black one-piece. They can double-up as bodysuits and are so versatile. My favourites are by Matteau and Solid & Striped because of their low scooped backs. Again, this helps for maximum tanning.

Do you wear different outfits in the evening on holiday than in the day?

Yes, definitely. I'm very beach-focused in the day. In the evening, I usually go for a silk maxi dress—silk is the perfect summer evening fabric—with gold earrings. And it's all about the flats for the whole day—morning, noon and night.

On Lisa Aiken: Ganni Bijou Leopard-Print Cotton-Poplin Wrap Dress (£240)

Do you have a packing method or any mistakes you've learnt from?

Always double-wrap your toiletries and stuff your handbags and straw hats so they don't lose their shape.

Shop Lisa's Key Holiday Buys

Want more? See more of Lisa Aiken's style.