Andrea's It-List: I'm planning a European getaway—6 holy-grail items in my carry-on

Andrea's It-List: 6 holy-grail items in my carry-on
(Image credit: Andrea Thompson)

The below is from editor-in-chief Andrea Thompson's weekly newsletter, Andrea's It-List. Subscribe here.

This week, I’m planning two weekend breaks in Europe with friends and have been mentally mapping out my outfits. My main priority is to travel light with a select few hard-working pieces I know will be super light to carry and most of all totally low maintenance when I land ( I hate ironing on holiday). My classic summer staples are always the best multi taskers. They’ll typically include one classic white day dress and one versatile black one I can wear from day to night. I’ll also pack a couple of simple tank tops and shorts to pair with sandals for sightseeing or dinners. Together with a few key beauty essentials and my work out kit, I’m good to go. Here are just a few of my favourites.

SHOP MY TOP PICKS

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The Vampire's Wife has been one of my favourite brands for over a decade so I was sad to see the sudden announcement last week that they had ceased trading. The London-based label founded by Susie Cave (wife of musician Nick) was instantly recognisable for its elegant gothic designs and feminine aesthetic and loved by everyone from Kate Moss to Kate the Princess of Wales. As someone who invested in 3 of their dresses myself over the years and rented many many more for weddings, award ceremonies and work events, I can honestly say that no other designs made me feel so instantly glamorous while being comfortable enough to work a 12 hour day or dance the night away. Their closure is a stark reminder of how important it is to value the independent brands out there and support them when we can. In the meantime, you can still get your hands on a few of the last remaining designs via Selfridges, Harrods or Farfetch.

A montage of images of Andrea Thompson, Marie Claire's Editor in Chief and the words 'Andrea's It-List' to advertise her new column

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Editor in Chief

Andrea Thompson is Editor in Chief at Marie Claire UK and was named by We are the City as one of the UKs top 50 trailblazers for her work championing gender equality.

Andrea has worked as a senior journalist for a range of publications over her 20 year career including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, Channel 4, Glamour and Grazia. At Marie Claire UK, Andrea oversees content, strategy and campaigns across fashion, beauty and the brand's purpose pillars. Her weekly newsletter and column Andreas It List showcases her curated edit of the very best in fashion and beauty. Andrea is a keen advocate of women's empowerment, sustainability and diversity and is a regular speaker at events on these themes. She sits on the committee of the British Society of Magazine Editors where she acts as Vice Chair and looks after Diversity and Inclusion and regularly mentors young women from under represented communities trying to break into the media industry. Follow her on instagram at @andreacanwrite