If you’re looking forward to a suitcase summer, what to wear on holiday is one of the most important considerations. Packing light can be difficult, especially for extended holidays or if you are headed somewhere with unpredictable weather – picking pieces which  tick all the boxes is a must if you want to stay within your budget airline’s luggage restrictions. Pick items which are all colour-coordinated, easy to wash, and can work in both formal and casual situations.

Dresses are great for these situations – wear them with tights and a leather jacket when the fog rolls in, with sandals and sunnies at the beach, or with heels and a clutch when you head out at night. Here are a few simple designer dresses that are worth their weight in gold luggage.

A simple white lace dress is perfect for strolling along an old-world promenade, sipping espresso in cafes and enjoying a glass of wine on an outdoor terrace. If the weather turns, pair it with black tights and a leather jacket for a cool but feminine look. Hit the town with heels, bright lipstick and colourful accessories and you’ll look right at home from the Costa Blanca to Corfu. This See by Chloé dress is a chic and sweet option.

A colour-block dress is the ultimate all-rounder – if you’re going to a wedding abroad, pack a fascinator and some white patent heels to wear with this peach, white and black dress from Elie Tahari. The next day pair it with leather sandals to stroll about town (it might even match your cup of gelato), and pile up your hair and break out the eyeliner to hit the clubs.

Finally, black is the ultimate suitcase staple. Perfect for formal occasions (for when someone special surprises you with a fancy meal), for strolling around a museum, or even for wearing to a work conference with a blazer. You’ll be the most stylish person in the beach-front café wearing this Narciso Rodriguez dress with some 1950s-inspired sunglasses.