Whenever I go away, there are a few pairs of shoes that always end up in my suitcase. They're the ones I know I can rely on, whether I'm wandering around a city all day, heading out for dinner in the evening or packing for a week in the sunshine. They're incredibly versatile, easy to dress up or down and, most importantly, they're genuinely comfortable. I've worn them on countless holidays over the years and they've never let me down. So, if you're wondering what shoes to pack for your next trip, here are the styles that always make my holiday shoe edit.
The Metallic Pair
Is it even a holiday if you don't take a pair of gold shoes? I honestly don't think I've been away without a pair in years. Metallics are one of the easiest colours to pack because they go with absolutely everything, from floaty dresses and linen trousers to denim and they're perfect to instantly dress up an evening outfit. A pair of gold shoes will work with just about every outfit in your suitcase, flat or heels (I actually tend to pack both). They're the definition of versatile, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to pack light. I'm obsessed with Minnie gold and have worn mine on repeat for the past two years!
The Colourful Pair
I always like to pack one pair of shoes in a bright colour too. There's just something about sunshine that makes you want to wear colours you might not wear quite as often at home! A colourful pair of shoes is such an easy way to update a simple outfit, whether it's a white linen dress, jeans or an all-neutral look. They instantly add a bit of personality and make even the simplest holiday outfits feel that little bit more special. My go to for this are the Margot scarlet- they're the perfect shade of orangey-red.
The Travel Pair
I always travel in a pair of comfortable trainers. Not only are they perfect for walking through the airport and keeping your feet happy on the plane, but they also save you having to take your shoes on and off at security (which tends to happen if you're wearing heels!). I don't tend to wear trainers much once I'm actually on holiday, but I always like having them with me just in case. They're ideal if the temperature drops a little, you're heading out for a longer walk or simply fancy a break from sandals for a day. Our Aria trainers are my favourite as I love a bit of leopard!
The Ivory Pair
Before I designed wedding shoes, I don't think I ever wore ivory shoes (apart from maybe a pair of patent platforms from Ravel, circa 1996- it was a look!). These days however, I wouldn't be without a pair. Ivory has become one of my favourite colours to wear throughout the summer because it goes with just about everything. It's a little softer and less dressy than metallic gold, making it perfect for daytime, so it's always worth making room for a pair in your suitcase. It's Minnie again for me on this one, this time in off-white.
The Flat Pair
The only shoes in my holiday suitcase that aren't Rachel Simpson are my flat sandals (and of course my flip flops)- we don't tend to go quite that casual! That said, I still look for exactly the same qualities when I'm buying. I always choose good quality leather or other natural materials, they have to be genuinely comfortable and most importantly, they need to be versatile enough to wear year after year. Holiday shoes get a lot of mileage, so it's worth investing in a pair that not only looks great but feels effortless too. After all, the best holiday shoes are the ones you don't have to think twice about packing. This year I found some gorgeous chocolate brown flats over on Shoe Street- the colour is stunning and they are ridiculously comfy underfoot thanks to the buttery soft leather!
Right, I'm off to make a mojito after all this talk of holidays. You can check out my holiday edit here.
Love,
Rachel xx
