Here’s what the stylist and consultant packs for a holiday in the sun.
Sticking to tried-and-true pieces and embracing the outfit repeat is her way of making the process feel like second nature.
“I am a creature of habit and tend to wear the same sort of looks,” she says. “I ultimately know that I could happily survive off very few items of clothing if I have to. ”Destination matters, and Hamer rotates the contents of her carry-on accordingly, depending on whether the itinerary spells out city or beach—or a mix of both.
For seaside getaways, she favors easygoing dresses and lightweight, natural fabrics that can withstand the sweat and sunscreen that come with long, sun-soaked days by the water.
“You have to look and feel like yourself, even on vacation,” she says. “I am a big believer in wearing the same thing over and over; that’s how you develop personal style. ” New shoes, for instance, stay at home in favor of old faithfuls, like her Manolo Blahnik Susa sandals, which she owns in multiples and has relied on for 12 years and counting.
Jewelry, a vintage tee, or a pop of color through a cashmere sweater are small tricks she’s picked up along the way to keep her go-tos interesting. Hamer’s just wrapped an extended trip to Italy, where she split time between Pantelleria, to shoot Matteau’s newest campaign, and, to welcome summer with friends of the brand at La Posta Vecchia, just outside of the capital on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
We caught up with her shortly after her return, where she shared her fail-safe tips for packing for a beach holiday—including her tried-and-true travel outfit and her best-kept secret for dealing with wrinkles.
I always have a few things in the back of my mind; I put them aside as I think of them and then just gradually add to the pile over a couple days, but normally I pack the day before or the same day if I have a late flight. I make sure to do my dry cleaning the week before so things are fresh and ready to go.
I have a drawer of things I always pack when I travel—my cameras, adapters, jewelry roll, travel-size toiletries, headphones, and compression socks. It makes it easier to just grab from that drawer and pack quickly. Vintage baggy Levi’s, a cotton tee or tank, a cashmere sweater with a blazer, and an easy slip-on shoe. A Charvet slipper is perfect for flying and travel.
I have them in a few colors and finishes. I like to be comfortable but I don’t like looking sloppy on a flight. I think people should take a bit more care with how they dress to travel. You will never catch me in sweatpants—.
I wear our cotton drawstring trousers in white and black as a sub, and they feel so much more put together. There is no better travel companion than an extra large L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. It’s my “personal item” and it works because I like to keep it lightly packed so I know I always have room to add things I accumulate when I travel . I put my day-to-day handbag inside it when I get on the flight so I don’t get in trouble for having three carry-on pieces and it honestly never fails. I also have a very beat up old Louis Vuitton duffle that can carry much more than you would think and because it zips and locks, so I can check it if I need to!
And both can be perfect beach bags so I don’t have to pack anything extra. I also can’t live without my set of Rimowa suitcases. I have tried many other brands over the years and none stand up to Rimowa. The wheels are second to none and the fact I can drop it off in any major city I am traveling in to be repaired if need be is incredible customer service.
Bring back the gloss black, please! Bose noise-cancelling headphones. They go on the moment I get in my car to the airport. I spend so much of my life in airports that I try to just block everyone out and live in my own world with a great soundtrack.
A good book is also essential; when I am really in the zone on a summer holiday, I can almost get through a book a day by the pool or the sea! Travel sweater—I always have a cashmere one to wrap around my shoulders like a scarf for mid-flight chills. It’s good to have close to use as an eye mask if you forget yours! A wide-tooth comb and a good leave-in conditioner.
In another life I think I was a mermaid because there is nothing more I love than to spend my days submerged in water. After every swim I throw in a little leave-in conditioner and comb it through; it really helps to nourish and protect my hair. There is nothing chicer to me than wet combed and conditioned hair. Whatever’s on high rotation.
I really try not to pack things I haven’t worn before—I think this is one of the biggest faux pas that people make when packing. Something small, like a vintage necklace or a bag you picked up on your travels, is wonderful, but untested sandals when you’re walking around cobblestoned streets for hours is a no-no from me. Blisters on holiday are not chic! Tried-and-tested is always the way to go.
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t, is a saying I live by. I haven’t been able to take off my Matteau Voyager sunglasses. They are the perfect shape, weight, and size, and go with everything. They add a little mystery and bitchiness to whatever you are wearing—the ultimate complement for everyday.
I also got our square cami mini dress in black and in white and have been living in them along with my Christopher Esber jellies—the all-black is my new summer shoe. A white shirt on a summer vacation is really all you need for any adventure: It’s perfect over swim at the beach, to dinner with blue jeans, or as a layer over a black dress.
I tend to pack two—one that is heavily washed and worn for day-to-day wear and one that is nice and crisp and new for evenings or occasions. Natural fibers are the best for holidays as they are breathable, long-lasting, and look good even with a little wrinkle—it adds to the relaxed feeling. My best hack is to pack a continuous spray water bottle to mist your clothes and hang them in the sun.
It takes care of the majority of the wrinkles that may have occurred during packing and you don’t need a power supply or anything complicated to bring them back to life. It’s what I do when we’re on set in very remote locations, and it never fails. I was given this gorgeous set of dice and cards over Christmas and they are perfect for traveling.
Cards on the beach or dice for a game of Yahtzee—it’s the best to keep yourself entertained without a screen. Less is more. Carry-on only is the way to go, especially on summer vacation. No one wants to deal with baggage claim or lost luggage in August!
You always end up wearing just a handful of things, so keep it simple and buy something cute and local if you are desperate. A black slip, a loose printed dress, a pair of silk pants, and silk and cotton shirts are all you really need. If all else fails, steal your husband’s linen shirts and T-shirts and wear them as dresses, like I always do.shopping director, overseeing and editing Vogue Shopping’s fashion, beauty, and lifestyle coverage.
She loves a great accessory and, while she doesn’t play favorites, the smaller and sparklier the better. Prior to joining the magazine as senior shopping editor, she worked at
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