'Pack like a stylist would for a photo shoot': A fashionista's guide to jet-setting like Victoria Beckham and Olivia Palermo (and how to be Instagram ready straight from the departure gate)

  • The Style Traveller founder Bonnie Rakhit reveals how to pack like a pro
  • Bringing the glamour back to the skies Bonnie says focus on accessories  
  • Ditch the heels, layer up and don't forget a bikini in your carry-on luggage

Want to know how to cruise through the airport looking like an A-lister? 

Effortless holiday glamour all begins with your suitcase essentials, says fashion aficionado Bonnie Rakhit in her ultimate Hit the Runway in Style guide.

As a seasoned jet-setter, the founder of The Style Traveller and former Elle UK fashion editor, reveals to MailOnline Travel what you need to ditch and to pack if you want to travel like fashion royalty.

Scroll down for video 

Bonnie Rakhit travels glamorously between global fashion capitals as the founder of The Style Traveller

Bonnie Rakhit travels glamorously between global fashion capitals as the founder of The Style Traveller

HOW TO HIT THE RUNWAY IN STYLE 

Ditch the heels

Leave the stilettos at home and opt for a comfortable pair of ballet pumps or canvas loafers. 

Not only will it save your poor feet from that never ending walk to the gate but also, it will allow you to easily slip in and out of your shoes at security.

Layer up

You can experience a range of temperatures when travelling, so wear layers that are easy to pull on and off, for example a soft wrap that can double up as a sarong on the beach. 

Plus it will save you some space in your suitcase. 

Go natural

Rushing to and from the airport can be a sweaty affair. 

Natural, breathable fabrics such as cashmere, linen, silk and cotton allow air and moisture to pass through. They will also feel much softer and comfortable on a long journey. 

Jet-setting fashionistas such as Olivia Palermo, Laura Bailey and Eugenia Da Silva pictured at London Fashion Week always look effortlessly stylish

Jet-setting fashionistas such as Olivia Palermo, Laura Bailey and Eugenia Da Silva pictured at London Fashion Week always look effortlessly stylish

Victoria Beckham pictured at Heathrow Airport never puts a foot wrong in with her distinctive runway style

Victoria Beckham pictured at Heathrow Airport never puts a foot wrong in with her distinctive runway style

Don't forget the shades

As any style maven knows, a giant pair of sunglasses will be your best friend after a flight, particularly a early morning one. 

Have a pair handy for when you step off the plane, it's the only way to hide those travel-weary eyes.

Keep organised

'Flinging everything out of your bag in a panic to find your passport isn't a good look. Keep your travel documents together in one place with a stylish organiser.'

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg once said: 'when you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life,'

Bonnie says packing the right accessories can take an outfit from day to night

Bonnie says packing the right accessories can take an outfit from day to night

HOW TO PACK LIKE A PRO

Get the luggage right

Look out for luggage that has compartments for smaller items and sections for shoes. 

Check the weight of the suitcase; it makes a big difference at the final weigh-in. Finally, a suitcase with wheels will save you a lot of bother if trolleys are not available. 

Preparation is key

Don't leave your packing to the night before, and then panic when you open up your suitcase in the hotel to find your beloved hair straighteners are missing, and you end up with a Monica from Friends moment. 

Getting the right luggage is essential as well as packing realistically and not taking shoes you'll never wear

Getting the right luggage is essential as well as packing realistically and not taking shoes you'll never wear

I find creating a checklist a week before the holiday is useful, which you can keep adding to in the days leading up to the flight. 

Concentrate on accessories

The right accessories are light and re-usable and a game changer for that little beach dress. 

Take your beach look to the club with a statement necklace or a fabulous pair of earrings.

Go versatile

Don't over complicate things. Simple pieces such as a white shirt can be used for a variety of occasions; wear over your bikini at the beach to protect your skin, pair it with some denim cut offs for a casual day time look or dress it up with a mini skirt in the evening. 

Pack realistically

Those sky-high heels may look tempting in the comfort of your own home but try a stroll on the beach or a romantic walk along the cobbled streets and you will soon be swapping them for your strappy sandals. 

Bonnie has teamed up with BMI Regional to create her Hit the Runway in Style guide

Bonnie has teamed up with BMI Regional to create her Hit the Runway in Style guide

BONNIE'S FLIGHT CARRY-ON ESSENTIALS

1. I tend to travel in a simple, black, jersey, maxi dress. It's a versatile piece that's comfortable, looks great in the day, by the pool or dressed up for the evening with jewellery and heels. 

2. A colourful scarf, which doubles up as a blanket on the flight, a throw on the beach, as well as a sarong. And 

3. A bikini, especially when you land early and your hotel room might be not ready yet, at least you can get in a bit of extra pool time in. 

Think about what you will be doing day by day and only pack what you are going to feel comfortable wearing when you arrive. 

BONNIE'S TOP PACKING TIP

Pack like a stylist would for a photo shoot. 

The secret is to keep your clothes on the hangers and lay them in the case with just one fold in the middle. 

When you arrive you can then simply lift the ready hung outfits, out of your case and place them straight into the wardrobe. 

Less time unpacking, ironing and more time to relax by the pool!

Bonnie Rakhit has collaborated with BMI Regional to create the Hit the Runway in Style guide. 

The writer attends fashion weeks and events around the world, including in Paris and Milan which are served by the airline from Bristol. 

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