Sophie-Dearden Howell, stylist and fashion director of YOU magazine, has a hand-luggage only rule on European city breaks. Here’s how she fits entire looks into one very stylish bag.

This year I’ve managed Oslo, Paris and Barcelona by packing everything I need into my Longchamp Pliage shoulder bag (the fash pack’s favourite), which meets even the most budget airline’s cabin bag rule. If I’m ever asked to put it into the sizer by an arsey EasyJet man, I’ll squash it in as it’s made from canvas.

I only do entire looks – I’m not the sort who takes one bottom and five tops. Packing well is a passion and part of my job. I don’t do packing cubes but I do roll everything very, very small.

While it makes the whole process initially longer, trying on every look head-to-toe before you leave is the only way to ensure that each item gets worn and no mistakes are made. Once I’m happy with my choices I make a note of every look on my phone.

I’m 5ft 10ins, a size 12-14 and would describe my style as classic with a glam edge. I have a dedicated holiday wardrobe – my knitted Missoni mini dress, a brown chevron style from Rixo, my forever Mother Denim maxi crochet cover up which I throw over my bikini for lunch and classic Rayban Wayfarers which I will die in. I’m a real dress up for drinks girls – every holiday I bring my Cult Gaia cutout dress, bought from the Outnet, because I feel so fab in it. For Barcelona I wore Bermuda shorts with great ribbed vests from Uniqlo.

While I only do entire looks, I can survive on two pairs of shoes – a day flat leather flip flop from Dune and a barely-there heel from Whistles for night. I also love the comfort and style of Fit Flop, great for sightseeing.

Beauty wise, I won’t go anywhere without my Dyson airwrap, Sunceutical SPF which gives me a gorgeous glow and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing oil which takes off all my make up in literally one second.

*Pack a ‘breakfast outfit’: If you’re on a city break or going to a wedding you often forget to take something informal – like some stretchy trousers and a little tshirt – that you can quickly pull on for the hotel breakfast 

*Always take a little steamer. I have a Steamery one that is small and chic. 

* Take a bag for the beach or to wander round the town with that isn’t your silly formal handbag. A cloth tote or knitted one that folds flat and weights nothing is ideal. I like Strathberry’s cross body pouch bag.

* Bring a jewellery pouch for all your little bits. I have a velvet one from Sezane for my chunky gold Missoma necklaces and statement Ysso earrings.