Ruthless is the word you need to chant as you pack for your trip. ONLY take things you know you'll wear - do not pack "maybes"; they will almost certainly be "no-ways" when you get there, and what's the point of lugging all sorts of nonsense half-way across the world.

The way stylists do it, as you say, is by building a "capsule wardrobe" While this requires commitment and organisation before the off, it will pay dividends at your destination. So, what are the rules? Stick to 3 colours (white, khaki, red accents, perhaps) and mix'n'match as you go. A capsule wardrobe for travel should include:

1 pair of lightweight trousers – khakis would be good.

1 pair of tailored, knee-length shorts – to dress down with ballet pumps or flip-flops, or up with heels for evening.

1 cotton skirt – a hard-wearing one if possible, perhaps i n drill cotton.

A dress – choose one to suit your shape. A wrapover is perfect if you have a bust; shifts and shirt dresses are spot on; you can dress it up with jewellery for evenings out.

Some cotton jersey tops. Go for classic Tees, halter tops or shoestring straps.

A white shirt or tunic top - again, a great cover-up, or good for nights out.

Then add in a sarong (if it's a beach jaunt), a cashmere cardigan, ballet pumps or sparkly sandals, a shoe with a heel (don't go nutty here - they still need to be comfortable, so try wedge heels), shades and a statement necklace.

For the Caribbean, I'd also pack a kaftan and an array of swimwear (try the Miracle Swimsuit).