Cabin Bag Packing 101: The only clothes you need in your tiny suitcase

If the mere thought of restricting your entire holiday wardrobe to a teeny tiny wheely bag brings you out in hives, you need to read this cabin bag packing guide STAT

There are some people who exist on Earth who love packing. I know one. Her favourite part of going on holiday is packing, and because cabin bag packing is more of a challenge, she loves that even more. Me, though? I hate it, but not for lack of trying. The week leading up to any sort of holiday, from a weekend trip back home to The West or a honeymoon, I write lists. Then, when all my clothes come back from the laundry the second before I'm supposed to leave, I panic. That list does not exist anymore. Consequently, I pack all the wrong things.

Like a doctor who smokes and drinks too much and only gets four hours sleep a night, I have some amazing advice to give on the matter, even if I don't take it myself. Cabin bag packing does not have to be a chore if you're on the ball.

Today, we'll discuss packing a cabin bag for a weekend or city break; next week, join me again for the hand luggage and plastic liquid bag edition (and we'll get to sun holidays after). I'm putting this out here now, though, because it's a mantra we all need to remember: Passport, Money, Boarding Pass.

Your Ultimate Cabin Bag Packing List

• Runners

Wear these to the airport and on the plane. And for most other parts of this trip because presumably sight-seeing will be involved. Luckily, runners are 'in' these days, so you definitely don't have to sacrifice style.

Adidas Gazelle €110

• A pair of fancy flats (or sandals for the summer time)

In case one of your city break plans is to stop off for a fancy lunch with a view, you will need an alternative pair of comfortable shoes. Word of wisdom: break them in before you go. Here's our guide to stretching our your shoes. They won't take up too much room in your bag either.

H&M €19.99

Topshop €52

• ONE pair of heels

This is a 'just in case' bring; if you're being sensible, you do have room for a pair. Bring your favourite trusty, semi-comfy pair; the ones that go with everything. Courts, in a neutral colour, are always a good bet.

Kurt Geiger €195

• Two pairs of comfortable trousers

Invest in a good pair of leggings and wear them for the journey, and pack another pair of comfortable pants. Bring the skinny jeans that you can stretch your legs in, not the ones that cut off the circulation around your thighs. Cropped wide pants are everywhere at the moment; they'll go with your runners, your flats and possibly your heels. Bring a pair of trouser trousers for an element of city chic.

Adidas €34.95

Zara €29.95

• Two versatile tops

I like big oversized shirts. They go with leggings and jeans, they cover you up if you step off a plane into sun rays you're not used to, and you overindulge in food and drink and not have to suck in the whole time.

COS €59

• A cardigan

People who think that cardigans are only for basic beeatches and Princess Charlotte need think again. You'll be thankful for it when the aircon gets turned up to the max on the plane or if that lunch al fresco is a bit too 'refreshing' for your liking. And check out this cardigan - it will change your opinion of them forever. (We'd bring this in our carry on bag).

• Two dresses - one day, one night

Your casual dress should go with both pairs of flats. If your night time dress does too, well, you've reached peak packing. Fly, my pretty! Picking block colours or neutral colour combinations or patterns (like polka dots or the 2017 alternative, leaves) is the easiest way to match things up - and you know you can never go wrong with an LBD.

Warehouse €55

Prettylittlething €162

Miss Selfridge €28

• Accessories

Don't bring a load of jewellery. Bring one chain and a couple of pairs of earrings. Do bring a scarf to instantly change up your look.

Zara €9.95 each

• A light coat

Depending on the time of year, you may need a light coat. You can easily fold and pack a duster if you have to wear a heavier coat to get to your destination.

ASOS €67.57

• Extras

You probably will have room left, so include a leather skirt, a plain white tee and a fancy top that will go with your skirt and jeans. You should also be able to find room for your GHD and possibly, your travel hairdryer. And maybe even an extra book!

I don't need to tell you that you'll need a pair of undies for every day and some shoe liner style socks for your runners (do I?).