Fashion experts' 5-4-3-2-1 packing hack lets you get 30 outfits in one suitcase

We've all been there; you finish packing for a holiday, only to find that you end up having to sit on top of your suitcase, squishing it down and hoping that it won't burst open when you check it in at the airport.

After all, if you're away for a week it can feel impossible to decide which outfits you'll need, and therefore packing everything from your wardrobe feels like the easiest solution. Well, according to fashion insiders there's actually a simple rule that could help you not only cut down how much you pack, but it could mean you pack up to 30 outfits without needing much space.

The experts at Joe Browns have recommended using the '5-4-3-2-1' packing method. The idea is that you stick to a simple formula; five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two bags, and one destination-specific item.

For example for a beach holiday you could pack:

• Five tops: casual vests, lightweight blouses and a smarter top for dinner
• Four bottoms: shorts, skirts and trousers
• Three pairs of shoes: ones for walking around the city, one for poolside, and one for dressing up for the evening
• Two bags: A larger bag for the daytime, and then a smaller bag for when you only need to carry your essentials
• One destination-specific item: swimwear for the beach

Of course, if you have space then you can always add-in a few 'bonus' items such as a versatile dress, or a poolside cover-up. The perk of packing light is that you can opt for a smaller suitcase or stick to just one bag, meaning you could swerve extra hand luggage fees.

In fact, the insiders have previously shared a few packing hacks to avoid going over the luggage limits. One of their tips? "Go for items that have multiple purposes," they recommend. "Prioritise versatility over volume to avoid overpacking."

They also recommended that before packing, you look at how each item works with others to create multiple combinations. They added: "Planning mix-and-match looks helps you travel lighter and stay effortlessly stylish throughout your trip." Layers can also be handy instead of "just in case items", as these can be added or removed depending on how the weather acts during your getaway!

For those who do struggle to keep to one bag, there could be good news on the way. A major ruling may soon allow holidaymakers to take two bags into plane cabins, at no extra charge. That's because the EU's Transport and Tourism Committee recently proposed changes to EU passenger rights rules by 38 votes to two and two abstentions.

These still need to be voted through by the European Parliament in the coming weeks, and then discussed by country representatives for the European Council, but it's already a step in a positive direction for those who struggle to navigate through airlines' differing hand luggage rules.

You can find out more about planning a holiday wardrobe on the Joe Browns website.