Packing light, the Joan Collins way!

She used to take 30 suitcases on hols . . . so how did she cope with just three?

There are few things I dislike more than packing for a holiday. Trying to squeeze my favourite clothes — and, believe me, I have a lot — into a couple of suitcases is a stressful experience.

You never know where you’ll be going, which glamorous parties you’ll attend or when you might face the ultimate fashion faux pas: turning up in the same outfit as someone else (as I discovered last month when breakfast TV host Susanna reid and I wore similar-looking floral dresses).

I like to be ready for anything, so I don’t believe in packing light.

Sometimes, it becomes a bit ridiculous, though. My record is 30 suitcases (but, to be fair, that was after a three-month shoot in France and included my children’s and nanny’s clothes).

So, recently, as I set off on a three-week adventure around the U.S., South America and Australia, I set myself a challenge.

Could I pack 21 outfits — enough for a host of social and business engagements in varying climates — into just three bags?

My husband Percy laughed. ‘I know you,’ he said. ‘There’s no way you’ll be able to do that.’ But his disbelief only spurred me on. I started preparing a week in advance, laying out every outfit, right down to the accessories, in my dining room and hanging them up on a rolling rail.

I made lists of the things I’d be doing and allocated an outfit to each one, packing just one casual ensemble — a cashmere Marks & Spencer hoodie and cotton palazzo pants — to wear in the hotel suite.

I chose hats, bags and shoes I could wear several times with different looks, and mixed new pieces with old favourites.

My dresser, Chrissie, packed them expertly — and everything fitted! There was even room for more, so I could enjoy some retail therapy while I was away.

Want to know how I managed it? here is my holiday fashion diary — and the secret to looking fabulous without packing the kitchen sink . . .

IT’S so hot in South America, I’m glad I packed this lightweight outfit for a lunch with my husband’s family. The dress is Ralph Lauren and the jacket and hat are from Saks Fifth Avenue.

HERE I am in Lima, heading to the beach — but for me, that means covering up, not stripping off (I’ve been avoiding the sun since I was 20 years old). My paisley-print trousers are from Polkadots & Moonbeams in Los Angeles and the white jacket is by...

A CLASSIC look for the first leg of my journey, from Miami to Los Angeles. The blazer is by Yves St Laurent, the cream trousers are Ralph Lauren and the hat (£208) is by a New York brand called Kokin.

I’VE landed in Australia and have terrible jet-lag, so this is my attempt at looking human again after three days hiding in a darkened room. The skirt is an ancient Ralph Lauren piece — the failsafe fedora adds a touch of glamour.

KEEPING up in the style stakes for lunch in Manhattan in this Ralph Lauren jersey dress (£145) and navy Max Mara coat (£725). My two-tone shoes are by Chanel — the low block heel and comfortable insole make them very easy to walk around in.