Depending on what sort of packer you are, the thought of assembling a holiday wardrobe either thrills or fills you with dread. Personally, I love nothing more than pulling out old summer favourites and rediscovering my core holiday personality — she’s a lot more colourful, fun and glamorous than the irritated, head-to-toe black-wearing London version, tbh.
Don’t want to shell out a fortune but do want to glow up your look — why not rent? Hurr has seen a huge spike in women renting their holiday wardrobes thanks to its new “Flex” initiative where you can hire several pieces — from the cult Loewe raffia bag to Prada sunglasses — at once for up to 30 days.
In fashion editor times past a lot was made of the capsule wardrobe. There’s still merit in that, but I’d argue it’s more of a flexible one. The ideal to aim for is that everything you pack can be worn interchangeably with each item in your suitcase, ie all bottoms and tops can be worn together, and you’re not left lugging around unworn bits and bobs — a key concern if you’re packing light.
The only way to do this is to pull out all options, throw them on the bed and then viciously edit. I feel terrible for the jolly things left behind, unable to reach their high summer potential, but there’s always next year.
Match and match
I hate the term co-ord as it’s such an ugly phrase but I can’t fault the styling logic. Matching tops and bottoms are a lifesaver in times of carry-on only. There are endless versions of shirts and matching shorts, so find your fighters. The canny part here is that the shirt element can be easily worn year round, so it’s not just a high summer purchase.
With Nothing Underneath — which has made creating (affordable) perfect shirting its core concern — has very chic striped shirts and bottoms. Cos has a great array. I particularly like its tomato red combination: elasticated waist, loose shirt. Literally, what more does a 30 degree-plus day need? Nobody’s Child also has a sweet soft denim set in a similar vein, while for those who prefer to cover up, see Damson Madder’s adorable pink broderie anglaise trouser and sleeveless-shirt combination.
Throw in a simple vest or two (Arket and Albaray both deliver on hard-wearing basics) and you’ve got a few strong outfit iterations — wear the shirt open over it, or if you’re heading somewhere very hot, then you can just wear the shorts with your one-piece or bikini and save the shirt for dinners out.
Not strictly a co-ord, but I cannot rave more about Souvenir Stand by Nataša Čagalj, former head of Ports 1961. Her heavenly crochet patched deadstock shirts are the perfect addition to any combination.
Throw it on
If shorts aren’t your thing, a decent frock is the no-brainer choice for easy beach day wins. Fashion has called time on those tiered, flouncy numbers we’ve been inundated with. The look now is more streamlined, pared back. For posh, Wiggy Kit’s striped linen shirt dress is giving Hamptons-house guest. See also Asceno for its linen halter Ibiza dress, I have this in silk and it’s hugely flattering and easy to wear.
I’m a big fan of Tallulah and Hope — a gem of an independent British brand — which makes holiday dressing a joy. Very much worth a look for something unique is Omi Na Na which works with artisans across the world.
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If you’re a linen fan then check out If Only If, which has a darling button through option. Wyse London is one which has impressed me with its frock-age; this ric-rac detailed cream number is giving new Taverna-beloved. I maintain that a lot of the best beachwear is to be found in situ, but if you like to be prepared Jigsaw’s black and white kaftan is so smart you could easily elevate it with a good shoe and wear it in town too.
Shoes
You only need two pairs of shoes. Fact. One for the beach which you don’t care about getting ruined by salt and sand and another pair for dinners/market trips/excursions etc. I vary between a Eva (plastic) Birkenstock or Nike slider. For my posh option I’m eyeing up a pair of Rejina Pyo red mules which have rather stolen my heart. I like the idea of them with a jean or smart trouser in autumn too. For fun, Penelope Chilvers has some deliciously jazzy espadrille sandals, and if a rope sole is your sun king, then you can’t go wrong with Spanish classic Castaner, which has these very chic black and raffia sliders.
Head wear
High summer is for giant, statement sunglasses and I’ll hear no more about it. You don’t need to spend a small fortune. Le Specs and Jimmy Fairly both have super cool options. I bought my only and best sun hat in a tiny shop in Kefalonia years ago, but if you’re not so lucky, then check out the National Trust shop (yes) for its bargain £18 straw visor. If wide brim hats annoy you, tap into the preppy mood with a Polo Ralph Lauren cap.
Swimming
Hunza G is the reigning swim queen, and for good reason, I adore mine. If you need more specific support then do check out Bravissimo. Its jolly Pollenca hot pink number comes with a built-in, secret bra. Chelsea Peers also has a fun range of high-waisted bikini styles which are a good price and run up to a size 22. For leopard fans, Damson Madder’s cool ruched one-piece is back in stock.
Just add gems
Summer jewellery is its own joy. There is a movement towards wrists rattling with chain bracelets — lean in with Daisy London’s very pretty pearl and stone punctuated pieces. A striking single necklace or earrings will give your beach look a bit more identity. Carousel has some really beautiful, colour-punching eye-catching pieces, as does Pond London.
Packing up
Some quick suitcase tips: July launched here last year; it’s premium, but very good. Nere is another Aussie import doing sterling work and in an array of sweet, pretty colours; a cheaper punt, but efficient. Carl Friedrik has a rather razzy new store on Regent Street and is impeccable when it comes to classic, more masculine styles and high function. Away has recently launched a soft option to its incredibly popular range and Monos’ large check-in case comes in a limited edition Terrazzo print, perfect for your art deco Tuscan villa holiday. A final word to John Lewis’s Anyday which for a low cost option cannot be beaten.
