Editor-in-Chief Sarah Tomczak's high street favourites of the month
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Without fail – and no matter how many months ago I booked my holiday – I find myself in the shops (or more likely online shopping) the week beforehand, buying some last-minute additions to my suitcase. It’s in part because it’s only when I start getting my clothes out to pack that I realise I’m missing something key. I like to pack in ‘looks’ so I don’t take more than I need, and lay everything out on my bed beforehand, so I can decide what sandals, bag and earrings work with which dress, or which cover-up goes best with a swimsuit.
I also really enjoy choosing a style and colour palette for a holiday – for a recent trip to Sicily I packed green, yellow, blue and white, with lots of stripes and patterns. And for a week in Morocco earlier in the year I opted for more earthy shades of terracotta and rust and pared-back, airy shapes. It’s only when I pulled these things together that I realised a brown swimsuit would be the perfect addition, so I bought one the day before we left.
But even when I’m pretty much sorted, there’s something about buying one extra piece to pop in your suitcase last minute, that adds to the holiday excitement. Along with the brown swimsuit, I bought a straw hat to roll up in my suitcase. Last year I also splashed out on some Celine sunglasses at the airport in that ‘I’m on holiday so it doesn’t count’ frenzy (I have worn them ad nauseum since).
Anyway, here’s a few high street buys that I think would enhance any suitcase. I’ve suggested them as outfits below, as you maybe have something similar already, so this could provide some style inspiration too.
Happy shopping and even happier holidays…
The Statement Skirt
“The perfect whimsical holiday purchase, this will instantly add sunshine to your more classic pieces and works as a beach cover up over a swimsuit or bikini as well as a skirt for seeing sights in.”
“I often forget a hat until the last minute so this is my reminder to you not to do the same. This one can be rolled up in a suitcase and will add a bit of interest to classic swimwear too.”
“This vest is so chic it will live a long way beyond the holidays. I’d wear it with a skirt or trousers too and it’s great layered with a blazer. A more elevated version of an everyday style.”
“Such a bargain, a great shape and ideal for throwing everything in at the beach. It comes in three colourways but why go beyond monochrome?”
A Touch of Retro
“I’m drawn to the preppiness of these shorts with their retro geometric print, which feels a bit Palm Royale. With the right accessories they’d make a great evening ensemble too.”
“If you’ve got all the classic sunglasses covered, might I suggest these for an alternative?”
“What every stylish suitcase is crying out for…”
“The best purchase I made last summer was a linen beach shirt – this one is in the sale and the linen blend means it will crumple less after being thrown into a beach bag”
Bold Pops of Colour
“Stripes are always on my packing list and I particularly love the green embroidery on this tee.”
“My friend was wearing these recently and they looked so good I actually messaged her afterwards to find out where she’d got them…”
“Essential for beaches, sun loungers and sightseeing, also easy to roll and will go with everything.”
“Often I stick to monochrome swimwear but white sand and blue sea does cry out for a pop of pink.”
“These Birkies are such a lovely colour and will look good with bright nail polish.”
“Already in the sale, this woven shopper is great for holidays. I carry separate zip up pouches with my sun cream and book or purse and passport, depending what I need to throw inside.”
Beachy Bohemian
“There’s something a bit Olive Oyl about this striped dress. The twisted neckline is a little detail that elevates it.”
“Buy your seashell earrings before you go on holiday instead of from the tourist shop on the beach when you get there.”
“This coral-inspired print also appears on a great dress from M&S but I love this hat too. Good to pair with monochrome swimwear.”
“It’s the summer of the woven clutch bag – this one from Mango is a good contender. Also comes in natural and chocolate brown.”
Golden Hour
“Such a pretty, mermaidy bag. Whimsical for anywhere apart from a holiday, in which case it feels just right wherever you carry it.”
“The volume and simplicity of this dress make it feel perfect for hot summer nights.”
“Normally a gold swimsuit would feel a bit too glitzy for me but the chic, simple shape and subtle shimmer of this one piece have me rethinking.”
“La Redoute is my go-to for sandals and these are spot on. Barely-there and utterly versatile, they’re the only ‘evening’ shoe you’d need to pack.”
Timeless Summer Elegance
“As beach throw-ons go, this one is uber elegant. Also gorgeous for a city break, or indeed, wearing when you get back home.”
“I don’t think you can have too many jute bags and I’d use this one to carry my laptop to and from the office long after summer is done.”
“I hadn’t considered The White Company for swimwear but in fact they have a really beautiful, tight edit of timeless cuts and lovely fabrics. Take a look.”
“This is the kind of thing I just can’t resist. Playful but also rather stylish, I’d wear it as a head scarf on the beach and tie it to my basket for a visit to the market. If you buy just one pre-holiday treat…”
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