From the ‘perfect city-break bag’ to a Primark Celine dupe saving £455, fashion editors spill how to pack for summer
WHO doesn’t love a getaway, whether it’s in the UK or abroad?
If you’re planning a short break this year and need some style inspiration, take a look below.
The Fabulous fashion team are heading off in all different directions, from Norfolk to Mallorca, and they’ve got all the looks for whatever kind of holiday you’re going on.
With pieces from just £10, take a look below at the best new-in items on the high street now to kick off your holiday in style.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director
- Shirt, £39.50, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Bikini top, £40, COS – BUY NOW
- Bikini bottoms, £35, COS – BUY NOW
- Dress, £89.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Waistcoat, £42, Next – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £35, Next – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £78, Monica Vinader – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £62, Tkees – BUY NOW
- Bag, £39.50, Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
I am off for some fun in the sun with my mates in a few weeks, and I want to take hand luggage only so I am packing really light.
One bikini – this one from COS is in spring’s favourite colour, buttermilk yellow, I love the clean lines and scuba fabric which always holds you in, in all the right places.
I am taking two evening looks for the weekend.
A Zara dress that will also work as a beach cover-up when I change my metallic sandals for flip-flops, and this gorgeous Next two-piece linen suit for a nice dinner on the marina.
The linen trousers will also work for shopping with this light cotton striped shirt and this cute bag (both M&S) will work with all outfits day or night.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor
- Blouse, £42, Next – BUY NOW
- Jacket, £104, Boden – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £55, Le Specs at Selfridges – BUY NOW
- Jeans, £85, COS – BUY NOW
- Bag, £27.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Scarf, £20, John Lewis & Partners – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £35.99, Zara – BUY NOW
I’m hitting the Norfolk coast with my two best friends and couldn’t be more excited for a stroll on the beach and balancing fish and chips on my legs while sitting on the sand.
As it’s a weekend away, I’m packing light with pieces that require no effort.
For the inevitable breeze on the beach, I’ll be staying cosy in this borg jacket from Boden that I love – it’s so warm but also lightweight and the bright green stitching lifts the block of beige.
And should the weather turn really chilly, this John Lewis & Partners’ wool scarf is a must.
Paired with some classic straight-cut jeans with an embroidered blouse which will also look like I’ve made an effort at dinner time.
Then there are trainers for the beach and walking around the small boutiques, and Le Specs sunnies for manifesting a heatwave.
I’m a sucker for a crossbody bag as I always want to be hands-free and this chocolate-brown suede bag ticks all my boxes – 100% suede for under £30? It’s a must-have.
Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Jacket, £58, River Island – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £32.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £65, Le Specs – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £32, Bohomoon – BUY NOW
- T-shirt, £38, Damson Madder – BUY NOW
- Bag, £23.95, Kind Bag – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £49, Next – BUY NOW
Rome at this time of year is the perfect city break.
It’s warm enough to walk around, sit out in the sun with an Aperol Spritz, but also not get too hot.
I’ve opted for an airy practical outfit with this white poplin skirt as the starting point.
After getting my hands on this last year, I have not stopped wearing it, as it goes with so many items in my wardrobe.
Here, I’ve paired it with a bright pink graphic T-shirt from Damson Madder to add some colour – I prefer to go for more oversized pieces when doing a lot of walking to try and keep cool.
Comfort and practicality is key when on a city break, so this crossbody bag from Kind Bags is not only perfect to make sure all your must-haves are in easy reach, but it’s sustainable, too.
Shoes must be comfortable and while trainers could be a good option, these sandals from Next keep my feet from overheating and hopefully stay blister-free at the same time.
Finishing off my look with a pair of sunglasses and some jewellery and I’m all set.
Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant
- Top, £39, River Island – BUY NOW
- Hat, £17.99, Reserved – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £10, Boohoo.com – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £5, Primark – BROWSE HERE
- Denim shorts, £19.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Shorts, £35, River Island – BUY NOW
- Bag, £49.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £100, Steve Madden – BUY NOW
If you’re looking for sunshine then a holiday to Lanzarote will have you soaking up the rays all year round.
Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I love a co-ord – this one is perfect for throwing on over a bikini during the day.
It’s a no-nonsense piece that makes getting dressed easy while still looking put together.
Plus, it could easily double up as an evening outfit if you’re limited for suitcase space.
I’ve teamed it up with these Hermes-inspired sandals from Steve Madden, a basket bag for the beach from Marks & Spencer (that you could also use as your hand luggage bag) and a starfish rope necklace.
I gasped when I saw these sunglasses from Primark – they’re only £5 and such a great dupe of the £460 Celine Triomphe pair that seem to be everywhere at the moment.