‘When one is tired of the city, one is tired of life,’ this is a statement long-mused over by weary urban dwellers toying with the idea of migrating away from their concrete-clad metropolis. But, we disagree. Allowing yourself to be seduced by far-flung heat and the exotic tropics is not a symptom of apathy toward your day-to-day, but rather an innate understanding of your worth - and the importance of balance.
A beach escape - with its great long stretches of golden sand, secret coves, feisty waves that sooth our soul and the harbours clinking with sailing boats and wine glasses - is a sojourn entirely the opposite of feeling ‘tired of life’, it signifies a thirst for it, and we intend to revel in it guilt-free.
So, well-heeled sunseekers, now that’s sorted, there’s more important matters to consider: like, what to pack for a beach escape? Putting together a warm weather wardrobe list might sound tiresome, but for a stress-free stopover, following a tried-and-tested formula of interchangeable pieces is a must. Below, we’ve curated a beach escape wardrobe that is as versatile as it is en-vogue, with interchangeable pieces alongside timeless classics and a smattering of current catwalk flair.
We won’t bore you with all the holiday must-haves (phone chargers and the like), these are sartorial essentials only…
Here’s to honey-hued sands, sapphire seas, and la dolce vita.
Best Swimwear for a Beach Holiday
Let’s get our priorities straight, when basking on a beach break, you want your swimwear to make a splash. But in fact, the search for the best bathing suit can leave you feeling as though you’re drowning. It pays to remember that a versatile, wear-anywhere one-piece will tick all the boxes – if you shop for a style with timeless appeal, it’ll last you for seasons to come.
As far as summer wardrobe staples go, when it comes to beachwear, a black swimsuit is an essential. Similar to a white t-shirt, flat sandal, or day dress, a one or two-piece suit in classic black is timeless in design, always a good investment, and a smart sartorial choice.
Alternatively, a vibrant, playful print or statement feature is certainly holiday approved. From palm prints to three dimensional detailing, a statement swimwear choice is ideal for lounging on the beach and enjoying the sunshine.
Swimsuits
Bikinis
Best Beach Cover Ups
Putting together the perfect beach or poolside outfit means much more than selecting a bikini or a one-piece. A thoughtfully styled swimsuit cover-up helps to bring the entire look together and makes for an easy transition from the water to pool, from paddling to lunch or from sun lounger to the bar. Ensure yours is equal parts comfortable, stylish and versatile, and in return, it will – quite literally – have you covered during your beach escape.
Summer Dresses for a Beach Holiday
What to pack for a beach escape will differ depending on destination and climate, but a staple across any summer - or sunshine-filled - wardrobe is the dress. Not only are easy, stylish, single-item outfits an essential (we don’t wait to waste precious sunbathing time), they’re also a demure way to show some skin, showcase the season’s biggest trends and have a bit of fun with accessories.
Breathable, lightweight fabrics are key to surviving the dog days of summer, thus a linen dress provides perfect wardrobe relief. Linen is the material of the moment, with a breathable, lightweight design ideal for long days of exploring.
Playful prints and pastel tones are ideal for warmer climates, and make for enviable holiday photographs, so be sure to experiment with your colour palette.
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TALL 5'10 and overKarenMillen£149.00 £75.00 ( -50 % off ) Sale
Summer Tops for Holidays
Whether you're a minimalist looking for an exciting take on the tank top or a maximalist who is a firm believer in more being more, a feel-good, statement top can crown a warm weather wardrobe.
Whether you are searching for casual top options to throw on with your trusty denim shorts, or are pairing an airy blouse with tailored trousers for an evening look, our range of summer tops is ideal for heading to breakfast, exploring winding streets, and going from the beach to the tapas bar.
Best Shorts for Beach Holidays
When it comes to what to pack for a beach escape, you can certainly get by without bringing a pair of shorts, but they’re a handy throw-on should you find a pair that doesn’t shout ‘all-inclusive’.
Back to linen with these versatile shorts, and, given our al fresco intentions this summer, it’s perhaps unsurprising that we’re taking inspiration from the material range of Mother Nature’s own wardrobe this season. From cotton to linen, our range of shorts will take you seamlessly from the beach to dinner to the bar on those long holiday evenings.
Beach Holiday Shoes
Whether you prefer a pair of simple flip flops, or heels are your go-to, your shoes, even by the sea, are still the life and soul of your sandy summer wardrobe, and the final flourish to lace a look together. A pair of strappy, slingback sandals are as secure as their are elevated, perfect if you usually reach for a pair of flat sandals you can slip into. Embellished detailing elevates the piece, taking you from beach days to evenings at the tapas bar. Throw a pair of failsafe heels into your suitcase in case of a more formal evening.
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