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The best summer holiday clothes: Meet your new capsule wardrobe for 2022

To avoid summer wardrobe woes, we’ve pulled together a list of must-have items to help you create a timeless capsule wardrobe.

By Caroline Cooper   |  

Summer is fast approaching, which means only one thing, it’s time to rejuvenate your holiday wardrobe and embrace the latest essentials. Whatever the occasion, be it sunning yourself as you walk around the winding streets of Capri or whisking yourself away to faraway lands like the tropical island of Bora Bora, what you wear matters!

To avoid summer wardrobe woes, we’ve pulled together a list of must-have items to help you create a timeless capsule wardrobe.

Linen co-ord

Co-ords have been around for a while now and there’s no sign of them going anywhere. From bold bright tracksuits in winter, to a shorts and shirt combo in summer, they’re here to stay. A cool alternative to a dress, a linen co-ord works that much harder in your wardrobe. From bold prints to feminine frills there’s something to suit everybody of every shape that can be worn separately or together.

We love a boxy style from the likes of Deiji Studios. Opt for a light stonewash style which will work well in sunnier climates. If the boxy shape seems a little daring for your usual style, then wear a modest tank top underneath which will soften the look and leave you looking on trend. Should you wish to accessorise, add a chunky gold necklace and straw bag – this look can take you from day to night and can be worn with a pair of heels or flats.

Young woman in summer dress standing on sand and holding straw hat looking to a sky
Pretty summer dresses in a variety of lengths are of course a summer classic in all women’s wardrobes

Tank top

Speaking of tank tops – this is undoubtably one of the key pieces in anyone’s wardrobe due to its versatile nature. Often worn on its own dressed up with shorts or jeans, this must-have item can be worn to travel to your destination in or for daytime excursions. Donned with anything from skirts to denim cut-offs, a tank top, be it racer back or a vest, is an item you cannot go on holiday without. What’s more, it’s also absolute necessity to use as a base layer as the temperature starts to dip on those chilly evenings.

Dress

Pretty summer dresses in a variety of lengths are of course a summer classic in all women’s wardrobes. Whether it’s a frilly frock in the style of LoveShackFancy for women who love a girly bohemian twist, or a more fitted bodycon style for more city staycay vibes, a dress (or let’s face it, four or five) is the perfect way to elevate your look. Whatever the dress, it can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. Invest correctly and it can take you from poolside, day trips to stylish sundowners.

straw bag on beach
This year there is a straw bag for every taste, occasion, and style.

Espadrille wedge

Whilst a wedge may not be every fashionistas shoe of choice, it’s an absolute staple when it comes to summer vacations. Gone are the days where you need to pack your most glamorous stiletto only to be kept in your suitcase. A jute-soled wedge is an iconic summer look, first seen on Yves Saint Laurent in the late 60s, and it hasn’t gone anywhere since.

It must be one of the most versatile pieces in a capsule wardrobe that can be worn in a myriad of ways – from romantic evenings or to a beach club without looking out of place or as through you’ve tried too hard. Keep it neutral to ensure it works hard in your resort wear capsule wardrobe.

Straw bag

A raffia bucket bag must be the definition of a ‘summer bag’ and can be worn from spring onwards whether it be with a pair of jeans and basic t-shirt, strolling around Lake Como, or to the beach in Ibiza. Our favourite must be the iconic Loewe beach bag. Slung over your shoulder this will elevate any outfit whilst holding all your essentials – it doesn’t come more necessary than that!

woman wearing sunglasses
It goes without saying that a stylish pair of sunglasses are a great way to add glamour to any outfit for any occasion

Sunglasses

It goes without saying that a stylish pair of sunglasses are a great way to add glamour to any outfit for any occasion. Oversized sunnies are still firmly on all high-end brands’ agendas – worn with a basic linen shirt poolside, they’re the perfect way of injecting style whilst being able to people-watch whilst staying firmly discreet. Stick to tortoiseshell or black frames to enable you to wear them time and time again.

Whatever the weather, location, or occasion, getting your wardrobe rejuvenated is essential to set yourself up for a stress free, chilled summer season without the dramas of last minute ‘what to wear’ dilemmas.