Get ready to make your summer getaway

Woman sat on a doorstep beside some luggage

If you’re anything like us then you’re already yearning for that summer holiday season when you can escape the rain and routine for a couple of glorious weeks in the sun. Unfortunately daydreaming about it won’t make it come any quicker (trust us, we’ve tried) but you can start your preparations now to ensure that you’re ready to fly at a moment’s notice.

So, what are you going to need? Well, that depends on where you’re heading…

Beach chic

Jetting off for some quality time on a sun-baked beach soaking up rays (and, perhaps, the occasional margarita)? Obviously we’re going to need to have a firm talk about sun protection later, but for the time being you’re going to want to focus on three main attributes in terms of your sartorial selection; you’re going to want ’em loose, bright and water-friendly.

Naturalizer Slide sandals

Beach or resort holidays naturally revolve around water so a swimsuit (or several) is going to be a good starting point in terms of packing. We love this one-piece from Ruth Langsford’s Holiday shop collection and she’s even got a beautiful sarong to accompany it. Throw in some sandals like these Naturalizer Slides and you’ve got yourself an easy look you can wear to and from the water and beyond, should the fancy take you.

Dannii Minogue midi skirt

In the scorching heat of most beach holidays it’s good to give yourself a selection of loose and easy-breezy cover-ups that will help you to stay cool without necessarily leaving too much skin at the mercy of the sun’s rays. A beautiful midi skirt, such as this cheerful number from Dannii Minogue’s range or these bright and beautiful palazzo trousers from Ruth Langsford will provide breathable cover for your pins and can even be teamed with swimwear to ensure you’re dip-ready at a moment’s notice!

Ruth Langsford Summer Palazzo trousers

Staycay bae

There’s no need to jump on a southbound airplane to soak up the summer sun – there’s plenty to be had in good ol’ Blighty (fingers crossed) and some remarkable sights and landscapes to be enjoyed while you’re there. So, whether you’re likely to be renting a deckchair at Brighton Pier or roaming the Lake District, the main packing touchstones for your summer staycation are; cover-ups, comfort and layering.

Ruth Langsford wearing a linen blazer

Our earlier optimism aside, British weather is a changeable beast that can sometimes send all four seasons at you in the space of a few minutes. Multiple light layers are the easiest way to stay one step ahead and save you from goosebumps in an unseasonably chill breeze or surprise sunburn on a long walk (don’t make us tap the SPF sign again). This gorgeous linen mix blazer from Ruth Langsford will add summer style to any occasion and her lightweight slub cardi is another great way to add versatile layers to any outfit.

Dannii Minogue wearing a pink dress

Dressing comfortably is an easy way to ensure that you enjoy your holiday and avoid feeling self-conscious in unfamiliar outfits. But you don’t have to sacrifice style in order to feel at ease as this elegant jersey dress from Dannii Minogue and these versatile cotton twill trousers demonstrate.

Twill trousers

Pretty in the city

You’ve got to love a city break; no transfers, metropolitan atmosphere, a chance to drop into the middle of things and immerse yourself in a different culture, visiting historical sites and breath-taking architectural wonders.

We don’t know about you but when we imagine our city breaks we get very ‘Sex and the City’ about it: all elegance, empowerment and sharp dressing. That’s why our watchwords in terms of packing for these breaks are; neutral, sophisticated and low fuss.

WynneLayers jumpsuit

Whatever silver-screen screwball comedies may have told us, you do not want a steamer trunk full of fly-away fashion fancies that need the travel-creases steaming out of them and will take to the sky at the slightest breeze. That’s where this wonderfully elegant jumpsuit from WynneLayers comes in. Team it with these gorgeous Vera block heel sandals from Naturalizer and you’ll be exuding natural urbanite charm in no time.

Naturalizer heeled sandal

The key is having travel-resistant clothes that are smart enough to make your trip feel like an event for you but casual enough that they don’t mark you out as a tourist while you’re there. We love the idea of these crisply understated crop trousers from Ruth Langsford paired with this beautiful blouse from Du Jour and finished off with this cute satchel from Paul Costelloe.

Right, time to hit the hotel bar. Make ours a Manhattan!

Paul Costelloe handbag

Check out our full range of summer-ready fashion.

Ready to start packing? Might be worth looking at our luggage selection too in that case!