How to look good on holiday: The fashion editor’s guide
Nah. The real trip is in the booking, the planning and most importantly, the packing.
Yes, that’s correct – the packing.
Whether a 5-star luxury getaway to Fiji or a family staycation in the West of Ireland, the key to holiday zen is swapping excess baggage for a few well-chosen essentials.
That said, what suits two weeks on a sun-soaked beach won’t exactly cut it on a ‘grand soft day’ at home; not unless you’re comfortable with hitting the local pub in a kaftan and a bikini.
What’s more, prioritising holiday wear isn’t exactly an agenda topper, especially when there are 50 other weeks in the year that, by and large, necessitate layers, weatherproofing and bone practicality.
The truth is we’re not good packers: instead a ‘sure, who’s looking at us’ attitude prevails.
‘We’re thousands of miles away for god’s sake!’
Perhaps it’s a combination of distance and being off-duty that invariably causes standards to slip.
Eircom jerseys on the beach, anyone?
That said, there’s a fixed fashion menu when it comes to getaway get-ups.
Get ‘em right and you’re sitting pretty – be it on a beach or tour bus. No panic buying in the airport.
No GIF-worthy expressions when humidity and skinny jeans conspire to shrink wrap your body.
Consider it a passport to holiday style – one that’ll get you from airport to hotel; beach to bar; or camper van to festival – without breaking a sweat.
Whatever the weather, or the dress code, a skirt makes for cognitive ease. Want to step it up a tad? A pair of culottes will stand you in good stead - comfy yet craftier than a pair of jeans when hustling a booking at a fancy shmancy restaurant. Result. Crinkled pencil skirt, COS, €69
Buttoned down, worn open over a top, under a blazer or a cardigan, the layering appeal of a denim shirt is indisputable.
A bona fide box ticker.
Formal chambray utility shirt, Next, €44
When factoring in footwear, it’s best to assume the ‘Goldilocks’ school of thought – not too high; not too flat.
Aim to walk a decent distance without incurring bunions, shin splints or fallen arches in something that can segue from day-to-evening. ‘Launch’ sandals, Dune, €85.
If you’re looking to combine a day of sightseeing, lunch and a spot of shopping, you’ll need one of these. Capacious enough to hold maps, gadgets, souvenirs, your travel buddy’s belongings (fact: this will happen) and some post-prandial retail therapy.
Michael Michael Kors ‘Jet Set’ leather tote, The Outnet, was €325; now €195.
Wear it on its own, belted over trousers or opened over a mini dress. More potential than a maxi and oodles more sophisticated.
Best of British silk floral belted shirt dress, M&S, €199
Navigate jetties en route to boat parties with relative ease. As you do. ‘Piperette’ rope wedge sandals, Moda in Pelle, £75.95; approx. €97.53
People-watching on the Croisette is easier (and less obvious) without having to squint – or stare.
That’s just weird. Oversized sunglasses, & Other Stories, €55
Sailor pants: Style with a simple sweater to best brisk seaside breezes.
Sartorial stalwarts whatever the weather. ‘Augustina’ trousers, Hobbs, €165
The art of layering demands wardrobe wonders like these for keeping warm while looking cool.
Universally festival-friendly too. Leather tassel waistcoat, Penneys, €23
Wet, muddy legs are easier to wipe down than wet, muddy leggings.
RI Studio embellished shorts, River Island, €100.
Boots: With cowboy boots having a redux, there’s never been a better time to swap your wellies for a pair. Don’t worry about getting them dirty. ‘Lola’ heeled ankle boot;
Accessorize, €72
Can’t exactly put your hands in the air like you don’t care if you’re worried about someone stealing your bag.
The solution? Crossbody. Always. Marc By Marc Jacobs ‘Espionage 18’ canvas bag, Brown Thomas, €295 Brown Thomas, €295
Marbella, Malibu, Mayo – no matter, as long as there’s sand, sun and these must-haves...
Elementary but nonetheless, avoid squinting and sunburn with a lightweight straw hat. Black trim fedora, Accessorise, €25.90
Bikinis may divide and conquer but sometimes a bit of coverage goes a long way, especially when worn under a skirt or wide-legged trousers.
Zimmerman ‘Ticking Wrap’ cutout striped swimsuit, Net-a-Porter, €402
Beach wear should be breezy and easy. Curious lacing, multiple zips or anything requiring a Venn diagram, it should be avoided at all costs. This season’s off-the-shoulder dress is spot on. Ditto for multitasking sarong skirts and kaftans.
Bardot style dress, H&M, €24.99;
Kaftan, H&M, €29.99
Jute does a sole good when flip flops fall flat. Don these for sandy suppers or drinks under the stars. Manebi ‘Los Angelus’ platinum leather espadrille, Style Ikon, €162
The ‘Internationalist’ is a street style staple for a reason — comfort and globally-recognised cool factor. Wear them with anything and arrive at your destination in style.
Nike ‘Internationalist’ sneakers, and Other Stories, €90
Put the kibosh on airport air con and the shock your body feels when landing after a holiday in 40D heat.
Double duty for late al fresco dining. Cardigan wrap, Cocoa Cashmere, €300
Oversized scarf: Wrap not your thing? The oversized scarf will substitute equally well. Oversized wool scarf, and Other Stories, €55
Eye mask: The key to destination- fresh arrivals is sleep.
Block out light without incurring telltale sleep marks with an indulgent (and slightly pricey) silk eye mask. SLIP silk eye mask, Net-a-Porter, €41
& Other Stories – www.stories.com Accessorize - Patrick Street 021-4279488; www.accessorize.
com; and other branches Brown Thomas - Patrick Street 021-4805555; www.brownthomas.
com; and other branches Cocoa Cashmere – www.cocoacashmere.
com COS - Wicklow St 01- 6111080; cosstores.com; and other branches Dune - Dundrum Town Centre 01-2169941;
www.dune.co.uk; and other branches H&M - Opera Lane 021- 4278086; www.hm.ie; and other branches Hobbs - Dundrum Town Centre 01-2079619;
www.hobbs.co.uk M&S - Merchants Quay SC 021-4275555;
www.marksandspencer.ie;
and other branches Moda in Pelle – www.modainpelle.
com Net-a-Porter – www.net-aporter.
com Next - Opera Lane 021- 4273572; www.newlook.com;
and other branches Penneys - Patrick Street 021- 4271936; www.primark.com;
and other branches River Island - Opera Lane 021- 4278460; www.riverisland.
com; and other branches Style Ikon - Monkstown 01- 4440128; www.style-ikon.com The Outnet – www.theoutnet.com
Having trouble deciding what to bring?
Download The Vane app – helps you pack for trips and choose what to wear based on the weather forecast in your location.
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