The Essential Beach Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
It’s summer and the sea is calling. Whether you’re jetting off on a long weekend for some much-needed vitamin D and sea air or decamping to a villa for the summer, there is nothing more restorative than to be beside the ocean.
But when you’re busy enough with daily life, the prospect of staring at an empty suitcase can feel daunting and yet another thing on an already heaving to-do list. So to help save you time and stress, we’ve curated the ultimate holiday packing list; a comprehensive edit of holiday outfits that will see you from departure lounge to sun lounger with ease. From beach cover-ups to accessories, we’ve covered everything you need for the perfect holiday wardrobe.
The Essential Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe
It’s summer and the sea is calling. Whether you’re jetting off on a long weekend for some much-needed vitamin D and sea air or decamping to a villa for the summer, there is nothing more restorative than to be beside the ocean.
But when you’re busy enough with daily life, the prospect of staring at an empty suitcase can feel daunting and yet another thing on an already heaving to-do list. So to help save you time and stress, we’ve curated the ultimate packing list; a comprehensive edit of vacation outfits that will see you from departure lounge to sun lounger with ease. From beach cover-ups to accessories, we’ve covered everything you need for the perfect vacation wardrobe.
THE BEACH DRESS
Beach dresses will unsurprisingly form the foundation of your holiday capsule wardrobe. Ideal for wearing down to breakfast and throwing on over swimwear when you head to lunch, look to sundresses cut from lightweight, breathable fabrics in a relaxed silhouette - you don’t want a dress that clings to damp swimwear in the heat.
A simple cotton dress is a classic option. Whether in a bright colour or a neutral, these staples will never fail you, will never date, are easy to pack and perfect for throwing on over a bikini. The Cotton Slub Distressed Swing Dress is the definition of easy breezy. If you prefer a slightly longer length, look to a maxi dress like our Cotton Slub Maxi Dress, V Neck Slub Maxi Dress or the Sleeveless Tiered Midi Dress.
If you’re looking for something a little more statement to wear beach- or pool-side, our Towelling Shift Dress in island green offers a playful modern interpretation of Seventies beach style. Our cheesecloth dresses in fresh white, navy and black, with their feminine frills and elegant lace detailing will also work as an undoubtedly chic cover-up.
THE BEACH DRESS
Beach dresses will unsurprisingly form the foundation of your vacation capsule wardrobe. Ideal for wearing down to breakfast and throwing on over swimwear when you head to lunch, look to sundresses cut from lightweight, breathable fabrics in a relaxed silhouette - you don’t want a dress that clings to damp swimwear in the heat.
A simple cotton dress is a classic option. Whether in a bright color or a neutral, these staples will never fail you, will never date, are easy to pack and perfect for throwing on over a bikini. The Cotton Slub Distressed Swing Dress is the definition of easy breezy. If you prefer a slightly longer length, look to a maxi dress like our Cotton Slub Maxi Dress, V Neck Slub Maxi Dress or the Sleeveless Tiered Midi Dress.
If you’re looking for something a little more statement to wear beach- or pool-side, our Toweling Shift Dress in island green offers a playful modern interpretation of Seventies beach style. Our cheesecloth dresses in fresh white, navy and black, with their feminine frills and elegant lace detailing will also work as an undoubtedly chic cover-up.
THE AIRPORT OUTFIT
Just on the periphery of a holiday capsule wardrobe lies the travel look. You will need to get to your destination (and, sadly, back again - but let’s not worry about that yet) and so curating a look that combines comfort and cool is as essential as everything else that goes in your luggage.
Pieces that are crafted from modal are the perfect solution for travel, however far you may be hauling yourself. Supremely soft and fluid, it also looks smarter than sweatshirting. Mix and match the Super Wide-Leg Palazzo Pant with our Pleat Detail Tee, Gather Front V Neck Vest or Pleat Detail Tank to create a seamless top-to-toe look that can also perform as a jumpsuit when you’re away. When you’re onboard, style with a fresh white trainer and layer up with an Icon Cashmere Box Hoody or Cashmere Throw for warmth.
THE AIRPORT OUTFIT
Just on the periphery of a vacation capsule wardrobe lies the travel look. You will need to get to your destination (and, sadly, back again - but let’s not worry about that yet) and so curating a look that combines comfort and cool is as essential as everything else that goes in your luggage.
Pieces that are crafted from modal are the perfect solution for travel, however far you may be hauling yourself. Supremely soft and fluid, it also looks smarter than sweatshirting. Mix and match the Super Wide-Leg Palazzo Pant with our Pleat Detail Tee, Gather Front V Neck Vest or Pleat Detail Tank to create a seamless top-to-toe look that can also perform as a jumpsuit when you’re away. When you’re onboard, style with a fresh white trainer and layer up with an Icon Cashmere Box Hoody or Cashmere Throw for warmth.
THE BEACH BAG
Crafted from tan Italian leather and cream cotton canvas, our Large Canvas Tote Bag is big enough to carry all your essentials from plane to sunlounger.
With internal and external zip pockets, two iPhone pockets as well as pockets either end to hold water bottles (hydration is key when you’re in the sun all day), this classic piece is where style meets function. Simply fill with that book you’ve been meaning to read all year, SPF and hat…
THE DENIM SHORT
A pair of denim cut-offs is a summer staple.
Crafted from Italian denim in an authentic blue wash, our Authentic Denim Short is cut in an A-line silhouette (widening towards the hem) to really flatter legs. A sustainable, water-free laser treatment gives it a lived-in, frayed finish so that you don’t feel too polished or structured. For a quintessential summer look style with a chunky cotton, navy crew neck knit for chilly evenings.
THE TEE
A couple of summer tops that can be styled casually with shorts during the day and elevated with a floor-sweeping maxi skirt or dramatic wide-leg palazzo pant in the evening are essential.
It’s always useful to pack a sleeveless option like our Cotton V Neck Swing Vest and something with a bit more coverage like our Perfect Pocketless Tee, both available in a full spectrum of hues, from the colourful to the classic.
THE TEE
A couple of summer tops that can be styled casually with shorts during the day and elevated with a floor-sweeping maxi skirt or dramatic wide-leg palazzo pant in the evening are essential.
It’s always useful to pack a sleeveless option like our Cotton V Neck Swing Vest and something with a bit more coverage like our Perfect Pocketless Tee, both available in a full spectrum of hues, from the colorful to the classic.
THE BUCKET HAT
The return of Nineties trends extends to headwear this summer as the bucket hat becomes a key investment.
Fortunately this accessory also has the added functional benefit of protecting your face from the sun. Choose between navy, ecru and green in our Bucket Hat to set off swimwear.
THE CO-ORD
A matching set makes great packing sense. With just a few key pieces you can create multiple looks for day and evening, smart and casual outings.
Take our Cheesecloth Shirred Maxi Skirt and matching Crop Top. Style them together to create a maxi dress, then style the top with a pair of wide-leg trousers or denim shorts and the skirt with a cotton vest or oversized blouse. What’s more, the deep elasticated waistband of this skirt means it can be pulled up and worn as a strapless midi dress, too. That’s four different looks from one hard-working investment.
THE CO-ORD
A matching set makes great packing sense. With just a few key pieces you can create multiple looks for day and evening, polished and casual outings.
Take our Cheesecloth Shirred Maxi Skirt and matching Crop Top. Style them together to create a maxi dress, then style the top with a pair of wide-leg pants or denim shorts and the skirt with a cotton vest or oversized blouse. What’s more, the deep elasticated waistband of this skirt means it can be pulled up and worn as a strapless midi dress, too. That’s four different looks from one hard-working investment.
THE SANDAL
Show off perfectly pedicured toes in a smart sandal. This summer, our debut line of summer sandals (all made from exceptional Italian leather in Italy) have been carefully designed to show off ankles, elongate the foot and provide support.
Slip into our Leather Wedge Sandal or our Deep Sole Crossover Sandal if you prefer more support from an all-encompassing strap. For something less chunky, our Ankle Strap Crossover Sandal will go with everything without pulling focus from your outfit.
THE AM-PM DRESS
Holiday dresses that can segue seamlessly from day to evening are the holy grail of holiday wardrobes. Even better are ones that require no steaming on arrival, and instead can be pulled straight from your suitcase before you head out.
Our Cheesecloth Short Swing Dress and Cheesecloth Midi Shirt Dress are crafted from naturally textured fabric which eliminates any concerns about creasing and is comfortable for warm weather days. Come evening, the tailored cut and elevated details (frill trims, shirt collars, belts) lend a polish suitable for dinner and cocktails.
THE AM-PM DRESS
Vacation dresses that can segue seamlessly from day to evening are the holy grail of vacation wardrobes. Even better are ones that require no steaming on arrival, and instead can be pulled straight from your suitcase before you head out.
Our Cheesecloth Short Swing Dress and Cheesecloth Midi Shirt Dress are crafted from naturally textured fabric which eliminates any concerns about creasing and is comfortable for warm weather days. Come evening, the tailored cut and elevated details (frill trims, shirt collars, belts) lend a polish suitable for dinner and cocktails.