All of us want to know the secret to packing the perfect holiday essentials. We want clothes that make us feel special, that indicate we are away somewhere beautiful with our best people.
We also don’t want to spend part of that precious holiday worrying about what to wear, which is why we’ve rounded up 10 key sunshine-ready styles that will make you look more pulled-together. With these investments stored in your suitcase, you’ll also avoid overpacking too (this fashion editor’s personal nemesis).
There’s something about holiday style that can make us buy things we would never wear in ordinary life, a time that makes even minimalists reach for crochet or pompom trims. This is all fine so long as you actually wear them – what you need are pieces that will be useful on your trip, that cater to the activities you’ll be doing and the people you’re with. There’s no point in filling your carry-on with white linen if you’re travelling with toddlers, it’ll just make you feel resentful. Plus, its futile to pack heels, ever really, unless it’s a sturdy block incarnation. Cobbled streets and beaches seldom make good use of a stiletto. Bring your most beloved clothes, the ones that make you feel your sunniest self.
The below edit spotlights essentials that can be worn multiple ways for multiple trips. There are no one-hit wonders here, just hard-working staples that will offer maximum practicality and style.
The Versatile One-Piece
Invest in a swimsuit that you feel good in. It often feels mad to spend more on something with such little fabric, but premium price tags often come with more long-lasting materials and better support. Look for streamlined, fuss-free styles for longevity. Hunza G’s one-size-fits-all swimwear is famed for its flattering propensities and timeless designs, Eres’ pared-back pieces are a favourite among fashion editors, and, for a wallet-friendly choice, M&S offers supportive, well-made swimsuits that are also chlorine-resistant.
The Cashmere Jumper
The Day-To-Night Dress
A perfect holiday dress should make you feel like a lighter, more carefree version of yourself. It should work during the day, but also have after-dark mileage. Head to Zimmermann, Ulla Johnson and Farm Rio for breezy styles. My favourites include resortwear brand Matteau, who specialise in classic designs with real sun-drenched energy, and Doen, who consistently deliver summer’s prettiest, most flattering dresses.
The Wear-Anywhere Shirt
It feels counterintuitive to take anything that could conceivably be worn to an office on holiday, but a classic, oversized shirt makes a great staple. Leave anything fitted at home; you’re after loose, boyfriend-style silhouettes. I like wearing mine on the beach as a cover-up, and also tucked into shorts for city breaks. Look for breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen to cater to warmer temperatures. Yaitte and With Nothing Underneath are both known for shirting with a laid-back energy.
The Denim Shorts
The joy of denim shorts is that they go with everything whether shirts, vests or jumpers. They work on the beach and in cities and towns, I don’t travel anywhere warm without mine (an old Gap pair, sadly no longer in stock). Cut-offs will never truly lose their allure, but for a more modern take, consider a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg shorts – jorts – which are much easier to smarten up, too. Their ascent began last year, and is expected to continue in 2026.
The Classic Leather Sandals
Don’t ruin a holiday with uncomfortable footwear; a sturdy pair of leather sandals is a true travel asset. We love Ancient Greek Sandals and A.Emery for their versatile, timeless designs. Black and brown styles have more longevity, but don’t overlook the power of silver which have a surprisingly adaptable edge. Holiday sandals should be easy to put on and take off, and flat is better – after all, your feet deserve a break too. Make sure you’ve worn them in before you travel; no one wants blisters on vacation.
The Tank Top
The Oversized Shades
Few things spell ‘holiday’ more like a pair of great shades. Spend time finding sunglasses you really love – you’ll wear them more than anything else you pack on holiday, so it pays to get it right. Although micro-shades have been pervasive for the last few years, classic oversized styles are now back – aviators in particular. They’re hard to beat and almost universally flattering.
The Beach Necklace
Details matter; lean into the holiday vibe with one piece that really speaks to farflung shores. Think about necklaces made using colourful gem stones and cord designs with shell pendants. What used to feel a little gap year has recently been recontextualised within the fashion realm; I love Completedworks’ luxury pieces largely made using recycled materials, and Cos’ silver pebble design. Monica Vinader and Missoma also have great options that fall on the right side of beach bohemia.
The Basket Bag
Whenever basket bag season arrives, and I finally wear one of my 292 different rattan beauties, I walk a little lighter. Few things lend themselves to breezy holiday energy than a basket, a style loved by everyone from Jane Birkin to Alexa Chung. They signal, no matter how truthful, that the owner is creative and carefree with a penchant for picnics and food markets. Depending on what you need it for, there are countless iterations – roomy styles perfect for carrying your beach towel, book, and suncream; structured, egg-shaped designs that tend to be tighter on space but strong aesthetically, and smaller bucket designs, ideal for city breaks when all that’s required is your phone and shades. Most of mine are from independent stores found abroad, but I do love Sezane’s practical raffia Justine for its classic shape and spacious size.
Ella Alexander is Citizen Femme’s fashion features editor. She started her career at the Evening Standard, and has since held senior editorial roles at Vogue, The Independent and Harper’s Bazaar, where she remains a contributing editor. She also writes for The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Service95 and CNN. She is an author, having co-written Dame Zandra Rhodes’ memoir, Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects, published by Transworld in July 2024. Her favourite travel destination is Catania, Sicily’s second city.
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Lead picture: Courtesy of Matteau
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