Welcome to woman&home’s online shopping guides, where we reveal where to buy the most popular and top-rated products. This guide is about what to pack for your staycation, but you may also be interested in our edits of reusable face masks, flattering swimwear and best summer sandals.
From storms to sunshine, unpredictable weather is one of the charms of a holiday in Blighty. But what do you pack for a staycation in the UK?
Travelling by car might mean you’re no longer a slave to baggage restrictions – but there’s still only so much room in the boot!
Packing light is easy if you just focus on the essentials. Think great quality basics that can be layered up or down depending on the forecast. Planning your outfits by day will help stop you going overboard.
Whether you’re heading to the coast or the country, we’ve rounded up the very best pieces you need in your suitcase – happy holidays!
What to pack for a staycation in the UK
Keys, purse, phone – this neat crossbody bag has room for them all. Crafted from buttery soft leather, it’s a quality piece that’s well worth investing in. Tan is a great neutral, seamlessly co-ordinating with the rest of your wardrobe. Handily, the fabric shoulder strap is adjustable, guaranteeing the perfect fit when you’re out and about.
SHOP NOW: Bibi Crossbody Bag, £129, Whistles
See out those inevitable showers in style with a waterproof jacket. Adjustable cuffs and a toggled neckline help keep the rain out, and the heat in. We love the bold yellow shade, perfect for adding a pop of colour to a simple outfit.
SHOP NOW: Joules Coast Waterproof Coat, £89.95, John Lewis
Cashmere Blend Cardigan
Treat yourself to a little luxury with a gorgeous cashmere cardigan – the long line shape is really elegant. For an effortless feel, leave the tie undone, or knot in a bow to show off your waist. It’ll go nicely with jeans and a t-shirt for days spent exploring. You could even max out your cost-per-wear by using it as a snuggly, travel-size alternative to your dressing gown too.
SHOP NOW: Cashmere Blend Cardigan, £49.99, H&M
Ray-Ban Erika Classic in Polarised Tortoise
Find yourself squinting as soon as the sun breaks through the clouds? A pair of polarised sunnies could be the answer. They’re made with an extra filter that blocks out glare, making it easier for you to enjoy the view. A classic pair of tortoiseshell Ray-Ban’s will never go out of fashion, and these oversized sunnies provide the perfect amount of protection for your peepers.
SHOP NOW: Ray-Ban Erika Classic in Polarised Tortoise, £148, Sunglasshut.com
Pink Ditsy Print Square Neck Top
Take your jeans from park to pub with the addition of a pretty top. This prairie style beauty nails two of this season’s biggest trends in one, with puff-sleeves and a flattering square neckline.
SHOP NOW: Pink Ditsy Print Square Neck Top, £24, Dorothy Perkins
Hush Sunset Graphic Sweatshirt
‘Sunset chaser’ perfectly captures the feeling of stretched out sunny days, and this slogan jumper is just what we need to keep the breeze at bay. The boxy fit and lightweight fabric makes it perfect for layering. Just add cropped jeans and sandals.
SHOP NOW: Hush Sunset Graphic Sweatshirt, £40, John Lewis
Sweaty Betty Wave Zip Through Swimsuit
Sunny spells might be few and far between but there’s no excuse for not packing your cossie! Stylish and practical, sporty types will love the zipped-up fit, sleek racer back shape and breathable mesh panelling. If that wasn’t enough, it’s even been made from regenerated nylon recovered from fishing nets and other nylon waste. Clever, eh?
SHOP NOW: Sweaty Betty Wave Zip Through Swimsuit, £85, John Lewis
Shaped Organic Cotton Face Coverings
As we get used to the new normal, you'll need to remember face coverings when you pack for a staycation. These have been specially shaped for a comfortable fit, with a soft breathable cotton inner and adjustable ear loops. The pretty patterns make them feel more like an accessory too.
SHOP NOW: Shaped Organic Cotton Face Coverings, £19.95 for three, Seasalt Cornwall
Who said trainers had to be boring? These beauties are far from it, featuring a standout star design. They’ll look just as good with jeans and a jumper as they will with a patterned midi dress.
SHOP NOW: AND/OR Edie Star Trainers, £85, John Lewis
Good jeans are hard to come by, but luckily H&M have got us covered. Teaming an extra high waist with a slim-fit leg and cropped ankle, they’re really flattering. They can come up a little small, so size up if you're normally between sizes.
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Sienna Miller's tailored navy jumpsuit is the chicest alternative to sequins - and it has a hidden meaningI never would have thought to add festive red accessories to a navy outfit, but Sienna proved me wrong
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