Your Essential Summer Holiday Wardrobe Edit

Holiday fashion photo

Wondering what to pack for your summer getaway? Our pick of stylish, savvy staples will give you instant inspiration...

Get set ladies, as summer holiday time is nearly upon us. It's the well-deserved week off work we have dreamed about for months! Think sun, sea and sangria - sounds like perfection. With all this excitement the last thing you want to be worrying about is what you're going to wear, right?

Well that is where we come in. Rid yourself of all your fashion dilemmas and just solely focus on one thing - enjoying yourself, of course! It's time to revive those holiday clothes and invest in hot staple pieces that are perfect for any kind of holiday.

Every woman needs her 'fun in the sun' holiday clothes that are versatile for any scenario. And with social media adding the extra burden of uploading the much anticipated holiday album, your style needs to be on its A-game!

So what does a great holiday wardrobe entail? Well to put it plain, it's those carefree go-to holiday clothes you can rework and re-wear every year, no matter where your destination. So whether you're lounging around a pool in Europe or going on an action packed safari in Africa, we've got your holiday wardrobe sorted. Our pick of the must-have for this year's getaway follow a simple formula: they're all simple, stylish and so easy to wear! You'll be packing them time and time again.

The key to mastering a lust worthy holiday style is to always follow these three simple rules:

Number 1: Is this piece a timeless classic that I can recycle year after year? ? Number 2: Is it lightweight? (For suitcase allowance and your own body temp control) Number 3: Will it still fit if I loose or put on a bit of weight? If the answer is yes, you're onto a winner!

If you follow these rules carefully you'll be fashionably unstoppable.

Shop our edit of holiday clothes, and look stylish in the sun this year...

Breton beach bag

Breton beach bag

Add the chic factor to your everyday beach bag with timeless Breton, the pattern that you can always be sure never goes out of date. Let loose your cheeky side and opt for a funny slogan to really stand out. Modalu, £65

Crochet cardi

Crochet cardi

With a slight seventies vibe, it's the long line and long lasting cardi you can drape over your shoulders on a chilly evening. Stick with either cream, white or black to get maximum wear. Warehouse, £42

Easy-going day dress

Easy-going day dress

Light and breezy, a soft linen dress is the perfect piece that will not only look but keep you cool too. Opt for one with a bit of embroidery or detailing around the bust, adds a touch more luxury. Topshop, £34

Gladiator sandals

Gladiator sandals

Gladiator sandals are without a doubt histories oldest pair of shoes. A classic pair of these strappy sandals can see you through any holiday outfit. Team with a boho maxi for a stroll around a local market, or dress up with a navy jumpsuit and a statement necklace. River Island, £40

Soft denim shorts

Soft denim shorts

Soft denim shorts give you the versatility of the normal denim fabric but with less bulk and cling factor, a total win! A higher waist on any bottom is always more flattering, and on shorts even more so. Oasis, £35

Printed kaftan

Printed kaftan

Keep with cool on your hols with a printed kaftan and add the glam factor to your beachwear. Ideal for slipping over your swimsuit to cover up, create more curves by tying up that built in belt. Jade Jagger for Thomson Holidays, £95

Stand-out sarong

Stand-out sarong

A sarong is every woman?s must-have for when you want to cover up when walking around from A to B. Go all out with a bright pattern or print - you are on holiday after all! For a more expensive look, one with a silky fabric is best. H&M, £7.99

No tan-line top!

No tan-line top!

The best part of going on holiday is coming home and showing off your tan. A thin strap top still allows you to catch that raise but without having to walk around with everything on show. Go for a vibrant hue that will enhance your sun kissed glow. Boden, £49

Tummy control swimsuit

Tummy control swimsuit

As much fun as bikinis are, you never know how body confident you are going to feel from one day to the next. Save yourself the trauma and invest in a swimsuit that flatters your body to the max. Stick to rich colours like navy, dark purple or fuchsia for a bit more of a glamorous feel. Biba at House of Fraser, £55

Day to night maxi

Day to night maxi

It?s the versatile must have that looks completely acceptable on the beach or in the bar. For beach wear with over your swimsuit with a large sun hat and vamp up on the evening with metallic wedges and waist cinching belt. Jigsaw, £98

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Make sure with sunnies you always do you research and get a shape that suits your face. And yes that means endless trying on in the duty free until you find the right ones. But remember, once you?ve got that perfect pair you?ll be together forever. Accessorize, £15

Swish skirt

Swish skirt

Whether you dress it up with a silky cami, or slip it over your swimsuit while exploring, a lightweight midi skirt is a total holiday winner. The in and out shape makes it totally figure-flattering, while the length just shows off enough without you feeling conscious. Perfecto! Jigsaw, £89

Samantha Rnic

Samantha Rnic is a fashion stylist and writer from Colchester. She has worked for titles such as Grazia, The Sun and Look magazine. She is currently studio bookings manager at Matches Fashion.