If your vacation is imminent, it's time to get those holiday outfit ideas sorted. Whether you’re jetting off somewhere exotic or staying close to home, we’ve got all the inspo you need to take you from beach to bar, or off on an excursion in one fell swoop.
Along with holiday excitement comes cabin bag restrictions and there’s nothing more stressful than trying to cram all your summer outfit ideas into a tiny case. But if you plan ahead, curating the perfect travel capsule wardrobe will save you time and stress, giving you outfit options aplenty. The key to packing like a pro is to pick versatile pieces that can be styled in a multitude of ways. So you can mix and match as you go, dressing pieces up for alfresco dinners, before reworking items for sightseeing the next day.
This means that you can pack less, but still have loads to wear. Midi dresses are a great example of an item that can be worked for different occasions, taking you from day to night with ease - ideal if you have a jam packed schedule. Meanwhile the best linen shirts can work in the day or as one of the best beach cover-ups over your swimsuit. When considering what to wear on a plane, try to choose items that you'll be able to make use of during your trip, so that you're truly maximizing what you can bring.
Holiday outfit ideas - five looks to try
1. Wide-leg trousers
These relaxed trousers are not only uber flattering (hello longer legs!) but they have a pajama like quality that’s delightfully comfy too. Perfect for all-day wear, team with the best t-shirts or a light shirt for a lazy lunch or a day of endless exploring. Opt for a vibrant printed pair if you want to make a statement and style with block color tops or keep it tonal in chic whites and creams. Finish with tan accessories for an effortlessly laidback look. Come the evening, lean into the instant glamour that wide-leg trousers bring and swap your best sandals for a pair of wedges to really emphasize your pins.
If you've chosen an elasticated waist design, these work well over the best swimsuits too for a quick added layer around the pool.
A style tip…
If you’re worried this look will swamp your figure, offset the voluminous trousers with a more fitted top. Tuck it into some high-waisted trousers to show off the waist and define your silhouette.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £49.99 / $69.90 | The closest thing to wearing pjs out of the house, these soft linen trousers have a comfy elastic waistband and easy pull on style. The neutral colorway will go with everything and are ideal for a Quiet Luxury holiday wardrobe.
RRP: £73 / $78 | Crafted from 100% organic cotton, this chic blue and white top puts more bang into your basics. With a modern tie neck detail, it has a waisted finish that’s ideal for wearing over or tucking into high-waisted trousers. The relax fit will keep you cool.
RRP: $49 / £49 | Elegant with wide leg trousers, they're also some of the best flat shoes to wear with dresses and will pretty much go with any holiday outfit. This design is easy to stash in your suitcase and the clever clasp metal hardware gives them a fresh update.
2. Midi dress
Midi dresses really do make the best dresses. One of the best holiday outfit ideas, midi dresses will take you from day to night with ease. Requiring virtually nothing in the way of styling, just swap sliders for smarter sandals (either your best designer heels or some metallic comfortable flats) and you're ready for an alfresco dinner or dancing 'til dawn. By far the item that offers the most mileage in your suitcase, breathable fabric designs will keep you cooler in warm climates too.
A style tip…
Chillier evenings may require an extra layer so try adding the best blazer to sharpen the look. If you want to wear your best jeans when travelling, pair them with a blazer to stop it getting creased in your case and ensure you have a smart look too.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £69.99 / $77.99 | Stop the search we think we’ve found our dream holiday dress. One of the best green dress, with a punchy leopard print, this 100% cotton dress is wearable in the day or for al fresco dinners, with a simple switch up of accessories.
RRP: £49.99 / $69.90| This linen blazer will make a worthy addition to your holiday wardrobe and can be thrown over dresses, jeans and so much more. The beige hue keeps it super versatile and the relaxed fit makes it easy and comfortable as a layering piece.
RRP: $650 / £495 | Slip on and go with these chic mules. You can’t beat Jimmy Choo when it comes to designer heels, and these '90s-inspired beauties are a winner. Ideal as part of your holiday outfit ideas, they'll work just as well with summer occasion wear.
3. Shorts and a tee
When it comes to holiday outfit ideas, the bulk of your suitcase should contain daytime outfits. Whether you're spending a week by a pool, or exploring a new country, t-shirts and shorts are the warm weather items that are made for sunny climes. Comfortable and relaxing, if you're looking for items that give off a smarter feel, look for linen shorts, or tailored cotton iterations that won't compromise on breathability. Ideal for holidaying in style, team with your best sunglasses and best crossbody bag for a look that's ready to take on the day.
A style tip…
Move over Daisy Dukes, Bermuda shorts are one of the top spring/summer fashion trends 2023. The longer length not only offers extra coverage, but they’re flattering too, often sitting high on the waist with a loose, straight leg. Dress up with heels and a cami in the evening.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £6.99 / $7.99 | A boxy t-shirt offers a breathable finish to any look thanks to the relaxed fit. The perfect answer to what to pack for a beach vacation, the neutral colorway will pair with pretty much all other basics, from linen pants to short and skirts.
RRP: £55 / $89 | These have a looser, oversized fit for a relaxed feel that will keep you cool in a heatwave. Made from a recycled cotton mix they have some sustainable credentials too. Embrace the '90s vibes and style with a tank or a half-tucked blouse.
RRP: £49.99 / $135 | When it comes to shoe trends 2023, the chunky sandal has come out tops and they’re great for adding a directional feel to a summery look. The sparkly buckle adds polish, making them a great pair of dressy flats for evening wear.
4. Beachwear
A linen shirt makes for a savvy beach cover up that you can wear on and off the beach. Layer over your bikini or one-piece and finish with a pair of coordinating shorts for a pulled-together look that you can take straight out to lunch. Again, it’s a good idea to stick to breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. To tap into the dopamine dressing trend for bright color clothing, try opting for a bolder look in a zesty hue such as orange or yellow. Don’t forget to complete the look with a pair of the best designer sunglasses.
A style tip…
Get even more bang for your look and choose a longline shirt that you can wear as a dress too. Just add one of the best designer belts for extra definition and a pair of strappy sandals and voila! Cocktail hour outfit completed.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £55 / $69 | Arket is a master at elevated basics and this shirt is no exception. It has an oversized fit for that borrowed-from-the-boys look that makes it ideal for layering too. Wear post holiday as part of your summer outfits for work, winning.
RRP: $59 / £45 | Complete the look with some matching shorts. One of our favorite holiday outfit ideas, these feature an elasticated waist for comfort and a drawstring fastening for extra waist definition. We guarantee you’ll be living in these.
RRP: £65 / $98 | Delivering a vintage swimsuit feel, this black swimsuit is a sleek design that promises not to date. With a square neckline and supportive halterneck strap, it has lightly padded fixed bust cups for a smooth finish across your chest.
5. Swimwear
When it comes to choosing the best swimwear for your summer vacation, look to the swimwear trends 2023 for directional style ideas. There's a design and silhouette to suit every body type this summer and no holiday wardrobe is complete without some confidence boosting poolside attire. Block color swimsuits are a versatile choice, pairing up with A-line floaty skirts, or linen shorts to create daytime outfits, but for a seamless head-to-toe look that will get you noticed, opt for a printed swimsuit and coordinating cover-up.
A style tip…
When it comes to beach cover-ups, the denim short is a classic. For a more fashion-forward feel, swap your go-to blue denim for a lighter shade of cream or ecru this summer. Take the lead from the denim trends 2023 when it comes to silhouettes. Styles such as mom fits and straight leg styles have made a real mark on the fashion crowd.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £75 / $150 | In a directional paisley print, this blue and white combo feels instantly summer, transporting us to the Amalfi coast in one step. With a built-in hidden balconette, underwired bra, for plenty of support, there's tummy control fabric too.
RRP: £40 / $110 | Finish your poolside look with a coordinating sarong skirt. But this will work with more than just this bathing suit. The simple white design with boho tassel design can be worn with pretty much any swimsuit your have in your arsenal.
RRP: £95 / $129 | Once a shoe for shuffling around the pool, the humble flip flop has had a fashion makeover. These '90s, white toe post sandals have a minimalist approach that's ideal for a versatile vacation wardrobe. A sturdy design you can wear for sightseeing too.
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