Summer holiday season is upon us, as are the packing headaches! Especially for a fashion enthusiasts or those who are catching up with 1000s of inspirational images on Instagram. I have to be honest it is harder to choose the look when there is so many! As a result, you end up with a pair of regular flip flops and the same old kaftan, with a bitter taste for your fashion choices. Sounds familiar?!
I am not an advocate for light packing, I plan my vacation looks smart rather than light. Which means there are never an extra item in my luggage that I wouldn’t wear during my stay (except of white tees, just in case I spill something :)). However, if I would have a very limited space or simply wanted to enhance my shorts+tee looks, below are 5 items that would be my go to’s.
Strappy Sandals
If I would only be allowed to take one pair of shoes with me on holiday – undoubtedly it would have to be a mid-heel strappy sandals in white. I am so into lower heels lately. Firstly, due to their practicality, secondly – how elegant they make me look. Easy to wear, to walk in and they don’t hurt your feet 5 minutes into the action. They are perfect for walks in the city and also work with the dressy dinner outfits! However, if you strictly wear flats only, that’s fine too! But think STRAPPY and I advise white! Since it is a neutral colour it will save you tonnes of time in matching exercise!!!!!! Not only are they flattering and go with every single colour, but the time is now!
Strappy sandals are making a comeback from the 90s this summer and due to their popularity I can almost guarantee – will stick around for a while! So you will get at least a good few years out of the pair. If you feel like to splurge, check out famous The Row Sandals which have inspired majority of high street brands. However, I went affordable on these and chosen Zara version. And no lie, out of 5 pairs I took with me on the recent vacation, these have been working the hardest! Below are all my favourites I have seen so far on the market!
Killer Dress
Okay, thankfully midi and maxi dresses are on the top of the dress pyramid this year. Because let’s face it, the body is never beach ready and all the legs problems…. None of that matters now. Boho chic long, ruffle wrap dresses will cover and expose exactly what needs to be shown and cinch your waist to perfection! Don’t like maxi and midi length? Not a problem, selection is enormous this summer – from high street to high end retailers. I went for the dress from &Other Stories! It is on and off being sold out, but I got lucky. However, if the luck is not on your side consider similar ones! My favourites below, linked for you!
Oversized white shirt
No judgement to Kaftan lovers, but I needed a change! Jacquemus SS19 collection has inspired me for some oversized shirt action! I ended up using it instead of the jacket over the dress, the jeans and tee and over the swimsuit! Oh and it looks perfect with cycling shorts! It is obvious that my advice for you is to switch your kaftans for oversized crisp cotton white shirt. Roll the sleeves up and wear it unbuttoned or tie the knot at any length you feel comfortable with.
Statement Sunglasses
No other accessory completes the holiday outfit quite as well as a pair of statement sunglasses. Not only they save your eyes from the sun damage, but also hides those mascaraless eyes for that perfect summer picture. Sunglasses are the kind of thing you can justify spending on – keep in mind, if you manage to buy them right, you will have them forever.
My personal and absolute winner is a pair from Celine. Not over powered by branding and shape seems to suit everyone. In fact, all my friends are looking for them right now, since they are nowhere to be found. My next one on the list is the pair of cateye shape sunglasses in white, again from Celine. However, if you want that very loud logo statement piece you may consider Chanel and for more modern shapes Dior. However, for those who dear the most – Balenciaga’s are the obvious choice.
Straw bag
The versatile straw bag have became a spring/summer staple – wearable on the beach as well as in the city with jeans and blazers. Have you noticed how much they have evolved over the past few summers? Choice is endless, but you want to look for something edgier and bolder! With details or different colour variations. Think of it as much as you would when buying the regular bag. I must admit, I went for the safe choice this time round, but I wanted this Loewe Basket for ages. Amazing friend for shopping, perfect for vacation and beach, and when you are back in the city it will keep you stylish for the rest of the summer!
And just to end, regardless of anything above… Do not forget to enjoy your holiday and be present!!! Don’t let the little things to ruin your holiday!
