Your holiday outfits can be totally different from everyday life. In fact, that’s almost the point. Because while you might exist in a highly-regulated wardrobe of navy and grey for the most part, the siren call of bold colours and even bolder prints is hard to resist when you’re faced with a sun-lounger and the prospect of being OOO. Holiday day outfits, if you’re heading somewhere hot, pretty much revolve around itsy-bitsy everything: bikinis, shorts, crop tops, minidresses, you get the picture. But when it comes to evening, you can mix it up with sultry summer dresses, ankle-swishing maxi skirts and party-ready sandals that show off your pedi.
Whether you’re heading on a beach break – or hibernating in the countryside – we’ve got plenty of holiday outfits to suit all your travelling needs. Oh, and don’t forget to look up the best airport outfits before you travel.
This year, I’m travelling to few Greek islands, and naturally, I’m already panicking. The online shopping frenzy is officially underway, and I have so many questions. What are people wearing this summer? Will my Birkenstocks make it through another year? How many outfits do I need to pack? Doing what I do best, I turned to the Instagram gods (my favourite influencers) for inspiration on what to wear on holiday. As it turns out, with the right outfit formulas, you need not overpack, nor enter a full-blown meltdown. Here are eight outfits you can rely on all summer long, plus where to shop them.
The Tailored co-ord
If you’re having a time-out from throw-on-and-go dresses but still want something that’s smart for evenings out, a tailored co-ord is a timeless investment. Grazia‘s favourite version of the high-summer two-piece is courtesy of M&S, whose elegant waistcoat and wrap skirt take will be such a versatile addition to your suitcase. Wear together with toe-loop leather sandals or suede clogs, the waistcoat with longline jorts or the skirt with a crisp white tee and cord necklace combo.
©Tomás de la Fuente
Photographer: Tomás de la Fuente. Stylist: Molly Haylor. Model: Sarah at View Management. Hair & make-up: Jose Carlos Gonzalez. Fashion assistants: Joey Yip and Gavi Weiss. Photographer’s assistants: Sandra Angstadt, Pedro Urech and Claudia Montesinos. With thanks to Radisson Red Madrid
The tank top
The white tank has been elevated to icon status this summer. Slipped under a blazer or styled with a boho maxi skirt, it’ll be the hardest-working top in your holiday wardrobe.
©Tomás de la Fuente
The baggy jeans
A pair of jeans might be out of the question if your holiday destination is somewhere hot with a capital T. Having said that, for sundowners or dinner after dusk they’re a very easy option, especially when paired with a wafty embroidered top.
©Tomás de la Fuente
The white shirt
Let’s be honest, a crisp white (preferably linen) shirt will quickly become the most hard-working and versatile item in your summer wardrobe. Pair it with matching linen trousers for the ultimate island vibe, over your bikini or, for our favoured uniform, over a pair of pyjama shorts. Don’t forget your raffia tote and Birkenstocks to complete the look.
©@emitaz
Linen trousers
A pair of linen trousers will be the foundation of your summer wardrobe. Pair with a basic tank top and Birkenstocks, below your bikini or combine with a soft knit for those breezy summer nights.
©@_livmadeline
Crochet everything
Crochet is the word when it comes to summer. Be it a crochet dress, co-ord, or hat, you can’t go wrong with this warm-weather essential.
©@emelinaah
The maxi skirt
A flowy skirt will be your get out of jail free card when you don’t know what to wear. Pair with a bralette or a crop-top (the grown-up kind) or a long-sleeve knitted jumper.
©@thanya
The beach cover-up
A beach cover-up is crucial to any holiday packing list. Be it a white shirt, a kaftan dress, or a sarong skirt, bikini cover-ups are great slipping on as you head to lunch midway through your beach day, or enjoying a cocktail as the beach day turns into a beach night. Our preference? A brilliant patterned sarong skirt.
©@sydneysweeney
What are the top summer holiday trends to embrace this year?
This summer, it’s all about embracing vibrant colours and playful patterns. Expect to see an explosion of tropical prints, from bold florals to exotic palm motifs, perfect for channeling that vacation vibe. Maxi dresses remain a staple, offering both comfort and style, especially when adorned with ruffles or off-the-shoulder details. Crochet and lace are also making waves, bringing a touch of boho chic to everything from swim cover-ups to sundresses.
How can I transition my beachwear to a chic evening look?
Transitioning from beach to bar has never been easier with a few styling tricks. Start with a versatile swimsuit that can double as a bodysuit—think a sleek, one-piece in a solid colour or with minimalistic prints. Pair it with a high-waisted skirt or tailored shorts for an effortlessly chic look. Throw on a lightweight kaftan dress or a sheer maxi dress for added coverage and a touch of elegance. Accessorise with statement jewellery, like bold earrings or layered necklaces, and swap your flip-flops for strappy sandals.
Marina Avraam is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Grazia. Hobbies include (but not limited to) finding the best designer dupes, buying every iteration of the adidas gazelles and listening to celeb podcasts every hour of every day.
