It’s that time of year already; Love Island has finished… schools out for summer and many of us are either planning or packing for the summer holiday.
And when it comes to packing, simply put, you need just 10 hardworking wardrobe staples to see you through from sunbathing to seeing the sights. Here’s our capsule edit from around the centre:mk
This gorgeous dress from River Island is the perfect day to night staple. The statement buttons and bardot-style shoulders mean you’ll keep cool in the day and can wow by night, just pop in some statement tassel earrings (see item 10), add a sweep of lipstick and ta-dah - an effortlessly chic evening look.
A good pair of sunglasses can work on so many levels, these cat eye lovelies from Michael Kors at TKMaxx are a great investment at £59.99 (RRP is £107). Worn (as intended) or on top of the head as a make shift hairband, the pop of yellow in these will work just as well with a plain tee (7) and shorts (9), at the beach (8) or in a dress (1).
This metallic leather bag (below) from Accessorize is the perfect day-to-night holiday bag. It’s large enough for all-day essentials and has enough detailing with the two tassel charms to work with your evening wear too. The large outer pockets are ideal for slipping the passports in and out through check-in.
We’ve all done it… you take 5+ pairs of shoes on holiday and then end up living in your sandals for 7 days. Save the extra luggage weight and commit to these, truly comfortable and super stylish Birkenstocks (below), they come in white leather and rose gold suede (our fave!) – you’ll be happy you left the heels at home.
This pure silk Carmen square scarf by Biba at House of Fraser (below) is the perfect multiwear accessory. Use as a cover up on the beach, a hair wrap to keep the rays off your head of around your neck in the evening over a chic tee (7).
This simple linen blend shirt from Lipsy at Next made our capsule wardrobe for its simplicity and versatility; wear with shorts (9), over your swimsuit as a cover up (8), or over a dress (1) - for an extra layer on those summer evenings. You can dress it up with the statement earrings (10), sunglasses (2) and a headscarf (5) for that Parisian chic look.
Never underestimate the power of a good t-shirt in your capsule wardrobe. This everyday basic from M&S has a relaxed fit and crew neck; the perfect canvass for statement accessories. Wear tucked into denim shorts to create a flattering silhouette with laid back elegance. The top comes in 10 shades; our favourite has to be this grey marl – a fab shade for all skin tones.
Seeing as most summer holiday plans revolve around the pool, if you’re going to invest in something this summer a flattering swimsuit is a must. This active-swim deep V shaped one by Seafolly at John Lewis is a firm favourite of ours. Made from smooth stretch fabric, it features a supportive shelf bra lining with removable soft cups to carve a flattering shape. We love the cross back strap detailing too which gives it a sporty, modern edge.
What would a summer 2018 capsule wardrobe be without some leopard print? These high-waisted denim shorts from River Island (below) capture this seasons must have print whilst being super versatile and flattering. The high rise cut nips you in at the waist and makes the legs look longer. Pair with the basic grey tee or over the black swimsuit (worn as a body, once dry) for a day to night look you’ll love.
Fringed earrings are still HUGE on the highstreet and another sure fire trend of 2018 that will give your capsule holiday wardrobe the piece to pull it all together. These ones from Next (right) come in three different shades (we couldn’t choose which is our favourite!) but at £8 each you can treat yourself to all three for holiday – why not you’ve earned the suitcase space afterall!