The summer holidays are nearly here, but are any of us sure of what weather conditions we can expect? If you’re holidaying abroad then you’re guaranteed to need all the suncream you can fit in your suitcase, but for the many of us who look forward to a summer staycation, choosing the clothing and accessories to pack can be a little tricky.
It is hard enough to craft the perfect summer outfit with your full wardrobe to pick from, but what happens when you’re away from home? The trick is to be prepared for anything and to take the hassle out of packing with a capsule wardrobe for the summer season.
So, what staple pieces should be included in your stay-cation suitcase this summer?
Linen shirts
Natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen come into their own during the summer months, so start off your packing with a few linen shirts and blouses to keep you cool.
These light layers are great for keeping the sun off your skin and regulating your temperature throughout the day, whether you layer them under your favourite knits, use them to cover up a swimsuit, or pair them with jeans for a classic summer outfit
Go for a long-sleeved option with a classic button collar, an off-white blouse with pleats and lace details, or a classic blue striped shirt to serve as a foundation piece for your seasonal outfits. These staples never go out of style and work no matter the weather, and you will always be grateful to have such a versatile piece in your summer wardrobe.
Quality polos
The enduring polo and the reliable t-shirt will always have a place in our holiday capsules and you can never have too many of these excellent staples.
As always, stock up on cotton options in a regular fit, and go for designs with ribbed round necks, short sleeves, and slightly dropped shoulders to guarantee a comfortable fit. At least one of these pieces should be a classic white tee, but after that the choice is yours, so go for as many playful stripes, stitched details, and fantastic colours as you like.
Light dresses
A light, breathable summer dress is the quintessential dress up/dress down piece that is sure to find a permanent home in your summer wardrobe.
It’s tempting to fill your suitcase with your favourite cotton and linen dresses, but if you’re a bit short on packing space then there are a few design staples to prioritise, including a cinched waist, adjustable drawstrings, and elbow length sleeves.
Choosing a design with all of these features will give you an elegant, flattering option that works just as well at the beach as it does at a country garden or stately home. All you need to do is pair it with a statement belt and some delicate earrings, and swap out your favourite plimsolls, ballet flats and wedge heels as needed.
Comfortable chinos
Next up, it’s time to style below the belt with another wardrobe essential – chinos.
Upgrade your trouser collection ahead of your summer staycation with a quality pair that offers a stretch waist, pockets, and a tapered leg. These lightweight options are a must-have for summer and you can practically live in them during the long hot days and cool nights, so leave plenty of room for them in your suitcase and don’t forget to pack your favourite linen tunic and neutral shirt to mix and match throughout your holiday.
Cosy knits
Packing for a staycation is as much about what you plan on doing as it is about how you want to look – so, don’t pack for lazy beach days if you know you’ll be doing lots of walking or hiking.
A classic cosy knit is an absolute must when packing for a summer trip, so choose a thick, cropped jumper that will keep you warm on rainy days and a lighter option that works well as a layering piece. You will need to get used to layering pieces over the summer, as the temperature varies from day to day but also from hour to hour, and it’s important to cool yourself down and keep yourself warm when needed.
Essential clothing and accessories
Now that you’ve done the bulk of your packing, it’s time to make some room for these extra accessories:
- Stylish sunglasses: Whilst the primary role of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the sun they are also a great fashion accessory, so go for an oversized pair with round lenses.
- Summer bags: A practical yet chic bag is an absolute must-have season after season, so pack a cross-body bag with an adjustable strap and a practical rucksack for all your days out.
- Reliable boots: We all love our strappy sandals and high heels, but a British staycation means plenty of nature walks and time spent in the great outdoors, so keep comfortable with a pair of practical, waterproof hiking boots.
- Practical jackets: If you don’t prepare for the wind and rain then you are almost guaranteed to run into it over the course of your holiday, so pop a roll-up waterproof jacket into the boot of your car before you set off.
Clothing and accessories for a summer staycation
Whether you’re heading to a local Airbnb with some friends or planning a mini break hours and hours away, our packing guide will help you to plan ahead and arrive prepared for your next getaway.
To find any of the summer wardrobe essentials mentioned in our guide, or to find your own key pieces, click here to view Roxton’s full collection of summer clothing and accessories.
