My summer holiday wardrobe…

Oh hey there, I’m really excited about this post guys.

I’m completely in the pre holiday packing mode, you know the excitement of trying on outfits, deciding what goes with and what stays behind? I am that girl, suitcase fully packed two weeks before we fly. I just love planning my outfits in general and when it’s holiday time it feels even more exciting. Is it just me? Clothes I don’t usually get to wear, sandals that only come out for holiday season. Although this year I feel like I’ve already worn most of my summer clothes with this amazing weather we’ve been having. Hasn’t it been lovely to have more than two weeks wear out of them?

Over the years I’ve really struggled with what to pack for my holidays. I always take far too much, with Mr H laughing at me as we weigh the suitcase knowing that I have to re pack. How is it that boys never struggle with what to pack? I’ve always thought what do I wear to the beach? In the evenings – do I go dressy or in between, what cover ups for the beach do I need? And is there a way of looking stylish as well as comfortable on holiday in the heat. I’m still working on this. And this year for the first time in 7 years I have questioned whether to wear a Bikini or Costume? Eek.

Or maybe it’s because so much has changed since George arrived, in terms of my style but also feeling comfortable in my skin. I guess what’s changed is that I don’t just have to think about going from the hotel room to the pool anymore. Years ago I wouldn’t leave the pool, only going to the bar to grab another cocktail. Whereas now as a family our holidays are far more active than relaxing poolside. We often spend a few hours at the beach and then we break up the day by exploring, off in search of food or to wander around the cobbled streets of a Spanish town. So a bikini and a cover up just doesn’t cut it anymore.

And so, I thought I would share a few of my favourite things. It’s taken me three years to master my ‘what to pack list’ – so here it is… (although I will admit that I currently have some work to do on my current list which has fourteen outfits for evening on, Mr H tells me that needs to come down to at most 10)

Beachwear…

Every girl needs a Hammamas towel in their life. We found them last year for the first time and quite simply they have revolutionised our packing. They are so light weight. A beach bag, this will be my third summer using this one which I picked up from Next, and is great for your carry on bag at the airport too as it holds so much. What else, a pair of denim shorts are a must. They lend themselves so well to wearing day or night, I mainly wear mine to the beach in the day but I may mix it up this year. A shirt to throw over a bikini top and denim shorts, I haven’t actually worn this as a beach outfit before but I will be this year. I am going to be wearing my first bikini in 7 years guys (I may have mentioned that already). A ‘throw on’ dress incase you decide to go off exploring. And lastly, a kimono, I have a few that I take each year but this one from Zara is by far my favourite as its just so pretty with its tassels and neutral in colour. Another piece that would work day or night.

Accessories… 

Lets start with a beach hat. I took this Sunshine & Shade one on our travels last year and completely fell in love with it. It transforms any outfit so off it goes again with us to Spain. I’ve always worn a headscarf when I’m on the beach to protect my hair but also to add a little sass to a plain costume, so this year I have been in search of a few more. River Island, New Look, Zara and Primark have some great ones in at the minute. We’re also taking all of our suncreams with us this year, I got a little caught out last year by not packing enough and burning my scalp so this year I am all set – with a little help from Calypso the whole family will be protected this year. I love the look and smell of this scalp protection. And lastly, I love these invisibobble’s for your hair, they don’t leave a kink which is a huge help when you’re going from day to night.

 

Summer dresses…

Bardot dresses and floaty tea dresses are my most favourite styles to wear on holiday. They’re lightweight, flattering to my shape and just look really feminine which ticks a huge box for me. I’m all about pastel shades and pops of colour this season, floaty materials and feminine styles. I think my suitcase has a really lovely blend of colour. Do you have a favourite style of dress for the holidays? When I wore the cream off the shoulder dress below last week George told me that I looked like a princess. I think for that reason alone these three dresses from River Island will definitely go on my what to pack list. I’ll be writing up a post all about in them as part of a little collaboration, it is safe to say that I love the colours, the style and the fit. They’re just so pretty. And what about that Next Red Polka Dot Dress, if there is ever a dress that I regretted sending back then waiting 6 weeks to arrive it is this one. I have only worn it once but received so many compliments that I cannot wait to wear it again. The perfect dress for Spain.

 

Footwear…

I am being very selective this year and taking only four pairs of sandals with me. As I type that number I am laughing to myself as I know that Mr H will say four is too many. He is a flip flop and sandal kind of guy. Two just isn’t enough guys. What do you think? I take my Saltwater Sandals for the beach, my Birkenstocks this year because I just love them so much and they are new, a pair of gladiator sandals because they quite literally go with everything? And lastly these pretty orange bow sandals from Next which I picked up in the sale. A bit of an impulse buy but so glad that I did. They are so comfy and add a gorgeous pop of colour to a plain outfit.

 

Would you add anything else to the list?

*Disclosure – some items in this post were gifted to me or discounted.