The summer holidays are here and there’s no better place to be than on a British beach during July and August. The sun is shining, the gently lapping sea is refreshing and you’re only ever about 100 yards away from an ice cream.
That said, this IS the United Kingdom, so you never quite know what the weather will bring. Sure, it has been consistently hot and sunny for the past couple of months but that can all change when the summer thunderstorms gather overhead!
So, what fashion essentials should you be packing for your Great British seaside getaway this year? I’ve lived by the sea for over eight years now so I’ve finally got to grips with dressing for the coastal weather. Here’s my advice for stylish pieces to stow in your suitcase:
A big beach bag
It’s got to be an essential of any holiday, right? The big beach bag is a vacation classic, whether you’re lounging by the pool or heading to a sunkissed beach. The reason it’s so iconic? Because it’s useful.
You can carry all those other beach essentials with ease; simply pop your SPF, water bottle, towel and book into your woven straw tote and take a stroll down the promenade.
Style-wise, it turns any outfit into a holiday ensemble – the woven straw texture makes me reminisce of sandy toes and sunsets. To make it an even more elevated accessory, choose a quality woven bag from an exclusive brand, such as a Loewe basket bag.
They’re made to last and, let’s face it, you only ever need to buy one basket bag and it’ll be with you for life, so why not buy well and buy once? Be sure to shop for designer pieces through a reputable and trusted website such as 24S.com, which provides authentic items from luxury brands.
A timeless trench
I’ve discussed it before, but there’s no better coat to choose than a timeless trench. In a classic cream colour, it is light enough to look summery yet will help to keep you cosy and dry if an unexpected shower arrives.
Oftentimes, I find that the breeze is the issue when strolling by the sea. I go for a walk along the prom most mornings and always make sure I have a thin jacket with me just to block out the cold winds. This is equally true in the evenings once the sun sets, making this piece an essential for UK holidays.
At least if you have a lightweight mac with you – which won’t take up too much room in your suitcase – you can carry on with your holiday plans no matter what the weather throws at you during your British coastal break.
Plus, I’ve previously shared three ways to style a timeless trench so that it works for multiple occasions from super-casual to smart events – one of which was actually going for a walk along the nearby coastline. I chose a trench from Tommy Hilfiger and showed how to dress it up to suit all weathers and seasons so hopefully this will be helpful.
Sumptuously supple sandals
It’s the holy grail; the fashion item we all need but rarely find: a comfortable pair of sandals. You know they type I mean; a flexible sole, adjustable straps, super stylish and in a tanned leather that goes with everything. I’m still on the look-out for a pair for my own seaside adventures.
Maybe they’re espadrilles or gladiators. Perhaps they have a toe-post thong or ankle straps. Whatever your style, the thing that’s absolutely essential is that they are comfortable. Like a second-skin.
That’s because you’ll inevitably be doing lots of walking during your seaside holiday, either during the day through the quaint local town or in the evening when heading to a beach bar for a tipple. So your footwear has got to be comfy. You don’t want your trip to be clouded by irritated skin and sore toes.
So, I’d recommend going for a leather pair in a go-with-everything neutral tan, black or white. These can be dressed up with a maxi in the evening or can be dressed down with just your swimwear during the day.
Get the right pair and you’ll only ever need to pack one pair of shows for your whole holiday, leaving more space in your case for adorable tea dresses and cute crochet tops.
I hope these ideas for three fashion essentials will help you when you’re packing for your next British seaside holiday. I’d love to hear what other essentials you like to take with you when staying at the coast so please leave a comment below with your top summer fashion pieces. 🙂
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