Flashback to summer 2019 when you were bursting with excitement at the thought of spending two weeks on the Italian Riviera basking in the sunshine. Thanks to the pandemic of course, any plans for a foreign holiday this summer have been scrapped altogether. This year you’re eagerly anticipating your exotic two week staycation in a Dungarvan airbnb. However, a staycation doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on style and glamour when it comes to choosing your wardrobe.
What are the key holiday essentials you should pack in your suitcase? If you want to look stylish, comfortable and be ready for erratic Irish summer weather, you need to build a capsule wardrobe that is both versatile and practical. Check out my list of eleven key holiday essentials you should bring with you that will take you from the pool to your dining room table and back to the pool again!
1. The Maxi Dress
The ‘throw and go’ maxi dress is the most practical and versatile holiday wardrobe staple. You can wear with sandals and a light knit for chilly evenings or a t-shirt and trainers for the perfect day time casual look. Check out this cute black ditsy floral split maxi dress by Pretty Little Thing for €22. Comfortable and easy to wear, you can also style it with a smart clutch bag and earrings for sophisticated night time look.
2. Printed Tee
You literally cannot do without this on a holiday. Ideal for layering or wearing on its own, the classic tee is the most practical item you can bring in your holiday suitcase. Something to fling over your swimsuit and wear with a pair of shorts, denim jeans or layer underneath a maxi dress. Check out this funky printed t-shirt by Zara for only €9.95.
3. Cropped jeans
Jeans are a wardrobe staple no matter what the time of year. Summer vibes call for cropped styles in pastel shades. Check out these studded pocket detail skinny jeans by Oasis for €40.50. They come in both khaki and light pink and are perfect worn with trainers.
4. Midi skirt
Comfortable, versatile and an essential item for your suitcase, the midi skirt is the perfect choice for those hot summer days and balmy evenings. Pair it with white trainers for day time and wedge sandals for evening. This pretty black and white, asymmetric hem midi skirt by River Island for €43 is ideal worn with a casual tee for a stroll down to the beach.
5. Trainers
Trainers are an absolute wardrobe essential and something that can be paired with anything. They look just as stylish worn with skirts and dresses as they do with leggings and jeans. Perfect for strolls along the beach or wearing out to your socially distanced drinks! Check out these classic white Superga trainers available at schuh for €69.
6. Sun Hat
You want to be a sun worshiping goddess but also want to make sun protection a priority while still looking glamorous? This South Beach fedora hat in black straw by asos for €16.99 is ideal for lounging at the poolside or wearing at the beach. Top up your tan while also looking cool, comfortable and super chic.
Black straw fedora hat by asos
7. Sunglasses
You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of sunglasses, an absolute holiday essential. Perfect worn with your wide brim straw hat for ultra chic, movie star appeal! Make a statement with your eyewear with these vintage cat eye tortoiseshell shades from guardianlooks.com for €62.24.
8. Swimsuit
Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool or swimming in the sea, a swimsuit is a top holiday essential. I always feel more body confident wearing a swimsuit as opposed to a bikini but it’s important to choose swimwear that is comfortable and suits your body shape. I checked out the latest range at asos and found this fabulous deep plunge animal print swimsuit for €37.99.
9. Beach Bag
You’ll need a roomy but snazzy beach bag to store all your essentials for the poolside or beach. Check out this chic woven, straw tote bag by shopbop.com for €83.30. Perfect for a weekend getaway or for day-to-day shopping, this versatile bag adds a pop of colour to any outfit.
10. Sandals
Comfort and style are a must for your staycation as well as keeping up with the new trends. Check out these super comfy, chunky gladiator sandals available at schuh for €31. These are ideal for wearing with your maxi dress or cropped jeans for a summer walks along the beach or the marina.
If you’re looking for something to wear poolside, then these gold tassy toe post sandals also available at schuh for only €15.95 will add sparkle and shine to summer feet!
11. Light raincoat
In Ireland, you know it’s summer when the rain feels warmer. Certainly the most practical of all your holiday essentials, you’ll be prepared for those days when the sun shines but there’s a touch of drizzle in the air. Check out this parka style star print raincoat in khaki available at amazon.co.uk for €48.52. Ideal for wearing year round but light enough for an Irish summer staycation too.
So this spring, get your holiday essentials checklist ready and you’ll be the one to sparkle and shine with confidence during your staycation come rain or shine!