Going away this summer? Dreading the thought of assimilating a holiday capsule wardrobe that will serve you well from breakfast ‘til cocktails? If you have the basics covered (swimwear, sandals, shorts, t-shirts, sundress and something wafty for evening) you may feel you are holiday-ready.

In my experience having a few simple summer accessories can take a pretty good holiday wardrobe into a super-duper special one.

And the beauty of summer holiday shopping is, it can be pretty cheap if you need it to be. I tend not to spend on pieces that are likely to be covered in sun cream and sand by the end of my holiday. For example I buy a new straw hat pretty much every year because I either leave them in the hire car (in my over-zealous checking that everyone else hasn’t left anything behind, I don’t check my own seat…), or, I ruin them by sitting on them or by stuffing them into beach bags.

So, as we are almost in holiday season and because I went and bought a few bits for a short break I’m going on very soon, I thought I’d share some of my top picks for high-street holiday style.

Sunglasses

My most favourite pair are Dior, they are sturdy, stylish and technically great. BUT, I am SO likely to ruin them during long, lazy days and sunny evenings that I’d rather not take the risk. Instead I picked up this pair for under a tenner from M&S and I love them!

M&S Glam Square Sunglasses £9.50

Beach Bag

Last year I made the mistake of buying a white beach bag. Guess what colour it is now?! (I’m not even sure this particular shade of grey has a name).

It’s all about the straw bag this year, so I’ve purchased an oversized basket bag from H&M with pompom detail (I can’t find it online to show you). I’m not usually a pompom kind of girl but on holiday I think it’s nice to be more playful! There are plenty of plain basket bags around if you aren’t a big fan of embellishment, or you can buy a plain one and add your own pompoms, tie a scarf around the handle…whatever takes your fancy. I will pop a smaller zip bag inside my straw bag to keep any valuables safe and to quickly grab if I am leaving my spot to refresh my cocktail.

Slogan Straw Basket Shopper Bag £39.50

Sun Hat

As I get older I am becoming more and more obsessed with keeping my face out of the sun. I’ve purchased my factor 50 and a wide brimmed straw hat. I might take another less cumbersome one with me too, for early-evening drinks.

Accessorize Two Tone Floppy Hat £17

Beach Cover-Up

There is something about having a kaftan, sarong or shirt to hand whilst lounging around in swimwear that makes it more bearable for most. These are my faves that I’ve spotted so far this season. I’m very tempted by a white linen shirt, which I think look glorious over bikinis/swimsuits but again, how do you keep them from looking like dirty rags after a couple of days?? Ideas on a postcard please.

M&S Pure Cotton Modal Palm Print Playsuit £35

Let me know what you are tempted by!