The Secret to a Stylish Holiday Wardrobe? It’s All in the Accessories.
Are you going away this summer?
Are you dreading the thought of piecing together a capsule holiday wardrobe that can take you from beach to bar with minimal faff?
If you’ve got the basics covered — think swimwear, sandals, shorts, t-shirts, a sundress and something floaty for evening — then you’re off to a solid start.
But let’s be honest: the difference between a functional holiday wardrobe and one that sparks joy every time you reach into your suitcase? It’s all in the accessories.
The best part? Summer accessories don’t have to cost the earth.
I never splash out on anything likely to be doused in SPF, sea spray, or stuffed under a sun lounger. (Looking at you, straw hats — I lose or squash at least one every couple of years, usually in a rental car boot.) But when done right, a few clever accessories can turn your basic beachwear into something effortlessly stylish.
Here’s a roundup of my go-to pieces (and a few other ideas) to elevate your holiday style without overpacking or overspending:
1. Sunglasses (aka Holiday’s most worn item)
I adore my sturdy, stylish Dior pair — but they stay at home. Instead, I travel with a cheaper but chic option. This year, I bought a pair from Boots for just £15 and they’re doing a great job.
Bonus Tip: Try a coloured lens or a cat-eye shape for a more fashion-forward look. Even mirrored lenses feel fun on holiday!
2.The Basket Bag (But Make It Functional)
A few years back I had a white beach bag. By the end of my holiday it was a sort of ‘weathered pebble’ shade. This year it’s all about the oversized straw tote — and the more personality, the better. Think pompoms, tassels, shell charms, even neon embroidery. Or go minimal and zhuzh up a plain one with a silk scarf tied at the handle.
Bonus Tip: Pop a smaller zip-up pouch inside to keep valuables safe and easy to grab for cocktail runs.
3.The Hat (Or…Hats)
Not only for sun safety, a hat also protects the condition and colour of your hair. Mine often ends up a dry, brash shade of orange after a week in the sun but by keeping it covered I maintain my pre-holiday colour. A canvass baseball cap is my go-to for beach days, when I’m happy with a sporty look but I also pack a straw hat for early evening sun, sightseeing or exploring markets.
Don’t be afraid to go bold here — a striped brim or colourful trim adds a little flair.
4.The Beach Cover-Up
A kaftan, sarong, oversized shirt… whatever your vibe, you need something you can throw on in two seconds and still feel pulled together.
For the last few years, I’ve loved:
- A white linen shirt (yes, it’s prone to sunscreen marks, but it’s worth it for the breezy glam)
- A lightweight cotton shirt dress
- A printed sarong that doubles as a scarf or wrap in the evening
Bonus tip: Don’t overthink it — neutrals work, but bold prints add some interest.
5.Statement Jewellery
I used to leave jewellery at home for fear of losing it — now I pack a mini capsule of bold-but-inexpensive pieces just for the trip.
- Chunky resin or metallic bangles
- Layered gold-tone necklaces (yours might be silver)
- Colourful beaded earrings
They weigh nothing, add everything to a simple look, and don’t break your heart if they get lost in the sand.
6.Lightweight Scarf or Sarong
This unsung hero does triple duty — head wrap, sun shield, evening wrap — and can jazz up a basic tank and shorts with minimal effort.
I’ve even used mine as a beach towel in an emergency!
7.Footwear Extras
Yes, sandals are a given. But if you’ve got space, consider:
- A pair of espadrilles for relaxed dinners
- Metallic sliders that dress up any outfit
- Jelly sandals — yes, they’re back — for rockier beaches or poolside glam
8.A Belt (for some…)
- A simple belt can transform a loose sundress or oversized shirt into a more defined silhouette but only if that suits your body shape. Some of us feel like a bag of spuds when we try to cinch in, but for others it’s a stylish option. Try a soft fabric belt or rope-style tie — it takes up no space but adds polish.
9.Mini Beauty Essentials
Not quite accessories, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention:
- A bold lip crayon (I love a bright coral or red for evening glam for my ‘bright spring colouring’)
- A bronzing powder to bring out that sun kissed glow when you’ve kept your face in the shade but your body is tanned.
- A spritz of something coconutty or citrusy to really lean into the holiday vibe
With these add-ons, your holiday wardrobe doesn’t just cover the basics — it delivers fun and chic vibes. Think less “capsule” and more “curated”.
And if you buy just one thing this summer?
Make it something playful. Holiday style should be fun. Pompoms, shells, big earrings, floppy hats — this is not the time to be restrained.
