The summer holiday edit: What to wear on your next getaway

Travel is back and so is shopping for the best holiday outfits. To celebrate, we’ve been bookmarking, pinning and perusing the must-have clothes for long-awaited and well-deserved holidays.

From those making a mad dash to the coast for a long weekend to those heading further afield for once-in-a-lifetime trips, these are the perfect summer clothes and holiday outfits to breathe new life into your vacation-ready wardrobe.

Summer clothes to refresh your holiday look

Best one-piece swimsuitBest beach hatBest platform sandalsBest off-the-shoulder dress

Best one-piece swimsuit

FEATURED

Photo: PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing White Fringe Scoop Swimsuit

You save £2.20 (10%)£22

After white-hot style and next-level looks for your holiday? This sultry one-piece by PrettyLittleThing — a go-to retailer for outfits that are vacay ready — is the perfect match. Its high-leg design and trend-led fringe detail show just enough skin.

While white swimwear is currently making waves in the fashion world, this bathing suit won't soon go out of style. Its versatility lets you change up your look making packing light easier than ever.

Best beach hat

Photo: Amazon

Ayliss Floppy Derby Hat

You save £1.71 (12.58%)£13.59

Evoke your inner ‘50s Hollywood star with this classic black beach hat. It's a great addition to holidays spent by the beach as its wide brim provides plenty of shade.

Best platform sandals

Photo: Dune

Latch Fisherman Espadrille Sole Sandal

Summer 2022 is on track to see the revival of the fisherman sandal. The perfect go-to shoe for a holiday, these sandals go with almost any look. Throw them on before hitting the beach or wear them to stay comfortable while exploring the city.

Best off-the-shoulder dress

Photo: Nobody's Child

Nobody's Child Olivia Bardot Midi Dress

Nothing says vacation like an off-the-shoulder frock. This cotton dress from Nobody's Child is chic but comfortable; it will keep you cool even on the warmest day. It’s easy to pack, machine washable and available in blue or floral if you prefer.

Best silk headscarf

Photo: Aspinal of London

Sunflower Silk Scarf

Sunny and bright, this silk scarf is large enough to wear as a top but it’s also a versatile accessory perfect for completing any holiday outfit.

Best beach bag

Photo: Marks and Spencer

Straw Tote Bag

A woven straw tote is the perfect beach bag. This M&S tote is our favourite thanks to its structure, double set of handles and faux leather detailing.

Best one-shoulder swimsuit

Photo: Reiss

Reiss Adeline One Shoulder Cut Out Swimsuit

This Reiss one-piece is a bold addition to your summer wardrobe. The cobalt blue colour is eye-catching while its shoulder design adds a bit of intrigue. It's also a comfortable one to wear all day.

Best smock dress

Photo: Roman Originals

Broderie Tiered Smock Dress

This dress is a cute and comfortable piece perfect for slipping on after a long day by the pool or before touring the city. Its V-neck design lets you show a little skin while its oversized sleeves and full skirt aren’t too restricting.

Best cute walking shoes

Photo: Office

Veja Esplar Trainers

Worn by the likes of Kate Middleton and other A-listers, these trainers are stylish walking shoes that keep you comfortable through a long day of sightseeing.

Best round sunglasses

Photo: Claire's

Round Mod Glasses

You save £7.20 (60%)£12

​​Perfectly retro, these Mod-inspired round sunglasses are a fun way to dress up a more basic outfit. Whether you pair them with the white PrettyLittleThing fringe swimsuit or the sunflower headscarf, you’ll truly feel like you’re in holiday mode when you pop them on.

Best lightweight jacket

Photo: Regatta

Bayarma Lightweight Jacket

You save £54.05 (60.06%)£90

No matter where you travel or what time of year, we hope that the weather only cooperates during your holiday. But when the sun doesn’t show up, a lightweight jacket that’s easy to pack and carry is a necessity.

This Regatta jacket comes in 14 different colours and is waterproof and breathable.

Best going out dress

Photo: ASOS

ASOS Design Halter Neck Floral Embellished Mini Dress

The key to the perfect going-out holiday outfit is making sure it’s something you could always don during the day. This sundress is basic enough to wear during the day with sandals and a jean jacket, but its cut out design, neckline and short hemline are easily dressed up with the right shoes and jewellery for a fun night on the town.

Best beach cover-up

Photo: River Island

River Island Blue Animal Print Chiffon Kaftan

Light and airy, this kimono cover-up ticks all the boxes. It's a fun, summery pattern, has a tie-front that makes it comfortable to wear and its sleeves and length are a bonus.

We’re willing to bet you could even wear this cover-up over a tank top and denim shorts so it’s a winner in the versatility category for us.

Best halter neck dress

Photo: New Look

Blue Vanilla Multicoloured Abstract Satin Tie Halter Mini Dress

Another summer dress that can be dressed up or down, this halter neck piece has a flattering tie neckline and cute frill hem, perfect for days or evenings out.

Best plus size swimsuit

Photo: Amazon

Cupshe Women's Plus Size Ruffle Bikini

Providing plenty of support even without an underwire, this bikini top is a sexy swimsuit staple. Its adjustable straps mean you can tailor it to fit you perfectly while its deep-V neckline is flattering for almost all body types.

Best brown sandals

Photo: Sports Direct

Zarnia Sandal in Cognac Leather

You save £21 (30%)£70

Simple leather slide sandals are on the rise this summer; these Steve Madden shoes are an on-trend, yet classic option. Available in seven different colours, we like this brown leather hue for its versatility.

They’re ideal for exploring the resort or an evening jaunt to dinner, but if your day is packed with walking tours and adventures, we recommend a more sturdy shoe.

Best resort wear

Photo: Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal Cotton Stripe Shirt And Trousers Set

You save £8 (25%)£32

Cute and casual, this cover-up set is a fun addition to your summer clothes collection. The throw-back stripe design was enough to win our hearts, but the crop shirt and wide-legged trousers cinch the deal in our opinion.

Best sun hat

Photo: Amazon

Dreshow Womens Staw Panama Hat

This sun hat is a holiday jack of all trades. It’s the perfect poolside companion with its wide brim to chase the sun away yet it’s pared-back enough to suit a day out on the town. Available in 11 colour combinations, we recommend wearing this hat on your way to your destination so it’s not misshapen in a suitcase or carry-on.

Best oversized sunglasses

Photo: Boots

Ladies Fashion Sunglasses – Brown Tortoiseshell Frame

Emulate the likes of Jackie O. and Liz Taylor with these oversized square sunnies. Tortoiseshell frames are accentuated by an old-school brown tint and a shape that harkens back to the ‘60s. Pair these with the oversized black sun hat we previously introduced you to and you’ll be the talk of the beach bar.

Best co-ord set

Photo: boohoo

boohoo Textured Woven Oversized Shirt and Shorts

You save £4.80 (15%)£32

Kick around the town sporting this chic co-ord set that looks far more expensive than it is. Each piece can be worn on its own meaning you can stretch this set to as many as three separate looks. The cargo detailing on the shorts is a modern take on a ‘90s classic, too.

Best backpack handbag

Photo: Amazon

CLUCI Women’s Backpack Purse

Price varies depending on colour selection

No stranger to Daily Mail Best Buys, when it comes to a carry-all for your holiday, this backpack handbag is a winner in our books (find out exactly why we’re smitten with it in our tell-all review). Affordable, available in 37 colours, durable and versatile, what’s not to love?

We think it’s ideal for your next vacation for these reasons but also for its back-entry zipper that helps keep your valuables safe throughout your travels.

Packing holiday outfits like a pro

Brushing the dust off your packing skills? These tips can help you pack like a well-seasoned (and stylish) jet-setter.

• Opt for versatile items you feel confident and comfortable wearing. We’ve mentioned this above, but whether you need to travel light or you’re going further afield for a long period of time (lucky you!), prioritise clothing that plays well with other items you’re packing.

• Pack outfits, not individual pieces of clothing. Thinking through how items you pack will wear together means you’re more likely to be happy with your outfit each day.

• Consider fabrics and how well they pack before you leave home. Some materials, like cotton and most synthetics, travel well since they either don’t wrinkle easily or can be de-wrinkled with the steam from a hot shower. If your favourite outfit is prone to creases, pack it in a dry-cleaning bag to help minimise wrinkles.

• While versatility is key, don’t forget to pack an outfit that suits more formal dinners or a night out on the town.

• Check the weather for all your destinations. This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you’re off to sunny Spain, it’s easy to forget that it can get cool in the evening depending on the time of year or that rainy forecast may require a cute raincoat.

• Accessories are your friend. So you’ve perfected your holiday capsule wardrobe — we’re impressed (and jealous). Now, consider the accessories that are packable and let you make the same outfit feel different on a daily basis.

• Pack underwear that actually works for your outfits. Sure, there’s always room for that over-the-top bra you’ve been dying to break out, but the majority of your underwear should be those that work with the outfits you’ve planned.

• Wear your jewellery en route. We love a good travel jewellery case, and you should always have something to store your valuables in during your getaway, but wearing your statement jewellery from Point A to Point B can save on valuable packing space.

• Check out our list of packing hacks for more tricks to packing for every type of holiday, from city breaks to safaris to yacht charters.

The information presented above is accurate as of 06/10/2022. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices. The 'Best Buys featured' badge indicates sponsored content, and we may earn a commission when you make a purchase.