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There is a very specific panic around summer dressing – all that flesh on show, for starters. So it always seems strange just how little thought we give to it. Obviously you care what you look like, but think how much time and energy you put into finding the perfect winter coat, or boots to see you through the post-Christmas doldrums. Some of you probably save up, or at least try on a few different styles to see what you like. Compare that to choosing a swimsuit or shorts. How often do you buy something the day before you go on holiday, or even at the airport? You’ll probably spend more time in your coat and boots but still, it’s a bit daft panic-buying some sandals before finding out, mid-hike, that the back strap rubs your heel and they slip off the moment your feet get sweaty.
The truth is that aside from the fact that people equate wearing fewer clothes with being cooler – not true! – it’s very hard to know what to wear when the sun comes out. So we are here to help. How about a tank that needs no bra, a swimsuit that doubles as a top, and a quick-dry, no-towel towel? Or a T-shirt for the guys that’s cocktail-approved – and a hat the kids will actually wear?
The perfect summer look is a mythical unicorn, but there are things you can invest in now that will see you through until late September and, ideally, multiple summers to come.
Morwenna Ferrier
Womenswear by Jess Cartner-Morley
The full-coverage dress your summer wardrobe needs
Counterintuitive though it is, the summer dress I wear most has long sleeves and is almost ankle length. A full-coverage but super-light dress is so much more useful than any number of itsy-bitsy sundresses. It keeps the rays off if it’s hot, the air conditioning off when you’re inside, and doesn’t leave you goosebumpy in the evening. Great for holiday days, office days, travelling days. Look for one you can wear with a bra – this one has a cut-out at the back, but above bra-strap height – and ensure it’s a generous fit.
The cami that works as evening wear
A friend asked me the other day if she could borrow “that lovely Stella McCartney camisole”. Turns out she meant this, which is actually a silk camisole from M&S. So chic for a night out with jeans, blazer and kitten heels.
A clash course
Instead of striped trousers and a plain T-shirt, try clashing your prints. Think stripes and florals. Leopard and polka dots. Camo and gingham. The more unexpected, the better.
A tank top with a built-in bra
If you have huge boobs, this isn’t going to work, so apologies, but for many women, a top with a built-in bra is ideal when you want that sleek, no-bra-strap vest-top look but also a bit of support. I love these Uniqlo ones because the support layer is totally invisible, and the tank isn’t too tight.
The £35 M&S swimsuit that’s a modern classic
Two years ago, I bought a black neoprene scallop-edged bikini from M&S. I love it so much that this year I added the one-piece version. I have it in emerald, which is now sold out, but the tomato red is possibly even nicer, and the white is very Talented Mr Ripley coded.
The not-too-long, not-too-short shorts
It’s not so much that I’m too old to wear baggy knee-length shorts – no one is too old to wear anything – it’s more that I’m old enough to know I don’t have to wear anything that makes me feel ridiculous just because it’s fashionable. Same goes for tiny Daisy Dukes. A short that hits the mid‑point of the thigh is the answer. This length can look a bit dowdy in linen, so I’d go with denim. And possibly a belt for added smarts.
An out-of-office shirt
Because sometimes you just really want something whimsical and holiday-fabulous. An embroidered boxy shirt is a good choice, because the laid-back silhouette offsets the cutesiness. This one is just joyful.
The Mary Jane-ballerina hybrid
Maryrina? Ballet-Jane? The name needs work, but the style – a cross between a sturdy ballet flat and a Mary Jane – is a new staple. It looks great with baggy trousers, as it adds just enough femininity without sacrificing cool.
A statement belt
My buy of the season is a secondhand leather belt with YSL hardware on the buckle, which I found for £30 on Depop. Charity shops are an excellent hunting ground too: you can get a leather belt for the price of something plastic on the high street that will age badly and end up in landfill. Alternatively, this Boden belt is a classic in a divine colour.
The oh-so-versatile silk scarf
Instead of trying to transport a sunhat in your suitcase, use a silk scarf to protect your scalp from the sun. You can also follow Alexa Chung’s lead and use it to add pizzazz to wardrobe basics such as jeans and a white T-shirt by knotting it around your waist. You will find the best versions on vintage sites. For bold, punchy prints, look for versions from the 1960s and 70s.
A delicious chocolate beach dress
I have tried on a lot of open-knit beach cover-ups over the past few summers, and these are my condensed thoughts: short and sweet is, surprisingly, easier and more flattering than full coverage. The string-vest ones make you look like a large fish caught in a net – an embroidered pattern, as here, is better. Black, brown or navy are most useful. I like this one.
An elegant update on skinny white jeans
A baggy bottom half of your silhouette is No 1 on your does-my-outfit-look-contemporary list now. These gorgeous trousers are the perfect modernising switch out for tight white jeans.
The wrong-shoe theory
This theory is the quickest way of making a look more interesting. Think tailored trousers and a flip-flop. Sporty shorts and a ballerina flat.
A wedding-guest-worthy dress that looks designer – for under £100
How delicious is this dress by small, independent London-based brand Damson Madder? Quirky-elegant Simone Rocha vibes for under £100, as it’s reduced from its £125 RRP. A few sizes are (unsurprisingly) sold out, but it was still available in sizes 10 and 20 at the time of writing. Quite tempted by the matching ruffle stripe bag also (£41.25) – is that wrong?
A chic summer (cardi) jacket
Knits make great summer jackets – they’re lightweight and don’t crease, so you can roll them up and stash them in your basket when the sun’s out. This one’s simple shape will work with shorts and a T-shirt; but the gold buttons and glimmer of Lurex elevate it so it works over a party dress too.
Women’s beach essentials by Melanie Wilkinson
The mini-purse
I recently stumbled across these retro rubber coin purses online and bought not one but three for different family members. They are seriously practical and double up as cute bag charms. Pop some change in for emergency ice-creams.
A sturdy kaftan
Every beach wardrobe needs a kaftan, and if poppy colours aren’t your thing, have a look at this Toast version in “washed lime”. Just add tan sandals, a basket bag and an aperitivo.
The splashproof bag
Make any tote beach friendly with this one-litre waterproof pouch. It has enough space to keep all your essentials dry, and comes in lots of fun, sweetie-coloured shades.
An in-between hat
I’m a fan of a baseball cap, and I’m looking to add a raffia version to my wardrobe. It’s more casual and sportier than a traditional straw hat, and a lot easier to pack, plus the peak will do an excellent job of keeping off the sun.
The cocktail tee
Slogan tees are everywhere at the moment, and this pastel-green style is punchy but subtle at the same time. Wear it with some white denim cutoffs. One guess what I’m ordering at the bar.
Vintage-style shorts
Towelling shorts remind me of the best kind of California beach photos, 1970s Slim Aarons and Hugh Holland, all sunkissed tans and hazy colours. This pair from Next ticks all the right retro boxes – just add a white vest.
The sea-to-be-seen swimsuit/top
Buy a one-piece that will double up as a top half to a daytime look – a two‑in-one buy. This rust-coloured swimsuit from Arket will look chic with white linen trousers or a maxi skirt, and the ruching is a considered design detail.
For more inspiration, read our guide to the best women’s bikinis and swimsuits for summer
A beach-friendly hair tie
Salty water, sand and a sea breeze don’t so much give my hair a beach wave as give it a seriously bedraggled look. So I always pack one of my favourite scrunchies from Hunza G. They’ve got great hold, come in a multitude of colours, and look just as good around your wrist as they do in your hair.
The no-towel towel
Packing for a beach day? You’ll need a towel. And a thin hammam style is my go-to. It will squash into any bag and dry super quickly. I like to get double the use out of it and wear it as a sarong as well. It’s thin enough, and most styles are lovely pastel colours with cotton tassels that work perfectly with beach outfits. And even if it’s a bit damp on your way to the beach cafe, chances are in 10 minutes it will be dry.
Budget sunnies
I like to invest in a pair of beach sunglasses. They’re a cheaper alternative to the ones I wear for sightseeing (and they’re usually a bit more fun than said “proper sunglasses”). That way, it’s OK if I drop them in the sand or sea. I really like this pair with coloured lenses. Ideal for wave jumping.
The cover-up you probably already own
The enduring popularity of an oversized linen shirt means you probably have one in your wardrobe already, and it’s the chicest of beach cover-ups. Wear it open over your bikini, then tie it at the waist with a pair of cutoff shorts for a day trip.
A straw-free summer bag
€180 (about £156) at Call It By Your Name
I’ve been hankering after a bag from French brand Call It By Your Name for a couple of years now. Its picnic bag style is just as good for the beach as it is for the park, with lots of easy-access pockets for all your bits and bobs. I adore the colours and, although not cheap, the bag will definitely be the main character of your beach wardrobe.
Investment flip-flops
£95 at Ancient Greek Sandals
£125 at Net-a-Porter
I’ll be giving my beach shoes an upgrade this summer and investing in these fun, neon flip-flops. They work for the sand, just as well as they do with my favourite seersucker shirt and shorts co-ord, plus they’re hotly tipped as the shoe of the summer, so be quick. They’re not cheap, I admit, but the rubber is very sturdy, so they should see you through a few seasons.
Women’s summer accessories by Melanie Wilkinson
A surprisingly wearable choker
The red-coloured thread strung through these clear beads really elevates this choker necklace, and the shorter length makes it perfect for wearing with T-shirts and higher necklines.
Some seasonal jewellery
My summer jewellery is the complete opposite of the accessories I usually wear. When the sun is shining, I want coloured stones, turquoise necklaces and jewelled bracelets. If there is a shell involved somewhere, all the better. I adore these earrings.
A city-friendly basket bag
Sometimes a raffia woven beach bag doesn’t quite work for me. It can feel a bit much at the lido, and it can be a bit too beachy if I’m lucky enough to be on a city break, especially when you’re surrounded by high-rises. That’s why I love this style from M&S. The leather-look braided handles stop it from being too laid-back and toughen it up a bit.
The showcase hairstyle
Wear your hair up. Sounds simple. But there’s no better way to showcase your summer jewellery than to frame it with an up-do. Go for a low, sleek pony or a ballerina bun.
A grownup bag charm
Update your bag in seconds by adding a charm. From Labubus to Jellycats, the options are endless (special shout out to Anya Hindmarch’s Pez charm), but if you don’t want to break the bank, this beaded fish from Free People is cute and fun.
A wide-brimmed cap
Once the sun starts shining, I’m never far away from a hat, but I gravitate towards block colours and neutrals. For a change, I’m going to mix things up with this softer-looking pale-blue gingham style and wear it with a floaty white dress and brown sandals.
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Non-black sunglasses
If, like me, you’re hovering between your usual oversized rectangular sunglasses (a style I’ve been wearing for about three years) and the current trend for a smaller Y2K Matrix version, then these are the shades for you. Subtly cherry red, not too big, and not too small – they’re just right.
Climbing sandals
Technical footwear has been having a moment for a while now; my Tevas are certainly still going strong. But I’m on the lookout for something on the more delicate side, and these sporty rope sandals will look just as good with jean shorts as they will with a floaty black dress.
The out-of-office hold
Carry your bag in your hand, not on your shoulder. Sounds weird, but it makes it feel less worky. Even if your bag has a long shoulder strap, loop it around in your hand and hold it like a shopping bag – instant update.
The multi-use holiday belt
£51 at Sessùn
£51 at Place Des Tendances
A woven belt is one of those accessories that is invaluable when you’re packing for a four-day holiday and trying to squeeze everything into an overhead locker-sized suitcase. It’s the perfect addition to a midi dress when you’re dressing up for the evening, and will equally give your cotton shorts a little something extra when you’re tucking in your linen shirt. I adore French brand Sessùn, and this belt would be a shrewd investment.
The bag within a bag
When you are using a roomy tote or beach bag, pop essentials such as bank cards and house keys into a makeup pouch. That way, they won’t end up at the bottom of your bag, and you’ll avoid having a panic attack thinking you have lost them.
Beach-to-night rope sandals
Fisher sandals are a summer classic and perfect for wearing with linen trousers, as well as holiday dresses. I love that this Oliver Bonas pair is made from woven raffia and leather rather than all leather; it makes them less clumpy and a more versatile footwear option for the evenings.
A proper summer bag
Chocolate brown is as popular as it was last season, and if you’re looking for a hard-working bag, I’d go for a supersoft suede style as it’s a great complement to white and oaty linens. This Massimo Dutti style will serve you throughout summer and into autumn.
Menswear by Morwenna Ferrier and Chloe Mac Donnell
Sunglasses that aren’t Ray-Bans
Sunglasses are the accessory you will use most day to day, so it makes sense to choose a pair that will go with everything. Ray-Bans suit everyone, and aviators tend to flatter most face shapes, but it’s nice to go for something different – and these thick rectangular frames will work just as well. The olive shade is a nice alternative to classic blacks and browns too.
Staple socks
Gen Z came for millennial trainer socks and they, err, won. Unless you want to look dated, you need to wear socks that are visible. Both in length – go for a pair that hits above the ankle bone, not under – and in colour, the more attention-grabbing the better. Socksss has several options, but I like its original Paradise and Applebottom styles that come in various punchy shades and, as a bonus, are medical-grade compression, so your legs feel less heavy on hot days.
The no-wallet silhouette
Do you really need your entire wallet if you have a bank card on your phone? Overstuffed pockets add unnecessary bulk. Try streamlining.
A not-so-obvious holiday shirt
Blame Baz Luhrmann, but a tropical printed shirt on holiday means you risk looking like a Montague extra who has wandered off-set. The Copenhagen-based brand NN 07 has some more subtle options, such as the above and this, that still evoke a holiday mood.
The alt cap
There are only so many local coffee shop or “ironic” caps we can take. So where to next? May I suggest a running cap. It still protects your scalp from the sun, but it’s lighter than a lot of others and offers a better fit. Try this one with a short brim from Satisfy, a cult Paris-based running brand.
The perfect semi-short shorts
I think I’ve landed on the perfect pair of shorts for a man. Butter yellow seems to be the colour of this summer, but if you’re worried it won’t suit you, wearing it on your bottom half is a good compromise. The 9in inside leg means these are just about long enough so your legs aren’t going to touch the seats on public transport, but also sturdy enough (they’re cotton twill) for cycling. Plus, a built-in belt is the cleverest thing.
The beach-to-bar T-shirt
I love anything colourful in summer, but this pale apricot T-shirt, which comes in various other modern colours, is just so fancy! It’s the dropped shoulders and almost elbow-length sleeves that elevate it from being something ordinary. You could wear it on a beach. You could wear it in a bar on the beach. Plus, it’s lightweight jersey (most jerseys seem to be mid-weight, which can be too much in the summer), meaning it has more give. And it’s not just us who love it, because it’s sold out in some sizes (extra small, small and medium were still available at the time of writing).
A grownup beach bag
Sometimes adulting means carting your stuff around in a structured tote rather than that flimsy one you bagged from an arthouse cinema circa 2012. This one from M&S has handles that are long enough to comfortably fit over your shoulders, meaning you can lug a towel, book and beers to and from the beach without complaining.
The DIY pedicure
Before you wear sandals, show your feet some care. Soak them in warm water and epsom salts, then use a pumice stone to scrub off dead skin.
A shirt that gets better with wear
Breathable and lightweight, what’s not to like about a linen shirt? The summer essential looks even better with age, so it’s worth scouting out secondhand stores. If you are buying new, choose something with a lived-in feel. Gant dyes its take on the classic after it’s been constructed, giving it more of a vintage feel. The box pleat at the back adds structure, while the lack of an obvious logo is nice in an obvious-logo world.
Trend updated trousers
One of the key takeaways from the recent men’s fashion month is that trousers are getting baggier, again. You don’t have to go full pavement scraper, but try easing yourself into the trend with a looser silhouette. This pair with a barrel-shaped leg and single-pleated front are a good start. Wear them now with a white T-shirt and Birkenstocks, then in winter with a cosy jumper and thick-soled Derby shoes.
An alternative to a hoodie
On paper, a fleece for summer sounds a bit mad. But hello, this is the UK and the evenings are cold. This half-zip fleece is thin enough to be tied around your waist without feeling annoying, or bunged in a backpack until you need it. If you’re going to a festival, take it instead of a hoodie. You can thank me when you’re wandering around at 5am trying to remember where your tent is.
The sundowner hack
Attach a carabiner to a tote bag so you don’t have to dig around to find keys at the end of a long day at the beach.
Layer for the heat
Light layering that stops the sun from directly hitting your skin can sometimes make you feel less sweaty. Natural fabrics are key. Try a linen shirt worn unbuttoned over a simple cotton tank top.
Kids’ clothing by Morwenna Ferrier
A swim robe that does the job
From £65 at Frugi
From £65 at Next
Unless you’re on holiday in the Med, your child will be cold when they get out of the water, so there’s no point messing about in something thin. This is called the Atlantic robe with good reason. It has a fleece lining, a hood, and is long, so they can get dressed and stay inside it until you go home.
A not-too-smart smart shirt
Sometimes I find it a bit creepy seeing kids in adult clothing, but I recently got my son to try this on – Cuban collar and all – and I’m now biting my tongue. The whole knitted shirt thing is very Bode, but it’s also very beach, without being your typical T-shirt-with-a-dolphin on. It doubles up nicely as a jacket too, so they can wear a T-shirt underneath.
The sandy toes minimised
If you’re going to the beach, especially a sandy one, I’d advise bringing an extra hand towel – purely for kids to stand on when trying to get their shoes on without getting sandy toes.
The gender-neutral swimsuit
It’s still hard to find girls’ clothes that aren’t bright pink or boring and beige, but Mini Boden has a handle on gender-neutral colours. This zip-up, long-sleeved swimsuit is great because the zip is at the front, not the back, it covers the bits that tend to get burned, and has that built-in UPF50+ fabric, which isn’t 100% foolproof but will buy you some time. And it looks very cute without being too gender-coded.
Goggles that fit
I bought these for my eldest at a swimming pool. He took some persuading – how much do children actually need goggles? – but it has transformed his swimming experience in chlorine and the sea. They’re great because the seal doesn’t hurt when they’re on, and the size is really easy to adjust, so he can probably wear them for a few more years. Not too expensive either. They replaced a pair I bought at a seaside shop, which broke the same day, so you live and learn.
The perfect rocky beach shoe
£55 at Keen
From £30.61 at Amazon
Obviously my children have grown up in Crocs, but I’m not convinced they’re ideal for the rocky crags of north Devon, which is why I bought them Keen sandals. They’ve got terrific grip, a special bumper that means no toes are stubbed, and a bungee cinch, which even my 18-month-old can virtually do up himself.
A reversible jacket
As anyone who has given their child an ice-cream knows, all childrenswear should be reversible, and this jacket has two pretty sides instead of only one. Best of all, it has poppers, not buttons. Also, £38 isn’t too bad for organic cotton clothing that is also Fairtrade.
The meltdown-averting wetsuit hack
My son wears a wetsuit on the beach all year round. Invariably, he gets cold after being half-submerged for six hours, and it also keeps the sun off his back. The proper ones tend to have the zip at the back though, so tie a piece of ribbon to it so they can take it off themselves without a tantrum.
Cute seasonal trousers
These barrel trousers are incredibly cute and come in four different ginghams, but more than that – they work on boys and girls. That shouldn’t seem radical, but it is. The purple and pink print is the nicest.
Toddler-friendly cycling shorts
I’ve found cycling shorts ideal for when kids are crawling or toddling, as they don’t flap about like baggy clothes that can catch on corners or handles. And they barely notice they’re wearing them. I pop these on my youngest under a large T-shirt, and find it much easier changing him when poppers aren’t involved.
A hat they’ll actually wear
Obviously getting a hat for a child is working on the assumption that your child will actually wear a hat. But I’ve found a bucket hat tends to work quite well. Better at least than caps, which need to be more fitted. This one is twill, so there’s a bit of warmth in it, and it has a clever elastic toggle, which means you can tighten it as they grow (or at least grow their hair). I’ve got the three- to five-year-old version, and my son has just turned six, so there you go.
The accident-proof nappy short
If money were no object, I’d buy everything for my kids from Polarn O Pyret (its hats are the best and longest lasting out there). But as it very much is, it’s only worth getting things they’ll wear on repeat. These nappy shorts are generously sized, almost look like seersucker, and are quite baggy in the right places so they can “contain” a lot while also making sure nothing, um, slips out. I also like the elastic waist instead of a drawstring. I don’t mind having my youngest in just his nappy, but this is undoubtedly preferable.
The no-knee-scrape shorts
If your son is anything like my eldest, he’s terrified of scraping his knees. This makes shorts season tricky, as it’s really hard to find anything that goes to knee-length or below. I actually go one size up and use the drawstring waist to make sure they fit. On that: so many kids’ clothes have buttons, which simply don’t work with a last-minute loo run. I also think this bottle green is terribly grownup.
A summer-proof fleece for life
£48 at Patagonia
£80 at Early Rider
You need only one fleece for the kids on holiday, and if you have a raincoat you can layer it up. Patagonia is the best for outerwear, and this fleece is so incredibly light you can roll it up too. I love the hand-warmer pockets and that it dries really quickly. It isn’t cheap, but it has a hand-it-down ID label sewn in so you can pass it along.
