These Are The Chicest Outfits To Wear For Every Kind Of Weekend Plan This Summer

Whether it's a bank holiday or you're just getting away for a few days, here's what to wear for every eventuality.

striped shirt outfit hero

by Emma Richardson and Julia Harvey |
Updated on

With not one but two bank holidays on the horizon, May is basically the unofficial start of summer. Of course, quick changing forecasts can put a slight damper on the long weekend mood, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still dress incredibly chic - even when spring showers are in the mix. The solution? A great transitional outfit that’s perfectly suited to whatever the weather might throw your way - unless you decide to skip the capricious weather conditions and spend a long weekend soaking up sun abroad, that is.

For a spontaneous weekend away beyond the British border, skip the jacket and pack your lightweight essentials - think breezy striped shirts, breathable linen trousers (M&S is known for its impeccable trouser selection) and your favourite pair of thong sandals. These effortlessly chic staples will keep you cool and polished from brunch to beachside strolls, and they’ll carry you well into summer once the balmy weather decides to stick around.

stripe shirt linen trousers
©@amaka.hamelijnck

If you're planning a staycation in the great outdoors - whether that means hiking in one of the UK’s National Parks or visiting the charming seaside villages of Cornwall - consider an outfit formula with a little more coverage. Think a lightweight jacket, and loose-fitting jeans to protect against the cooler evening chill, alongside a fail-safe pair of trainers or clog-style slingbacks.

We’ve found four of the best looks that’ll work no matter what your three-day plans include - shop them below.

Shop: The Best Weekend Outfit Formulas

Chic City Break

Jetting off for a few days in the sun? You’ll want a capsule wardrobe of mix and match co-ords, suede flip-flops that go with everything and generously-sized basket bags. Now to test the limits of how long a rosé fuelled lunch can really last.

Camilla And Marc, Novella ShirtCamilla And Marc

Camilla And Marc, Novella PantCamilla And Marc

Mint Velvet, Fran Chunky ToteMint Velvet

Le Specs, Magnifique Oval SunglassesLe Specs

Classic Coastal

Pottering around idyllic coastal villages calls for comfortable but chic footwear – think mesh ballerinas and suede trainers – ideally worn with pyjama bottoms that double as trousers, cool-girl caps and an easy-going pastel colour palette.

Marks And Spencer, Linen TrouserMarks And Spencer

LongChamp, Tote BagLongChamp

Reformation, Terra SneakerReformation

The Great Outdoors

Whether you’re off for a hike or gentle stroll, dress the part in crochet knits, checks and plenty of khaki. Pack the cool box, grab your rucksack and prepare to breathe in that fresh air. Whether you camp is entirely up to you.

Zara, Checked CoatZara

Uniqlo, Round Mini BagUniqlo

Ganni, Cotton VestGanni

Stradivarius, SunglassesStradivarius

A.Emery, Slingback FlatsA.Emery

Hackney-On-Sea

We do like to be beside the seaside, preferably with a 99 (well, £4.99) in hand. Head to the UK’s buzzy seaside towns in paintbox bright jellies or natty deck shoes, nautical stripes and cosy cardigans for that salty sea breeze.

John Lewis, Jersey DressJohn Lewis

Citizens Of Humanity, Wide JeansCitizens Of Humanity

Mango, Flower Mesh BagMango

Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer, and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat.

Julia Harvey has been Grazia’s shopping editor for over three years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online.

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