Summer holiday season looks a little (ok, a lot) different this year. We are a nation divided into two camps. On the one hand, you have the supremely restless among us who are going to get away somewhere even if it means wearing a hazmat suit on the beach. On the other, there are those of us who are opting out of going anywhere and staying firmly put – to you, an hour away from constant Zoom calls feels like enough of a vacation right now. Whichever side you’re pitching allegiance to this summer, you can still embrace the joy of the holiday wardrobe, clothes that impart an irresistible sense of wanderlust and adventure. Because even if you’re not going anywhere, doesn’t mean your wardrobe can’t.
The Dream: balmy nights on the Amalfi Coast v The Reality: dinner at your friend’s house
Sweeping maxi dresses in bold shades, naked sandals and chunky gold jewellery exude laidback glamour at home and away. Your ten-second update? A boldly printed silk scarf wrapped around your head (& Other Stories has a small but perfectly formed selection). Enjoy the second serving of spaghetti vongole without guilt.
The Dream: hiking in the Hollywood Hills v The Reality: schlepping to the garden centre
Even if your summer 2020 vibe is more local park then Griffith Park, you can still enjoy the pragmatic cool of this season’s most practical shoe trend: the hiking sandal. The most iconic comes courtesy of Teva, whose Universal Trail sandal is reliably sturdy yet stylish. Add cargo shorts, a cap and a belt bag for the ultimate up-for-anything look.
The Dream: lounging on a Greek beach v The Reality: sunbathing in the garden
Here’s how to turn your suntrap in a hotspot: a Tekla towel, a Loewe Paula’s Ibiza basket, a Christopher Kane More Joy water bottle and a Hunza G bikini. Take your hat and sunglasses oversized and remember the golden rule wherever you’re sunbathing: SPF essential.
The Dream: country house spa weekend v The Reality: DIY manicures in the living room
The one lockdown piece we’re reluctant to let go of? Posh pyjamas (check out Ven’s, Tekla’s and Arket’s pared-back flannel sets). Now that we’re easing back into real life, staying in them all day once again feels like an indulgence rather than a signal of defeat. Bliss.
The Dream: Ayurvedic retreat in Goa v The Reality: downloading Headspace, doing Yoga With Adriene and making your own juices
Lockdown burnout is a thing. If you’re looking to revive, rejuvenate and relax, make a beeline for pieces that deliver on the comfort front. The good news: elasticated waists are still ok. The surprise news: Crocs are officially A Thing now.
The Dream: European sightseeing tour v The Reality: rediscovering the galleries and cafes in your hometown
How about using your time ‘out of office’ to enjoy the charms on your own doorstep (ok, yes, you can go further than that). Make the same effort for your hometown as you would for a foreign city. We’re thinking flippy cotton sundresses (H&M has a brilliant selection, and most are under £50), wear-everywhere sandals and peppy ‘summer’s here’ accessories.
Shop Now: Your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
1 of 24Tekla, Terry Palm Beach Towel, £89
2 of 24Staud, Ina tiered halterneck muslin maxi dress, £350
3 of 24Hunza G, Gigi neon green seersucker bikini, £135
4 of 24& Other Stories, Colour Block Plissé Scarf, £35
5 of 24H&M, Wide High Waist shorts, £24.99
6 of 24Loewe x Paula's Ibiza, Small Square Basket bag in reed and calfskin, £395
7 of 24Pull & Bear, Flat sporty sandals with multicoloured detail, £25.99
8 of 24Mango, Flared long dress, £79.99
9 of 24Christopher Kane, More Joy water bottle, £40
10 of 24Arket, Flannel Pyjama Shirt, £45
11 of 24Arket, Flannel Pyjama Trousers, £45
12 of 24& Other Stories, V-Neck Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, £55
13 of 24Faithfull The Brand, Charlita linen shirt, £160.96
14 of 24M&S Collection, Tailored Linen Shorts, £29.50
15 of 24Topshop, Ecru Ditsy Print Shirred Crop Bikini Top, £14.40
16 of 24Topshop, Ecru Ditsy Ring High Leg Bikini Bottoms, £11.20
17 of 24Charles & Keith, Patent Leather Caged Sandals, £69
18 of 24Faithfull The Brand, Tie-dyed voile pareo, £94.28
19 of 24Zara, Printed Midi Dress, £29.99
20 of 24Bershka, Slouchy trousers with an elastic waistband, £22.99
21 of 24COS, Wide-brim straw hat, £45
22 of 24Loewe x Paula's Ibiza, square-frame neon acetate sunglasses, £288
23 of 24Weekday, Stella Tank Top, £8
24 of 24Eliou, Paxi gold-tone, pearl and bead necklace, £135
READ MORE: Linen Dresses: The Best Way To Stay Cool In Hot Weather, Wherever You Are