The Editors’ Holiday Style Essentials
- Words By
- Bibby Sowray
- Styled By
- Team ICONS
- Photographs By
- Eva K. Salvi
- Hair & Makeup By
- Emma Small
“A linen co-ord is such a simple way to feel put together in the summer and a great alternative to more formal suiting when the mercury rises. Brown is a softer – and often more flattering – alternative to black, but still looks smart and sophisticated, and a pinstripe is completely timeless. My top tip is to opt for a wide-leg trouser for a more relaxed silhouette.”
“Building a forever wardrobe doesn’t mean that every item in it has to be expensive – it’s about working out which pieces are worth investing more in. I will always recommend that a beautifully crafted bag is one such piece – you will use it and use it. This bold orange tote is a wonderful statement piece that adds a beautiful pop of colour to more subtle outfits throughout the summer.”
“A shirt dress is one of those pieces you’ll find yourself turning to summer after summer. This one, by Alexander McQueen, is so elegantly cut with a cinched waist, delicate cape sleeves and a full skirt. As always, versatility is a priority for me and I know this will take me to the office and meetings around the city, while also becoming a key part of my holiday wardrobe.”
“A chunky sandal is my go-to in the summer months, and this pair combines comfort with style, making them perfect for holidays that involve lots of walking and exploring. The tan colourway means I can slip them on with anything and everything. I love Loewe’s iconic anagram logo and how it has been used to create a self-coloured buckle – so chic.”
“A little black dress is one of the most versatile pieces to have in your wardrobe. This Matteau style is great for packing as it’s in a heavy silk-jersey so doesn’t crease (too much) and hangs well on the body. It’s perfect for holidays abroad, but works just as well for summer in the city, too; the one-shoulder detail just gives it a little something extra.”
“CompletedWorks is one of my favourite brands for subtle yet statement pieces that you’ll love forever. For a minimalist dresser like me, these earrings add a little extra interest to my look, with minimum fuss.”
“I’m really into a co-ord right now. For me, it’s a contemporary alternative to a summer dress. This cream linen style is great worn together or separately, so you end up with multiple looks from just two simple pieces. I really love this for a destination wedding – or, alternatively, it works for city breaks teamed with Birkenstocks.”
“At the top of my summer wish list is a Dragon Diffusion bag. This black leather style would take me through the summer season and into winter with ease.”
“When it comes to summer, you can’t beat a linen dress. This one is beautifully lightweight and easy to wear – it’s perfect for so many things, from a day’s sightseeing to slipping over swimwear on the beach. Stripes are an enduring motif that never date, so this is a style I know I’ll pull out year after year, and I love the wide, statement sleeves – so elegant.”
“Celine makes the best sunglasses. I love the unusual colourway of this pair – khaki is very much a neutral shade, so these will slip seamlessly into my wardrobe and pair with anything.”
“I’m obsessed with crochet. It’s such a great summer texture – unexpected but timeless. Its beauty lies in its ability to work for both day and night; for evening it’s a nice way to show some skin but still feel covered up, and for day I love to wear it with a crisp white shirt (I can’t do summer-holiday dressing without a white Asceno shirt!).”
“Barely-there sandals are a big trend this summer, but for me, they have always been a holiday essential. This pair will go with everything, and I know I’ll wear them endlessly.”
“Broderie anglaise is such an enduring technique, and this modern spin by Vita Kin is how I will be wearing it for holidays this summer. I love the peekaboo nature of the delicate cutwork, and I know I’ll wear the skirt and blouse together and separately countless times. I particularly love it paired with these crochet raffia espadrilles – the different textures complement each another beautifully.”
“A basket bag is the ultimate holiday holdall, and this is the perfect size for carrying around all my everyday essentials. The white leather trim is a great twist that makes it feel really fresh.”
“Matteau is one of my go-to brands for perfect summer dresses – and this one is no exception. Crafted from soft silk, it’s ideal for hot summer days and nights. A classic paisley print is truly timeless and a more refined take on a traditional floral print. I can throw this piece in my suitcase knowing that it will serve me for so many occasions while I’m away – and that’s what I look for in an investment piece.”
“A sprinkle of gold is an effortless way to finish off an outfit. These heart-shaped earrings are bold without being overwhelming, making a quiet statement that will take even the simplest of outfits from beach to bar with ease.”