Master The Art of Holiday Dressing

At our Summer Party, Elys Style Expert Helen, shared her top style tips for holiday dressing with the key pieces you need for the perfect capsule vacation wardrobe. Here we share her must-haves with style notes…

The holiday season is upon us and whether you're heading off on a mini break or jetting away for a fortnight, I’ve curated the 10 essentials you need to inspire your summer outfits. You’ve earned this holiday, the last thing you need is to be worrying about what to wear!

1. The Co-ord

This skirt and matching blouse set by NRBY is your hero co-ord for the holiday. It’s a great starting point to find a top and skirt or trousers that can be worn together to give the illusion of a dress or jumpsuit but also worn separately in endless ways from day to night and beach to bar.

Find NRBY in our Womenswear Department on the First Floor.

2. Cover-Ups

Get the most wear from your poolside cover-up by choosing something that can be worn from beach to bar.

Organic cotton dress, Aspiga; Tencel maxi dress, Object*

3. Versatile Summer Dress

While your cover-up may be multi-functional, having something a more substantial dress is also a must. These styles will work hard for you throughout the summer while home and away:

Embroidered midi dress, Forever New*; Embroidered midi dress, Aspiga; Printed maxi dress, Mint Velvet*

4. Linen or Cotton Shirt

From flight to beach or work to weekend, a linen or cotton shirt is about as versatile as you can get. Wear at home with a white vest and jeans, with tailored trousers for work or pack for your holiday and layer over your swimwear or pair with shorts.

Linen shirt, Lauren Ralph Lauren

5. Lightweight Trousers

Printed trousers will always add a holiday vibe to your style and work as well with a swimsuit (for a top and trouser look) as they do with your linen shirt or basic t-shirts. Try a neutral pair like these Esprit linen blend cargo trousers for travelling and dress up with your summer accessories.

Printed wide-leg trousers and Linen blend cargo trousers, both Esprit

6 & 7. Tops and Shorts

Choose a selection of tops and t-shirt or vests and shorts in neutral tones plus a bold colour that will complement the other items in your capsule.

Tailored green shorts, Reiss*; White woven tailored shorts, Esprit; Blue linen pull-on shorts, Reiss*

8. Knitwear

Depending on the nature of your trip it may be worth packing a lightweight knit. This AllSaints mesh jumper will add an extra layer if needed and its white and silver colourway complements every other item here.

Lightweight metallic thread jumper, AllSaints*

9. Swimwear

Whether you favour a swimsuit or bikini (or both) for your trips, choosing a couple of options to mix and match will always work well in your suitcase. Find the perfect fit for you by booking a free appointment in with an Elys Personal Stylist.

10. Accessories

When packing light is key, stick to neutral accessories that will work with every outfit you plan to wear; I always take metallic, raffia, white, cream or nude shoes and bags to finish my holiday outfits.  Choose a large tote to double up as a flight bag and beach bag, pack a silky scarf to add interest to your outfits and wear as a belt to turn a beach cover-up into a dress or tie around your hair, and don’t forget a wear-with anything layered chain necklace to instantly dress up looks for evening.

Essential accessories: Sunglasses, Holland Cooper*; Citrus fruit print scarf, Powder; Necklace, from a selection at Phase Eight*; Metallic detail hat, Barts; Metallic sandals, Havaianas; Wedge espadrille, Toni Pons; Esme Cotton trainers, LK Bennett; Monogram Tote bag, Tommy Hilfiger

Your Holiday Dressing Made Simple

• Dressing on holiday is a great excuse to experiment with colour and print and try things you perhaps wouldn’t have tried before. Use this as an opportunity to mix things up and play with your looks, working bold pieces with your basics.

• Why buy a whole new wardrobe of clothes and accessories just for a week or two? You’re not. You are investing in multitasking summer wardrobe heroes that you can wear at home and

• While packing, think about each item and how it can be worn in multiple ways and dressed up or down. It’s worth taking the time to do this so you know exactly how many outfits you can make, then…

• Photograph all your outfit combinations before packing so you have an easy visual reference while you’re away.

Style from beach…

Take a simple dress and wear it over swimwear with sliders.

To day-trip…

Add a wedge sandal, your layered necklace and tie your printed scarf around the waist to take this dress from beach to bar and beyond.

Book a FREE styling session with Helen and the Elys Personal Styling team to tap into their in-depth knowledge of all brands in-store to show you the pieces which will suit you best as well as taking the stress out of your holiday dressing. Follow Helen @cocomamastyle on Instagram for more style inspiration.

Blue and white printed dress, Mint Velvet*

*Items available in-store at time of publishing