Or more simply put ‘what I wore on my hols’, but this title sounded better..!
As you may know, ‘peacocking’ on holiday is my thing – I always save up my favourite items to take away with me, and I pack by planning outfits so everything goes with each other. I thought I’d share some images and tips here as not everything goes on Instagram these days…
1. Mules add an instant ‘relaxed’ vibe to your outfit
I must admit, they do involve a bit of commitment but once you soften to a mule slider, they’re such an easy holiday shoe. I love wearing them with jeans, skirt and dresses where sometimes a different shoe would look too clumpy.
2. It’s okay, this season, for your inspiration to come from a stick of rock…
In fact, candy stripes are most definitely in. I’ve gone for the more British seaside red and white variety and loving the boldness.
This skirt could look girly (which isn’t a bad thing, either), but I’ve worn with flats and a logo tee so it keeps with my boyish style. Sorry, this skirt sold out in a day via Instagram but I will let you in on a purchase I made via Mango where I will, literally, channel Brighton Rock:
Can’t face doing it head to toe? Try a shirt with jeans – I have this H&M version from a few years back in grey and it’s one of my most useful items in my wardrobe…
3. Do try yellow…
I know, I know, I’m a terrible blogger as everything I wear is sold out…but trust me, yellow is turning into the colour of the season. And where better to try it than on holiday with a tan?
4. It’s the summer of the earring…
If it’s not engrained in your brain now, I just haven’t been doing my job very well at all. It’s a great way to try a trend as well – especially those tropical colours. I took a few bold coloured earrings but also a pair of everyday hoops with turquoise detail from Astley Clarke from their new Alexander Calder collection (which I fell in love with last London Fashion Week) – I have been wearing them most days and then swap them in the evening for a more statement pair.
5. Try a long maxi as a cover-up…
I know it sounds like an oxymoron but a long shirt dress is actually a perfect dress for ‘wafting’ around in. It covers you up plenty and you can have it as buttoned/unbuttoned as suits you…And they also look great half done up over a pair of shorts.
6. A crop-top doesn’t have to be revealing…
Again, another trend that’s doing the rounds – but it needn’t mean you have to get your midriff out. Sometimes it can be the meeting point of a high waisted skirt or trouser with a shorter top. Or try just flashing a slither of the area around your ribcage – it can be quite freeing!
It’s all about proportion – balance a cropped top with a wide leg trouser and a hoop earring for Riviera chic – and just add sleeves if you want to be more covered:
That’s almost it for the holiday posts (whilst we’re trying to get back into the swing of work/life/renovations) – next up it will be all about where we loved in Barcelona…
Your way of packing sounds so familiar, all my favourite things, in one colour palette, I may get a bit anally retentive and start making lists way in advance of departure date.
But the upside is that I don’t over pack very much, it’s usually those items that are there to cover every weather eventuality that remain unworn, and I get to wear my favourite outfits.
It’s only recently I’ve found out I’m not alone in this….
I love a list, too! I have a checklist too which I mark off! So true – I always have pretty much a ‘holiday only’ part to my wardrobe!
All great summer looks!
Liv
http://livforstyle.net
There are loads of the red skirt in stores in London. I like it but for £80 I think it should have a proper waistband!
That’s good to know! I actually quite liked the elasticated waist but know what you mean – I didn’t expect it to be so pricey! x
Did you say on the white maxi river island maxi dress that some may be released online again? It’s really gorgeous on you. Great hol pics, love everything you put together.
Yes but….think it came in and sold out again – before I could even do an Insta on it 🙁
Hi Alex, what is the tan you use? I know you have said before, but can’t remember! Thanks xx
I use a few different ones! Lately it’s been Xen Tan on the face and then James Read sleep serum I can’t get enough of – it goes on clear, doesn’t rub off on sheets and you wake up ‘glowy’ not orange xx
Thanks! X
That River Island white dress with eyelets is the prettiest, Alex, you look gorgeous! Such a cool roundup. Will definitely be more conscious when packing this summer so that everything I include can cover several outfits. I have a couple of dresses that are dying to be worn in my wardrobe but have the “hols” tag on them so… 😛
Saida
Thank you…yes I’m so guilty of ‘holiday’ only but luckily with this British weather i think I *might get some extra use out of everything x
I love yellow…but it doesn’t love me back! That dress looks fab on you though x
I honestly don’t think I’ve worn it until this year! And think it’s all about the tone….canary yellow only works with a tan on me!
Such beautiful and creative photos !!
Nice pictures..
Please can you let me know what the sizing is like for the Sezane t-shirt? Not sure whether to go for a S or a M when I’m usually a size 10… Thanks for your help! x
I am a size 10 and have the medium – as I hate tees that cling x
Such creative photos
Thank you for sharing the advice, it’s helpful for me 😀 Love that white dress <3
http://gmailqa.com
Love this set
Do you know when the red striped H&M shirt will be available, or is it in stores only? I can’t find it online. Thanks 🙂 x
Sorry I think it came in and went, I saw Katherine Ormerod in it shortly after – and she might have triggered a stampede! x
I wore the outfit with the yellow H&M dress and the woven bag over the weekend, and the bag completely shredded the dress. It was my favourite dress of the summer too! And it’s sold out! Devastated. I don’t recommend that Wood/Grey bag, it might look pretty but it damages everything that I wear with it, unless I wear jeans. The ends of the bamboo stick out from the bag and snag clothing.
Was wondering if you’ve found the same and whether you’ve come up with a way to stop the bag ripping your outfits? Would love to hear it if so. xx
oh no!!! Such a shame….I haven’t had any problems so far x
Hi Alex Can’t stop loving what you post and what you wear. Always a big fan.
The red skirt by Hm made my summer in Rome a fashioned one and I love the river island maxi dress but was unable to get it. Think of me if you want to sell it one day !!!!
Best wishes for the last weeks of your pregnancy. You look awesome as always
Thank you! Will let you know! xxx