One of the best things about living in the UK is arguably our proximity to the Mediterranean. It may still take a short flight or a rather long Eurostar to get there, but in the grand scheme of things, those bright-blue seas are just a moment away. It’s so easy, in fact, that it makes the perfect destination for a quick, restorative week or even a long weekend away. The dream, of course, would be to while away weeks driving up and down Italy or hopping around the Greek Islands. I’m pretty sure I could spend months on the French Riviera. But since most of us have the reality of jobs to get back to, we’ll settle for a mini break for now.
The hardest part about going away for a short time, though, is knowing what to pack. Cutting down your usual summer rotation into a capsule of pieces that you can mix and match and ideally fit in just one small carry-on case is always a challenge. Luckily, the likelihood is it’s going to be nice weather, especially if you’re heading off in the height of summer, so a few light, breezy items and some great accessories should do the trick.
Whether you’re planning on sunning yourself in Sifnos, sipping Aperols on the Amalfi Coast or taking in those famous Ibizan sunsets, below you’ll find that I’ve done the hard work of figuring out what to pack for you. I’ve been keeping a close (albeit envious) eye on all the fashion people who have already been on European getaways this year and pinpointed the 12 key pieces that have made their holiday wardrobes so effortlessly cool. Of course, I’ve only focused on those timeless buys you’ll wear summer after summer, holiday after holiday, and most are so classic you’ll probably already own them. Keep scrolling to see my suggested capsule, and if you’re looking to fill any gaps, I’ve added links to these great summer investments as well.
Shop Our Mediterranean Mini-Break Capsule
1. White Dress
Style Notes: No matter where you’re heading, a simple white dress will take you from days to evenings effortlessly—and work just as well back home.
Shop White Dresses:
FREE-EST
Sorella Drop-Waist Midi
£88
This silhouette feels so fresh.
WAIMARI
+ Net Sustain Aurora Lace-Trimmed Embroidered Cotton-Blend Wrap Dress
£664
A wrap will always be universally flattering.
2. Linen Trousers
Style Notes: No 2024 holiday would be complete without a pair of linen trousers, and once you’ve found the perfect pair, you’ll wonder how your summer capsule ever lived without them.
Shop Linen Trousers:
COS
Wide-Leg Linen Drawstring Trousers
£65
Such a pretty shade of green.
ARKET
Linen Drawstring Trousers
£57
To wear on repeat.
3. Beach Shirt
Style Notes: Whether you opt for a long-sleeved linen, a crisp poplin or a printed silk short-sleeved number, a shirt is the versatile beach cover-up you never knew you needed.
Shop Beach Shirts:
YAITTE
Buoy Bespoke Wave Fil Coupé Shirt
£225
This wavy style is an update on the classic striped shirt. Love.
ARKET
Loose Linen Shirt
£77
Love the big sleeves on this one.
4. Something Crochet
Style Notes: Fashion people aren’t picky; any crochet item will do this summer. From maxi skirts to halterneck tops and beach dresses, there’s nothing else that will make your holiday wardrobe feel more elevated.
Shop Crochet:
SUNDAY IN BROOKLYN
Crochet Ruffle Tunic Maxi Dress
£140
The fringed detail adds that little something extra.
COS
Asymmetric Open-Knit Skirt
£95
Add over your favourite swimsuit.
5. Cute Hat
Style Notes: Practical and a great way to add personality to any holiday outfit. It’s a win-win.
Shop Hats:
COS
Crochet Bucket Hat
£40
Why not tick two trends off in one?
JIGSAW
Straw Bucket Hat in Natural
£60
So very chic.
6. Simple Sandals
Style Notes: The simpler the sandals the more versatile and timeless they’ll be.
Shop Sandals:
NEW LOOK
Black Leather-Look Chunky Toepost Sandals
£28
A forever classic.
JIGSAW
Asymmetrical Strappy Sandal in Black
£110
Silver hardware feels lighter for summer.
7. Black Swimsuit
Style Notes: Black swimsuits aren’t just universally flattering and perfect for that first day in the sun, but they’re also completely classic, and they’re much less likely to fade or discolour, so you can wear them for years.
Shop Swimsuits:
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Cutout Embellished Swimsuit
£360
The cutouts and gold detail makes this one extra special.
COS
Ruched Bandeau Swimsuit
£75
Add a chunky necklace and wide-leg trousers for an evening look.
8. Shorts-and-Shirt Set
Style Notes: Everyone can’t stop wearing shorts-and-shirt sets this summer, whether it’s for a date in the city or while exploring the continent.
Shop Short Sets:
COS
Short-Sleeved Linen Shirt
£55
You could also tuck this versatile style into blue jeans.
COS
Elasticated Linen Shorts
£55
Longer length shorts are a thing this summer.
ALIGNE
Normandie Balloon-Sleeve Cotton Shirt
£89
Love the sleek neckline on this shirt.
REFORMATION
Nora Striped Shorts
£69
Beach-ready.
9. Basket Bag
Style Notes: The easiest and most reliable way to make any holiday outfit look polished? Add a woven basket bag.
Shop Basket Bags:
LOEWE
X Paula’s Ibiza Anagram Basket Bag
£695
Loewe’s basket bags are unmatched.
COS
Market Mini Tote
£85
The shape makes this mini basket look so premium.
10. Underwired Bikini
Style Notes: The bikini shape fashion people have been turning to for a good few years now is the underwired bra style. The return of the triangle may be offering up a pretty good challenge, but if you prefer a bit more support, don’t miss out on packing one of these classic swimwear pieces.
Shop Bikinis:
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
Sol Ruched Bikini Top
£95
Brown is the new black.
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
Andez Bikini Briefs
£85
Love the style of these bottoms.
FARM RIO
Coconut Underwire Bikini Top
£120
How sweet is this print?
FARM RIO
Coconut Reversible Bikini Bottom
£105
An easy way to try mismatched prints.
11. Cool Sunnies
Style Notes: From oval cat-eye to oversized styles and rectangular acetate frames, your eyewear is the accessory to have fun with. The one rule? Anything goes.
Shop Sunglasses:
CELINE EYEWEAR
Triomphe Oversized Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
£440
The perfect everyday pair.
LOEWE EYEWEAR
Screen Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
£310
Chic sunglasses are always worth the extra spend.
12. Fun Evening Dress
Style Notes: There’s just something special about dressing up for dinner on holiday after a long hard day by the pool, isn’t there? A fun dress to wear on those balmy evenings is a summer-capsule wardrobe piece you’ll be grateful for. Backless, slip, bright or strappy—take your pick.
Shop Evening Dresses:
ANTHROPOLOGIE
The Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Slip Dress
£128
You could also add a gold chain belt.
ASOS CURVE
Midi Dress
£50
You can re-wear this as a wedding guest outfit post-holiday.
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