There’s a lot of things to like about bank holidays, not least the fact that you can spend the worst day of the week in bed watching Netflix, or outside doing something fun if that’s more your thing. The May bank holiday might just be my favourite of them all, though. Summer is in the air, and that means it’s time to do a wardrobe refresh. Luckily, it also happens to be one that a lot of fashion brands like to celebrate with some seriously good flash sales.
Now, we’re not talking the end of season dregs, here. Bank holiday discounts usually mean offers on new-in items you’ve only just put on your wish list. And since this weekend comes at a time when I want to invest in both transitional and warm weather styles I know I’ll be wanting to wear in the coming months.
Scrolling through endless pages of sales searching for the best deals can be more than a little boring, though, especially when you’ve got plenty of other plans you’d rather be enjoying. But that’s where I come in. Before team Who What Wear *slam our laptops shut* for the long weekend, I’ve done you all a favour by researching and scouring all of the bank holiday fashion I could find, in order to report back on the very best ones you actually need to know about. Yes, you can thank me later.
From Whistles and Hush capsule staples, to Jigsaw’s warm-weather dresses, there’s plenty of versatile buys here that you’ll rely on all season and beyond. And that’s truly the sign of a great sale buy. I’ve even tracked down great deals on iconic pieces, from that Whistles’ waistcoat to a Valentino bag courtesy of Luisa Via Roma that I’ve had my eye on for months. Rixo has added more pieces to its archive sale, with up to 50% off striking styles, whilst Harvey Nichols is offering 30% of selected summer styles ready to jump straight into your wardrobe. And if classics with a contemporary edge is what you desire, find the best Jigsaw dresses for less below.
Okay, enough time wasted. Keep scrolling to see and shop the seven best bank holiday sales that were too good for me to gatekeep, along with the key buys I’d recommend investing in this year…
The Best Bank Holiday Sales
Whistles 20% Off Everything
Luisa Via Roma Up to 60% Off
Hush 15% Off Everything
Rixo 50% Off Archive
Harvey Nichols 30% Off Selected Styles
Jigsaw 25% Off Dresses
John Lewis Up to 20% Off
1. Whistles
Whistles is offering 20% off, including some of their most iconic pieces like the Clean Bonded Leather Jacket and that waistcoat. There’s plenty of treasures our editors rely on through all seasons, along with many more forever styles.
WHISTLES
Lindsey Linen Blend Waistcoat
£99£79
We’ve already styled this in so many ways for the summer. Also available in petite.
WHISTLES
Zoelle Straw Tote Bag
£109£87
A basket bag will see you through the summer days in the city or abroad.
WHISTLES
Anna Dress
£139£111
An easy throw on dress, just add accessories.
WHISTLES
Stripe Relaxed Fit Shirt
£79£63
A classic piece you’ll turn to over and over again.
WHISTLES
Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
£449£359
This also comes in a classic black, and petite sizes.
WHISTLES
Poplin Shirred Dress
£159£127
From the office to picnics in the park.
2. Luisa Via Roma
Luisa Via Roma has a seriously good roster of contemporary brands and iconic designers, so when a sale arrives I definitely pay attention. Right now, explore a selection of seriously chic accessories up to 60% off.
BEMBIEN
Clara Rattan Beach Bag
£236£165
This could easily pass for double its original price.
KHAITE
5mm Marcy Leather Ballerinas
£700£490
I can’t believe these elegant ballerinas are still in stock.
DEMELLIER
Vancouver Raffia Shoulder Bag
£415£249
A modern summer classic.
VALENTINO GARAVANI
V Logo Leather Shoulder Bag
£3000£1800
Every wardrobe deserves a timeless black bag, and the strap on this can be adjusted for shoulder or crossbody wear.
MAX MARA
10mm Leather Thong Thong Sandals
£570£285
A minimalist and refined take on classic sandals.
FERRAGAMO
Cutout Leather Tote Bag
£2155£1508
I haven’t stopped thinking about this bag since I first saw it.
3. Hush
Summer has arrived, and Hush’s expensive-looking staples are set to be ideal for a warm-weather capsule wardrobe. From beach-ready dresses to floaty skirts, there’s a lot to covet in this sale selection, at 15% off everything.
HUSH
Grace Lightweight Maxi Dress
£79£67
I honestly thought this was designer when I first saw it.
HUSH
Ishani Maxi Poplin Skirt
£79£67
Fashion people are already styling floaty maxi skirts with everything from simple tank top to boho blouses.
HUSH
Raye Linen Straight Leg Trousers
£85£72
An icon of summertime, linen trousers will be the centre of so many outfits.
HUSH
Indy Oversized Stripe Shirt
£79£67
I’d pair this with the white linen trousers above.
HUSH
Billy Beach Jumpsuit
£79£67
Light, easy and ready to join you on your next holiday.
HUSH
Elissia Striped Cotton Wide Leg Trousers
£75£64
This striped pair is so elevated you can wear them from the office to coffee dates and well beyond.
4. Rixo
Known for excellent dresses, you can count on us taking note when Rixo’s striking dresses are 50% off. From sunny day styles to evening pieces, explore the brilliant pieces below.
RIXO
Agyness – Rose Blush
£305£155
I can easily see this with sandals and a basket bag.
RIXO
Mykonos – Onyx Palm
£265£135
The monochromatic print can be accentuated with bold coloured accessories.
RIXO
Abella – Ocean Sage
£275£140
Pure perfection.
RIXO
Khaleesha – Black Bunch
£325£165
There’s so many occasions you’ll want to wear this.
RIXO
Indigo – Umbrella Floral Black
£295£150
No matter the season, you’ll find yourself dressing up in this dress.
RIXO
Anela – Tulip Cloud Black
£295£149
The addition of red shoes is perfection.
5. Harvey Nichols
With a keen eye of standout brands a new names to know, Harvey Nichols seasonal savings at 30% off. Find chic tailored shorts, airy linen pieces, and an array of accessories you’ll rely on for years to come.
HARRIS WHARF LONDON
Wide-Leg Shorts
£250£175
Bring your tailoring into the summertime.
BOTTEGA VENETA
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
£280£208
Sleek, elegant, and a warm-weather essential.
CHLOE
Mony Medium Leather Tote
£2090£1551
This has already made its way into my basket.
ZIMMERMANN
Alight Linen and Ramie Mini Dress
£875£650
I’ve long coveted Zimmermann’s beautiful dresses, now I can snap it up for less.
VEJA
V-12 Leather Sneakers
£150£111
There’s no bad time to add reliable white trainers into your wardrobe.
ZIMMERMANN
Matchmaker Wide-Leg Linen Trousers
£650
The chicest linen trousers around.
6. Jigsaw
In celebration of the long weekend, Jigsaw is offering 25% off its brilliant selection of dresses. There’s bold shade, reliable neutrals, and plenty of styles ready to be dressed up or down for all occasions.
JIGSAW
Linen Sundress
£145£108
Yes, it has pockets.
JIGSAW
Stripe Jersey Dress
£135£101
The ruching waist adds dimension to this piece.
JIGSAW
Linen Waistcoat Dress
£175£131
There’s no denying how chic brown shades are.
JIGSAW
Linen Sleeveless Jumpsuit
£165£123
There’s a distinct elegance to this jumpsuit.
JIGSAW
Cotton Stitched Pleat Dress
£165£123
From the colour to the cinched waist to the bold buttons, there’s so many thoughtful details about this dress.
JIGSAW
Ruched Jersey Dress
£165£123
No one can deny the flattering appeal of a ruched dress.
7. John Lewis
With a plethora of excellent brands under its name, John Lewis is offering up to 20% off womenswear styles right now. Find classic sandals, pretty dresses and accessories galore.
BIRKENSTOCK
Arizona Narrow Fit Birko Flor Double Strap Sandals
£80£72
Birkenstock season is here, and I’m snapping up a pair before they sell out.
NOBODY’S CHILD
Birdie Organic Cotton Blouse
£55£44
There’s so many pretty details to this blouse.
JOHN LEWIS
Large Jute Tote Bag
£79£63
The black and jute contrast adds to the expensive feel of this bag.
ALBARAY
Organic Cotton Shirred Waist Sleeveless Dress
£95£76
I predict this will be a favourite.
HUSH
Brinley Buckle Toe Post Sandals
£99£84
Refined, understated and sure to go with all your summer heroes.
NOBODY’S CHILD
Starlight Puff Sleeve Midaxi Dress
£85£69
Nobody’s Child is known for brilliant dresses.
EXPLORE MORE:
WHISTLES HOW TO SHOP SUMMER SALES SALE SHOPPING SLATED SALE COVERAGE
