6 styling tricks to transform your holiday wardrobe
From bright bangles to printed scarves, these accessory ideas will breathe new life into sunny-weather styling
When it comes to holidays, are you the sort of packer who gets preoccupied with how many swimsuits you can squeeze into a cabin bag? Don’t forget the real stars of your holiday wardrobe: playful accessories. ‘Holidays are a great excuse to break out of your comfort zone and try out new things,’ advises Lucy Walker, fashion editor and stylist. ‘A few well-chosen accessories will elevate any look.’
Simplicity is key – rather than fretting over whether your printed separates will go with each other, pack plain pieces and use hard-working accessories to lift your outfits. Case in point: this Kin belt bag (above), which will punctuate floaty dresses and also double up as a chic pochette. ‘I always carry a leather clutch,’ says Lucy. ‘I use it as a travel wallet on the way and an evening bag on arrival.’ Clever.
Anything made from straw instantly signals summer, which is where hats and basket bags come in. ‘A wide-brim sun hat will add a touch of riviera glamour to a simple one-piece swimsuit,’ says Lucy. Go bold with bags – the more embellishment the better – and don’t just save them for holiday. When the sun is shining back home, pom-pom bags look great against denim and khaki.
Chunky bangles and statement earrings are another easy win, because they’re low-maintenance yet big on impact. ‘I always carry a pair of earrings in my suitcase as they help take me from beach to bar in seconds,' says Lucy. Pop several pairs in a small drawstring pouch and you’ll never be short of options. Resin styles are timeless, fun and weigh next to nothing.
A holiday setting is the perfect opportunity to broaden your sunglasses collection. ‘Save your classic frames, like Wayfarers, for day to day,’ says Lucy. ‘Don’t be afraid to experiment with more adventurous styles.’
And finally, don’t forget your head – a printed silk scarf is great for tying up messy beach hair. And it’s versatile, too. ‘Tie it to the handles of a beach bag or wear it around your neck to add interest to an oversized shirt,’ suggests Lucy.
