The summer trips I booked earlier in the year are fast approaching, which means my hunt for the chicest holiday wardrobe staples has officially begun.
I have to admit, I’ve always found holiday dressing quite difficult. It can be very tempting to buy into the latest fad or trend for my travels abroad, but in my opinion, looking put-together will always be difficult if you don't have the core basics in place. Therefore, my goal this summer holiday season is to stick to the polished staples I usually find myself in at home.
With this in mind, I decided to go on the hunt for seven easy-to-wear yet chic pieces that will see me through my upcoming holidays as well as many years to come. And after hours of searching online, scrolling through my Instagram feed, and chatting to my fellow editors, I’ve managed to narrow my search down to seven holiday wardrobe staples that I’ll be taking with me this season.
From stylish swimwear to breezy linen, keep scrolling to discover the seven effortless but elegant staples that are making the foundations of my summer 2026 holiday capsule wardrobe.
1. Throw-On Dress
Style notes: With the ability to be taken from day to night with just a few simple wardrobe swaps, a throw-on dress will be the most hard-working piece in your holiday capsule wardrobe by far. Me personally? I’d style mine with flip flops and a basket bag for perusing around the city, and then kitten heels and a statement clutch for an evening out.
Shop the Staple:
H&M
Asymmetric Dual-Fabric Dress
ANINE BING
Flora Gathered Lyocell and Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
With Nothing Underneath
Blenheim Dress
2. Linen Trousers
Style notes: Linen season is here! And a pair of pull-on trousers will not only keep you cool, but can be styled in a myriad of different ways, from being pulled over your swimsuit at the beach to being styled with a pretty blouse for evenings.
Shop the Staple:
H&M
Wide Linen-Blend Trousers
COS
Relaxed Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Trousers
ANDRES OTALORA
La Promesa Linen Wide-Leg Pants
ZARA
Zw Collection 100% Linen Pleated Trousers
3. Tank Top
Style notes: Tank tops are a year-round basic, but they really come into their own when on holiday. Acting as the base layer for so many of my vacation outfits, I’m planning to invest in this trusty wardrobe staple in at least 3 colours.
Shop the Staple:
TOMMY HILFIGER
Ribbed Scoop Neck Slim Tank Top
COS
Ribbed Cotton Tank Top
Prada
Ribbed Knit Tank Top
4. Sunglasses
Style notes: No summer capsule roundup is complete without a pair of sunnies. Although I currently have my eyes on Celine’s iconic pair, there are a myriad of high street options that look just as expensive as their luxury counterparts.
Shop the Staple:
CELINE
Cl000312 Cl40194u Tortoiseshell-Pattern Oval-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
& other stories
Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses
5. Flip-Flops
Style notes: Whether you opt for a rubbery poolside appropriate sole or a sleeker leather iteration, you reach for your flip flops for almost every occasion on your holiday.
Shop the Staple:
Toteme - INT
Croco-Embossed Flip Flops Black - 35
A.Emery
Kinto Leather Thong Sandals
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Saionara Jelly Flip Flops
6. Swimsuit
Style notes: I’m very much a pared-back dresser for most of the year, so when I’m on holidays, I use my swimsuits to inject some playfulness into my wardrobe. Think interesting textures, bold colours and pretty details.
Shop the Staple:
AWAY THAT DAY
Cannes Two-Tone Gathered Recycled Stretch Swimsuit
Hunza G
Coverage Square Neck Swimwear
M&S
Tummy Control Deep Plunge Swimsuit
ERES
Les Essentiels Effigie One-Shoulder Swimsuit
7. Raffia Bag
Style notes: When travelling around a new city, I always like to stay prepared. And there’s no chicer way to carry around all of my belongings than with a raffia tote. My personal favourites are Miu Miu's and Loewe's cult styles, but there are plenty of other options on the market right now as well.
Shop the Staple:
Miu Miu
Raffia-Effect Woven Tote Bag
loewe
Small Anagram basket bag in iraca palm and calfskin
COS
Hand-Woven Market Tote
ZARA
Mini Raffia Tote Bag