From comfy denim shorts to a shell print dress, here are my top picks
As a fashion writer it’s my day job to scour the high street for the best clothing buys, finding everything from the denim shorts with the most flattering fit to comfy yet chic wedding guest dresses. Knowing what to buy for a holiday can be tricky, especially if you have limited space in your suitcase, plus the cost of a new holiday haul can add up.
Since I shop for a living, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite buys that I’d snap up if I was jetting off somewhere sunny soon rather than getting caught in downpours in good old Blighty. Is that Ibiza I hear calling my name?
From pretty warm weather dresses to practical yet stylish summer shoes and bags, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite high street finds. The best bit? They all cost £30 or less.
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Boden Belle Broderie Sleeve Top – £22 (originally £44)
Boden’s Belle Broderie Sleeve Top is now 50% off and is a great basic to take in your holiday suitcase. It’s essentially a staple white top that’ll go with all manner of pieces from denim shorts to maxi skirts, but the frill sleeves give it a dressier feel than your standard vest or tee.
One Boden shopper who purchased the top said: “Beautiful colour, great design – nice bit of fabric under the sleeve to ensure your bra isn’t on show! Nice touch – cleverly thought out.”
One reviewer did have reservations about the top’s shoulder detail, writing: “I loved the colour, but unfortunately the shoulders were just too wide and looked odd so I had to return.”
The top, which is also available in four other colours, is super versatile and its 100% cotton material means it’ll be breathable in the heat.
New Look Navy Shell Print Satin V-Neck Midi Dress – £22 (originally £37)
You can’t go wrong with shell and lobster print which are huge news this summer. As a neutral girl I tend to steer clear of anything too bright, so I love that this New Look Navy Shell Print Satin V-Neck Midi Dress comes in a darker hue.
The Dress is perfect for summer evenings thanks to the figure skimming fit and flutter sleeves that add a feminine touch. I’d style the dress with a straw clutch bag and some strappy sandals.
Whilst I really love the design of this dress, I reckon that the cut on the bust area may come up small if you have a fuller bust. That being said, I like that the dress has small sleeves which is handy if you’re conscious of your arms.
Marks and Spencer Woven Top Handle Shopper – £25
M&S do an amazing selection of bags, and this woven top handle shopper works great for holidays thanks to its roomy interior and beachy straw-like material. It’s also available in pink if you fancy adding a pop of colour to your wardrobe, but personally I like that the neutral hue goes with anything.
One shopper who purchased the bag from M&S said: “Excellent bag. Good quality, comfortable strap, very pleased.” Another did mention they’d found the bag a little irritating to use, writing: “Ok bag for the price. A little too big for me and has an inside cotton bag that is not fixed, so slips around and needs sewing in.”
Despite this, I think it’s a good all-rounder for summer, especially if you’ve only got room in your suitcase for one bag.
H&M White Linen Shirt – £28
A linen shirt is a summer staple and will work harder than most other things in your wardrobe. Wear it buttoned up with denim shorts for a day out exploring, or wear it over a bikini as a cover-up, the possibilities are endless. This white Linen Shirt from H&M is made from 100% linen meaning it’ll be breathable in sticky weather.
One customer who purchased the shirt did say as part of their review: “The fabric does have a slightly stiff/scratchy feel but hoping it softens up with wear and washing. I’m also hoping it doesn’t shrink when I wash it!”
Despite this, the shirt has a 4.7 average star rating out of a possible five on H&M’s website. One happy purchaser said ‘This is the best linen shirt I have ever owned.’
ASOS Design Soft Denim Pull On Short – £22
These ASOS Design soft pull on shorts are a great alternative for when it’s too warm to wear rigid denim. Thanks to the lightweight material, these shorts give the same vibe as their more structured denim counterparts but are much comfier.
The shorts, which are available in UK sizes 10-18, can also be purchased with a matching top for £24, giving you a co-ord that can also be worn as separates when teamed with other items in your wardrobe. The only drawback I can see with these denim shorts is that they don’t seem to have a drawstring detail at the front, only a stretch panel at the back.
Next High Neck Essential Shaping Swimsuit – £18
Next’s High Neck Essential Shaping Swimsuit is available in a staple black colour or a blue patterned print. The classic design looks chic and shoppers love the costume as it comes in both regular and petite sizes.
One said: “Excellent quality and brilliant to be able to buy a petite costume. Please could you do it in other colours.” One thing to note is that one customer felt the material was ‘see-through’ whilst another said it was ‘too thin.’
Despite this, a different customer was pleased with the fit and price tag, writing: “Fits perfect and the material looks great, definitely recommend. The price is affordable.”
PLT Square Toe Thong Flat Sandals – £16
A staple pair of black sandals will see you through many a holiday look and the gold toned detail on these Square Toe Thong Sandals adds a chic touch.
The sandals are available in UK shoe sizes 3-8 and also come in white. One slight drawback I can see with these shoes is that the thong toe could potentially be a little uncomfortable for those who aren’t used to it, but I love the barely-there design.
Mango Draped Shirt Dress – £23 (originally £50)
Ideal for a city break or beach holiday evenings, this Mango Draped Shirt Dress features a flattering draped detail that gives it a figure-hugging shape without being uncomfortable. I’d keep the look simple and team this gorgeous dress with white shoes and a straw bag.
Whilst I love the cut of this dress, if you’re fuller busted I think it could mean the dress may gape at the chest if you want it cinched round the waist. However, I do think the dress is a classic and won’t date, meaning you could dig it out year after year.
Amazon Reoria Thong Bodysuit – £20
There’s little worse than wearing a bra during sweaty weather so I love this Amazon Reoria Bodysuit for warmer wdays. It has a thong detail so it won’t give a VPL and it has a double lined fabric which makes it supportive. I’ve tried Reoria bodysuits before and can vouch for their quality. It’s currently available in five colours.
One shopper said however, that they found the bodysuit ‘runs a tad small’ though another described it as ‘waist smoothing.’ I love that the bodysuit can be styled with skirts, shorts, and trousers for maximum wear.
New Look Pink Fruit Print Frill Trim Midi Dress – £20 (originally £35)
In case you hadn’t guessed, I tend to stick to neutral pieces on holiday, but if you like a pop of colour then the fruit print on this Pink Fruit Print Frill Trim Midi Dress from New Look makes it a really fun option.
Whether you’re hitting up the all inclusive buffet or exploring the local bars, this on-sale dress has been described by one shopper on New Look’s website as: “A lovely dress, it’s stunning on.”
Whilst the leg slit may be annoying for some, I like that the dress has an elasticated rear waist for extra comfort.