The May Bank Holiday weekend often brings a dilemma: what to wear when the weather is unpredictable and plans vary from city breaks to beach days. To help you pack with confidence, our fashion editors have curated their top picks for every type of getaway.
Katherine Spenley, Inspire Magazine Editor
Optimism is key, but after a rooftop supper was rained off last Bank Holiday, I am choosing to trust the forecast this time. My weekend involves catching up with friends and family in London and the Cotswolds. For a rose-soaked lobster roll supper on the terrace at the Marylebone Hotel, I will pair a Wiggy Kit denim wrap dress with a sweater from Herd draped over my shoulders. If the weather turns, I will opt for Frame’s Pencil jeans with a shirt from With Nothing Underneath, a cashmere cap borrowed from my husband, and a Veronica Beard tweed jacket with a cosy cashmere insert. For footwear, I have recently fallen in love with Flabelus and am coveting these bright yellow ones, although a more neutral colour is the sensible choice. I also love a striped skirt from KJ’s Laundry, paired with a T-shirt from The White Company or a shirt from Palome and a linen sweater from NavyGrey. Accessories include pearls from Alexandra Cordon and Linda Farrow sunnies.
Maria Coole, Inspire Magazine Deputy Editor
I am heading west to Wales, to Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula, one of the world’s most beautiful sandy beaches. The huge beach is backed by limestone cliffs with a ruined castle, a salt marsh, and a stream flowing to the sea. I need a wardrobe with layers. I am buying up the JWA collab at Uniqlo, so their baggy jeans are a no-brainer. Pink Adidas trainers say summer is here. For evening drinks in local pubs, I will wear Zara’s coveted dress with John Lewis cat-eye sunnies. Other essentials include a striped top from Clary & Peg, a Free People L.L.Bean tote, an M&S bomber jacket, and a Hush embroidered sweatshirt.
Amy Kester, Deputy Fashion Editor
I love Italy and have decided to head to Verona for a long weekend. Knowing the weather will be 25 degrees plus, I will pack a lightweight shirt and shorts set from Mint Velvet and my trusted Dune Loupe sandals. A woven bag from Anthropologie is perfect for travelling and evenings out. For cooler evenings, I will bring a lace top from Arket and a collarless blazer from H&M. I also love the Cos Facade straight leg jeans and accessories like the Daisy Estée Lalonde ring stack and Liberty bangle set.
Dinah Van Tulleken, Fashion Editor
After too many windswept bank holidays in Norfolk, I am escaping to the south of France. Staying in the Languedoc region, days will be spent cycling around local villages. A capsule wardrobe is essential. A linen dress from Arkitaip is the hardest-working item, thrown over swimwear or dressed up for dinner. An embroidered jacket from East lifts simple separates. Natural fibres are non-negotiable, including boxer-style linen shorts from With Nothing Underneath and a crisp white linen shirt. Summer trainers from Hoff in crochet styles are lightweight and fun. For the beach, a striped swimsuit from & Other Stories doubles as a top with linen shorts. Accessories include M&S sunglasses, a Uniqlo hat, and Monica Vinader earrings.
