“I’m A Style Editor & These Are The 9 Pieces I Won’t Go On Holiday Without”
As summer plans get underway, it’s time to consider what you’ll be adding to your suitcase. Our Style Editor, Ashling McCloy, reveals her all-time summer packing essentials.
1. The throw-on dress
I’ll start with the non-negotiable: an easy, am-pm dress. You know the kind: the one that will work on the sashay to the pool or the bar. Not too structured, not too formal, simply something you can throw on and instantly feel good in.
For me, it’s usually all about the midi or maxi. Good coverage, offering both laid-back holiday vibes and easy elegance. If I’m after a last-minute buy, Topshop is my go-to. For affordability, it will always be H&M, but I can equally rely on Mango, Cos and & Other Stories.
2. An oversized shirt
One of the hardest-working pieces in my holiday wardrobe. It doubles as the coolest poolside cover-up and the chicest partner to linen trousers or denim cut-offs. This season, I’ve got my eye on the Sóller Shirt from the latest Wear Nothing Underneath x Lucy Williams collaboration. Designed in London and crafted in Portugal, the collection is a masterclass in laid-back ease and understated simplicity.
3. Denim shorts
My old faithfuls. Never at home, but on holiday, out come the jorts. Over the years, I’ve found my fave styles from Topshop, Mango and Agolde. I look for the perfect combo of comfort and cut, but I’m particularly partial to a higher waist and a longer leg. Working as the perfect match to my tees, boho tops and oversized shirts, they are the bottoms that keep on giving.
Comfortable, cool and timeless, my denim shorts come on every sunny getaway.
4. Feel-good swimwear
To be fair, this is a given, but the emphasis is on ‘feel-good’. As ever, I often rely on the high street. I’m talking Arket, Mango, Cos and Whistles. My swimsuit repertoire consists of bikinis and one-piece styles, either in a strong, bold block colour or, if a print, polka dots or stripes.
5. Essential sunnies
When it comes to my summer packing essentials, sunnies are always first in my bag. And not just one pair – oh no – a well-edited rotation is key to keeping things feeling fresh. My collection spans both designer and high-street finds, with a soft spot for classic aviators and sharp cat-eye silhouettes. Right now, I’m reaching for an angular cat-eye pair from & Other Stories, which offers an effortlessly polished look with just the right amount of attitude.
A varied collection of sunglasses offers an instant update to any outfit, not to mention protection from those rays.
6. A hold-all bag
This is the bag that does it all, my plane carry-on by day, beach bag by landing. It’s one holiday essential I’m happy to invest in, given the sheer amount it has to carry (and withstand). Form matters just as much as function: it needs to look the part while working hard behind the scenes. A past favourite was the Darwin bag from Isabel Marant, but I’m currently in the market for a fresh new addition.
7. A wide-brimmed sun hat
I genuinely panic if I forget a hat. After years of undoing the damage of my sun-worshipping youth, it’s now as non-negotiable as my SPF 50. So, unsurprisingly, a classic straw fedora comes with me on every trip. Mine is from & Other Stories, but the high street delivers plenty of chic options, from Accessorize to H&M. If you’re looking for the ultimate investment number, then definitely look to Lack of Color.
8. Linen trousers
These timeless pants strike that elusive balance between polish and ease, sharply tailored yet inherently relaxed. They skim the body with just enough structure, offering a clean silhouette that still feels effortless in the heat. Something that leans into those chilled evenings, sipping on sundowner cocktails, that I love.
On the high street, H&M delivers accessible, cool takes, while COS, as ever, delivers modern minimalism. For something with a softer, more feminine drape, Reformation captures that undone, West Coast ease. The result is a warm-weather staple that feels considered, contemporary and endlessly wearable.
9. Tan (go with everything) sandals
I’ll admit that I don’t bring just one pair of shoes on my hols. However, if I were limited, I would always opt for some tan sandals. Why? Because they go with everything from my Style Editor summer picks, including that throw-on dress and denim shorts. My first go-to will always be my Birkenstocks.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
