From Holiday Shirts To Summer Skirts: What You Need To Pack For The Perfect Summer Holiday

A summer holiday beckons with a wardrobe of chic supporting acts.

There are days idled away by the pool or the beach. There are special occasions and outdoor soirees. There are picnics and fiestas (and hopefully loads of siestas).

Yes, summer has arrived and with it an endless parade of events and places to be, people to see. Or not.

Wherever you are over summer, a supportive wardrobe that can take you from beach to pool to party in one fell swoop is ideal. Whether it’s resort-inspired fashion or summer dresses that do double duty as acceptable attire for a dreamy picnic or a New Year’s Eve rave, finding the right clothes to pack for a summer holiday requires some tact.

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There’s an art to holiday dressing that doesn’t require a lot of thinking. Dressing for summer shouldn’t take up too much brain space - this season is about switching off and unwinding, so consider clothes that help you get into that state of being. Soft and lightweight cotton and linen separates you can mix and match are key.

So too is a decent party outfit you can wear for the several festive occasions you’ll be attending over the break.

Campy holiday shirts that feel languid and free are easy to pack down into a weekend carrier tote, so too is a well-made skirt that works around the clock with a decent pair of sandals.

The mood for summer is to pack light but pack well. Custom shell accessories are optional.

Treasure Island

A top sculpted to the torso is a design concept taken out of the late and great Dame Vivienne Westwood’s playbook. Locally, that same sense of romance has infiltrated the upcycled vision of local designer Joelle Rueckert and her slow fashion brand Riel. Joelle has released a range of great tops for summer that easily segue between casual and formal settings, the draped cotton Awa top is a prime example of this. Riel top $209. Another label with a focus on small runs is Viva Next Gen designer Tess McCone and her label Su’mar, which offers up a range of summer skirts made for wafting about. This pillowy (and aptly named) "Cloud" skirt, $285, is made with the season’s most important trim: an elasticated waist.

Into the Blue

We’ve collated a range of great swimwear options to invest in this summer - from versatile bikinis and tank tops to board shorts and adaptive swimwear. When it comes to shopping local options, one standout collection comes via Maggie Marilyn’s collaborative swimwear capsule with renowned Australian swimwear brand Fella. Featuring the brand’s bespoke prints and colourways, this gingham one-piece, $270, is fully lined and perfect for the beach or layering under a sarong or jeans post-swim. Beach Brains shirt $289. Kowtow tote bag $149. This Kowtow option is the perfect-sized tote for all your beach essentials. It is made from organic cotton denim. Jane Eppstein fish pendant $265.

Colours Of The Wind

Holiday shirts come in all shapes and iterations, but one retro-inspired option comes from local stalwart Ricochet with this trippy floral print top $279, a print that radiates positive vibes only. Matched with an equally artful crochet skirt from Camilla & Marc $420, this is the perfect outfit formula for days when you need something unique but still relaxed and evocative of the season.

It’s important to remember to pack a light piece of knitwear that works for cool summer evenings. After a day spent out in the elements, Standard Issue has released a range of light knits that work well for the season in a range of colours that range from sunny yellows and oranges to this classic split hoodie, $389 worn with one of the brand’s versatile cotton broadcloth shorts, $319 available in both black and this lovely sage colourway. Another holiday essential? A straw hat of course, and while a wide-brim option is an ideal choice for our piercing sun, this bucket hat from Marle, $180, also offers plenty of protection for your hair and face this season.

Plein Soleil

Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday wardrobe still provides us with eternal summer dressing inspiration, but how do you interpret that away from the fastidiousness of neckerchiefs and polarising capri pants? In this day and age, a mid-century, full-circle skirt still has plenty of sway. There are several on the market right now if a maxi skirt is too overwhelming to deal with, but this Gregory skirt, $429, with its elasticated waist and subtle seaside etch print is possibly the only summer skirt you need. Liam cardigan $129.

Positive Vibrations

What’s a holiday wardrobe without at least some nod to seasonal tie-dye prints? Perfect for days like these, the best way to wear one is with a complementary block colour - like this Riel skirt, $139, featuring a gathered cutout on each side and made from reworked vintage fabric. Cos shirt (POA). Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers, $574, from Kickscrew. Shell necklace stylist’s own.

After Hours

Summer weddings and social occasions don’t always have to revert to the fallback of an easy dress; try separates for a look that feels like you’ve made a little more effort. A special top with a classic skirt is all that’s required to make an impact; and while the season calls for plenty of colour, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things monochromatic too - it’s a failsafe way to make your special pieces work for a variety of scenarios. This Harris Tapper top, $1950, is the star of the season with its cascade of hand-sewn orchid embellishments, made from 100% silk and featuring adjustable tie straps, skirt $476 and belt (worn as choker) $239.

Golden Girl

One look that’s essential to pack is one that will help usher in the start of 2025 in style. Like an explosion of fireworks, this Zambesi two-piece printed set, sourced from archival fabric, is the perfect way to mark the New Year with a celebratory spirit (and a glass of bubbles of course). Zambesi top $320 and skirt $550. Jasmin Sparrow earrings $350 and bracelet $850.

Photographer / Apela Bell. Fashion director / Dan Ahwa. Model / Tekjouk from Unique Models. Hair and makeup / Liz Hyun. Fashion assistant / Natasha Ovely. Photographer’s assistant / Christian Turner.

STOCKISTS: Beach-brains.com; Cos 021 342 391; Gregory.net.nz; Harristapper.com; .Janeeppsteinjewellery.com; Kickscrew.com; Kowtowclothing.com; Maggiemarilyn.com; Marle.co.nz; Ricochet.co.nz; Riel-store.com; Rubynz.com; Standardissue.co.nz; Sumar-studio.com;

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