Staycationing this summer? Here's what to pack

Getting away from it all isn’t just Balearic sunshine and Mediterranean beach bars – there’s plenty of escapism to be found closer to home. But how to pack for your adventure? Here’s our essential guide…

Whether you make a dash for Margate’s white sandy shores or find yourself taking a dip off the north coast of Scotland, the right swimwear is a staycation essential. For wave jumping or bracing morning dips, the one-piece is your friend – Sweaty Betty has great options. Prefer to watch the action unfold from your picnic blanket? The world is your oyster...

Holidaying at home demands wardrobe options that are as dynamic as the weather, making a sundress which can be quickly rain/hail/wind-proofed a wise move. Pick a style that can be worn with layers – neutral open-buttoned shirts and grey marl sweaters are seaside essentials.

As you will be adopting that ‘ready for anything’ mindset, a heavy-duty hybrid sandal is the multifunctional footwear of choice. A Birkenstock goes with everything – the navy Arizona is ideal – and allows you to travel light. 

While denim shorts are a wardrobe mainstay, they don't always have comfort in mind. It’s for this reason that a loose fitting boxer-style alternative is a summer-holiday failsafe. For supreme comfort, look to a high-waisted style that’s crafted from super-soft cotton or linen.

Whether you’re daytripping or escaping for the week, you’ll need a ‘throw it all in’ woven bag to complete the look. Thankfully, the options are plentiful, with oversized styles among the most in demand. If it’s not large enough to fit in your picnic and three outfit options, you probably don’t need it.