Summer is officially here and if, like us, you're counting down the days until your holidays you'll already be planning what to take with you on your beach break.
Whether it's a weekend in Portugal or a two week escape to the Maldives, we asked our fashion team what they always pack for a beach holiday to help you get your check list ready.
From a figure-flattering swimsuit to a pair of flat sandals, here are their beach holiday must-haves and their current favourites on the high street right now.
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Beach-to-bar dress
BUY NOW Uterque Tropical Print Dress, £160
For executive fashion director Fiona Collins, a dress she can take from day-to-night is key when it comes to beach holiday packing.
"It's always the item I wear most on holiday," Fiona said.
She added: "Something that doesn’t get creased (or still looks great creased), is light and colourful and isn’t too fitted so can be shrugged on over swimwear and slightly sticky sun lotion covered skin. Uterque is my new go-to for interesting styles that you won’t see on everyone else."
Per Una Pure Cotton Dobby Waisted Midi Dress
Classic swimsuit
BUY NOW JETS Infinity Classique Swimsuit, £113
"My ultimate beach holiday must-have has got to be a great, figure-enhancing black swimsuit that ensures body confidence," revealed Editor-in-Chief Gaby Huddart.
"I’ve just found this one from John Lewis and it’s fabulous – unbelievably flattering and worthy of its price tag. It'll be coming in my hand luggage to Croatia, so even if my suitcase goes missing, I’ll be beach ready!" she added.
M&S Collection Secret Slimming™ Padded Plunge Swimsuit
M&S Collection Secret Slimming™ Striped Bandeau Swimsuit
Stylish tote bag
BUY NOW Warehouse Straw Circle Shopper Bag, £30
Acting fashion director Lynda Bell always takes a stylish tote bag on a beach holiday.
"It needs to be big enough for all your beach essentials, plus a towel and a good read!" Lynda said.
She added: "Straw bags made it big this summer and I love this big style by Warehouse with a graphic circle design."
M&S Collection Straw Zipped Detail Shopper Bag
John Lewis & Partners Small Jute Cotton Shoulder Bag
Flat sandals
BUY NOW Marks & Spencer Leather Studded Toe Thong Sandals, £45
"A pair of sophisticated flat sandals are a must-have," said fashion editor Gabriella Minchella.
She added: "They should be comfortable enough for a day of sight-seeing and smart enough for the evening. I always go for black or tan as they’ll go with everything. The stud details on this M&S pair give the classic style an edge."
John Lewis & Partners Kamila Suede Flat Sandals
Straw hat
BUY NOW The White Company Christy's Panama Hat, £89
"My beach holiday essential is a classic Panama hat," said fashion editor Jo Atkinson.
"I love this one with a stylish ribbon trim from The White Company," she added. "Worn with a floaty cotton sundress and oversized sunglasses all I need now is a good book and a mojito."
Sounds like a dream setup to me!
Oversized sunglasses
BUY NOW Boden Marseille Sunglasses, £70
For me, a pair of sunglasses is an absolute must-have when it comes to heading abroad for a week at the beach. At the moment, I'm loving these oversized tortoiseshell sunnies from Boden.
They are ideal for mornings spent reading by the sea and great for elevating your lunchtime look in the afternoon. There are so many stylish pairs in different shapes on the high street right now, you're bound to find the perfect pair for you.
M&S Collection Osage Statement Aviator Sunglasses
Dolce & Gabbana DG4311 Oval Sunglasses Tortoise/Brown Gradient
