From kimonos to maxi skirts and supersized straw hats, we asked our designers to talk us through their summer style
Looking for packing inspiration for your much-longed-for holiday? Or ideas to boost your wardrobe for the UK's final weeks of summer? When it comes to aspirational style, we were intrigued to discover (alright, we were being nosey…) what designers such as Alice Temperley and Kemi Telford turn to for their holiday wardrobes. Read on for getaway style inspiration…
ALICE TEMPERLEYFROM SOMERSET BY TEMPERLEY
How would you describe your holiday style?
Bohemian chic – layers, summer dresses, jumpsuits and a lot of kimonos and house coats. Great swimwear and sunglasses are key and don’t be afraid to wear jewellery with it all… And a good hat! Comfort is key.
What are your three go-tos when you pack for a holiday?
Hats, kimonos and sunglasses – I travel with big straw hats and a black trilby hat for nights. My kimonos are the new kaftan as you can wear them on the beach over a bikini and over slip dresses at night. A huge fun beach bag is important as well as a small belt bag – being hands free yet having everything you need in one place is just genius.
What item do you return to again and again?
A huge striped lined kaftan dress… It’s like a tent yet chic and super soft. Whenever I wear it, I tell myself I must make them for everyone again!
Are you investing in anything new this year?
I would love more than anything a swimming pond so I can pretend I am on holiday if the sun ever comes out at home.
What piece really evokes the happiness and carefree feel of summer?
I just designed my latest leather bag called the Love Bag – it has three silver bottles hidden in a little off-shoulder, pillarbox red bag, perfect for all our adventures this summer. I will be taking it on my cliff walks, picnics, riding trips, all the festivals we can hopefully go to soon! Sharing my love potions with all, and wishing everyone a happy summer.
MANDY WATKINSFOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF HUSH
How would you describe your holiday style?
My holiday style is low-to-no maintenance. Super laidback. No make-up, no heels, hair tied back – and lots of midi dresses.
What are your three go-tos when you pack for a holiday?
A dress. Or lots of them – because I really don’t wear anything else on holiday. For me, it’s the ultimate easy summer holiday item and takes up almost no room in your suitcase.
A hat. I grew up in Australia holidaying in a really hot part of a really hot country – with a mum who was forever telling me to put a hat on. I’ve been brainwashed and feel naked now without one.
A colourful piece of jewellery. It’s more something to pack to come home as it’s usually purchased at a market while I’m away. I also wear it for a few weeks when I’m back to keep the holiday memories from fading too quickly.
What item do you return to again and again?
I have a black dress from hush that I’ve had for years. It’s been on every summer holiday with me since and it’s always the most worn thing in my suitcase. It’s super easy and I love wearing black with a tan.
Are you investing in anything new this year?
I’ll be taking our Leona metallic knit dress. I love the unexpected combination of camo with glitter.
What piece really evokes the happiness and carefree feel of summer?
Our Nico Printed Maxi Dress. It’s perfect for a holiday spent somewhere hot and by the ocean, somewhere where a bit of lip gloss passes for make-up and your bikini top is your only bra.
ROSIE AND ZOEFROM RO&ZO
How would you describe your holiday style?
We both love to wear loose fitting and relaxed clothing when on holiday, but still glamorous of course! We love bold and colourful prints that will stand out by the pool or going out for dinner in the evening.
What are your three go-tos when you pack for a holiday?
A flowy kaftan or beach cover up – we love our monochrome lurex kaftan that you can chuck on over a bikini for a glamorous beach look. You can also mix it up and wear it with shorts and a cami top for a lunch out.
A comfortable and easy-wearing dress that we can feel relaxed in while having drinks and dinner.
A staple pair of denim shorts that can be dressed down for the day or worn with a more dressy top for night-time.
What item do you return to again and again?
We always take a favourite throw-on white linen shirt which can be worn as a dress over a bikini or casually thrown on with denim shorts.
Are you investing in anything new this year?
Zoe is going to a wedding abroad in September so she will be investing in some fabulous holiday maxi dresses. It is so exciting to be able to dress up again and feel special going out for sunset drinks and dinner.
What piece really evokes the happiness and carefree feel of summer and why?
We love the pink lurex tile printed top and trouser co-ord. We love the seventies style vibe and the colourful print makes us so happy. We imagine lots of sundowner vibes wearing this set!
EDITOR’S PICKS
YVONNE TELFORDFOUNDER OF KEMI TELFORD
How would you describe your holiday style?
Big, bold and fabulous. My summer wardrobe consists of bold printed full maxi skirts, tees and dresses. I always have a market bag with me. Of course, statement earrings, a pair of trainers and sandals.
What are your three go-tos when you pack for a holiday and why?
The Kemi Telford eight-panel maxi skirt because it is versatile and can be worn as a strapless dress or a skirt. A lightweight cotton cardigan for when it gets cool at night. A pair of platform leather sandals as they add height but are comfortable to wear.
What item do you return to again and again in the summer months?
Smocked tie shoulder dresses. They are simple to wear. With a change of shoes and adding accessories, these dresses can be transformed from a day look to a night look easily.
Are you investing in anything new this year?
Yes. Baume et Mercier’s diamond bracelet strap watch.
What piece really evokes the happiness and carefree feel of holidays?
A bold, bright and colourful dress. It makes me feel seen, invincible and very happy indeed!
EMMA J SHIPLEYGRAPHIC ARTIST AND TEXTILE DESIGNER
How would you describe your holiday style?
Maximalist and colourful, always with a statement shoe and animal print!
What are your three go-tos when you pack for a holiday?
A large straw hat – I find this keeps me so much cooler in the heat, as well as adding drama to any outfit.
Sunglasses in a gold tone that go with everything.
And, of course, one of my own design large silk scarves, which are so versatile and double as a headscarf, beach cover up, or shawl in the evenings when it gets cooler.
What item do you return to again and again on holiday?
I have a woven tote bag made in Mexico from recycled plastic – a large tote is essential on a summer holiday and this one is multi-coloured, easy to clean and seems to go with everything.
Are you investing in anything new this year?
I’ve recently bought a Zimmerman golden yellow bikini, and a DVF tiger-print midi skirt which looks great with a white tee and my Arizona Love leopard-print trekking-style sandals.
What piece really evokes the happiness and carefree feel of summer?
I have to come back to the huge straw hat - possibly tied with a scarf, bringing drama and glamour to any holiday!
SOPHIE CONRANHOMEWARE DESIGNER
How would you describe your holiday style?
Light and comfortable as I like to do a lot of walking when I’m on holiday – trips to the beach, visiting gardens and galleries. My go-to look is big sunglasses, light clothing with a bikini underneath, flip flops and earrings.
What are your three go-tos when you pack for a holiday?
Coco Conran dresses are perfect for summer, made from beautiful cotton, and fold up really small so don’t take a lot of space in the suitcase. I also love Heidi Klein bikinis and my hat [from Hat Gallery in Earls Court], which is made from paper! It also folds up neatly in your suitcase.
What item do you return to again and again?
I always bring my cotton bag I bought in a little shop in Spain that folds up neatly. It’s much nicer to carry around in the summer and takes no space in the suitcase. I like to travel light. Capacious enough for sun lotion, book, phone, pen, sunglasses, reading glasses and collections of shells! I also always pack my favourite perfume from Dr Harris as they make me feel so fresh and clean in the summer evenings – I love their Windsor or Arlington Colognes.
Are you investing in anything new this year?
I am investing in a new zip for my beloved Anya Hindmarch suitcase which I’ve had for decades!
What piece really evokes the happiness and carefree feel of summer and why?
A new book always makes me feel holiday ready! Some of my favourites are The Glass of Fashion by Cecil Beaton, Perfume from Provence by Lady Fortescue and my absolute favourite Hotel Bemelmans by Ludwig Bemelmans.
EDITOR’S PICKS
