The Harvey Nichols guide to summer holiday essentials
From sunny European getaways to countryside staycations, plan the perfect summer escape with a little help from Harvey Nichols
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Now that we’ve finally made it to summer, it’s officially time to grab the SPF, put your out-of-office on and head off on that much-awaited holiday. And, whether you’ve planned a coastal escape to the Med or a weekend away in Cornwall, leisurely sun-soaked days are on the horizon. The only dilemma? Packing your bags. If you’re tired of overpacking your suitcase and still ending up with nothing to wear, we’ve got you covered. With a little sartorial nous, an array of joyful summer designs, and a little help from Harvey Nichols, you can kit yourself out for every kind of summer getaway.
Covering everything from summer dresses and wear-with-everything sunnies, to swim shorts and breezy shirts for men, the Knightsbridge store offers holiday essentials from some of the world’s best-loved luxury brands. As ever, the key to efficient holiday planning is not buying more, but buying better. Invest in timeless pieces primed for versatile styling that you’ll wear (and love) for summers to come.
Not sure where to start? We’ve dug deep into Harvey Nichols’ holiday edit to bring you brilliant summer fashion and beauty must-haves to transform your summer style – plus a few dining suggestions for the perfect staycation.
The best holiday style staples for women
Cloe Cassandro Billie dress
No holiday wardrobe is complete without a floaty midi dress to carry you from strolls on the beach to sundowner cocktails. Enter Cloe Cassandro’s Billie dress. With a halterneck strap and smocked bodice, the printed dress can also be styled as a skirt, making it a hard-working holiday essential.
Hunza G Domino swimsuit
A good swimsuit makes for a great base layer for holiday outfits. Whether you’re spending an afternoon by the pool or relaxing in a beach bar, a solid one-piece, like this Hunza G swimsuit, can double-up as a top. Wear this innovative one-size-fits-all design solo for a quick dip, or with a sarong or denim cut-offs for a casual cocktail hour.
Ganni tank top
Whether you dress it up with a frothy layered skirt or down with faded blue denim and trainers, a classic tank top is the easiest way to achieve effortless style. This soft-pink tank from cool-girl favourite brand Ganni features a scoop-neck and logo embroidered at the front. Trust us, you’ll be reaching for this style long after your holiday tan fades away.
Zimmermann Waverly set
Playing dress up is fun, but for a holiday look that requires minimal effort and delivers an effortless impact, make sure to pack a summery co ord set. Synonymous with summer style, Zimmermann’s uber feminine floral blooms take centre stage on the Waverly blouse’s billowy silhouette. Tuck into the matching shorts with a raffia belt and sandals for everything from sipping margaritas in the Caribbean to laid-back weddings.
The best holiday style staples for men
NN07 Julio shirt
Excellent for throwing over swim shorts at the beach club or wearing with loose trousers at brunch, NN07’s Julio shirt is a versatile piece that deserves top spot in your holiday suitcase. Made from cool blue linen with a Cuban collar and dropped shoulders, it exudes relaxed weekend vibes through and through.
Casablanca L’Arc Coloré T-Shirt
Trends come and go, but the classic white crew neck T-shirt has been a mainstay in every stylish man’s wardrobe from James Dean to Harry Styles. Still, for a holiday, why not add a pop of colour? Casablanca’s L’Arc Coloré T-Shirt features the brand’s signature arch print in a pastel gradient on the back and will pair well with everything, from shorts at the golf course to linen trousers for dinner.
Gusari The London swim shorts
Designed with an eye-catching geometric print, this striking pair from Gusari comes in the brand’s signature pleated waist and buckled hardware that adds a tailored finish. Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, this eco-conscious pair is guaranteed to turn heads from the sunbed to the sea.
PS Paul Smith shorts
For warm-weather flair, opt for these tailored Paul Smith shorts. Hitting just above the knee, this straight-fit pair is made with cotton-blend poplin and patch pockets with contrast stitching. Wear with loafers and a smart polo.
The best summer accessories for women
Toteme Wayfarer sunglasses
When it comes to classic sunglasses, nothing beats a Wayfarer. The popular shape looks great on just about everyone and has been favoured by style icons through the ages. Toteme’s solid black style is as timeless as it comes and is sure to add an instant cool edge to any outfit.
Valentino Garavani Rockstud wedge espadrilles
Forget chunky cork wedges of the early 2000s, the new breed of luxury wedges is much more fun and chic. Case in point: these neutral-hued Valentino Garavani wedge espadrilles embellished with studs and a metallic weave in the wedge sole for subtle shimmer.
Chloé Sense basket bag
Roomy enough to fit your seaside essentials and chic enough for your finest resort wear, Chloé’s raffia basket bag not only looks good, but also does good. It’s made in Kenya in partnership with the World Fair Trade Organisation, Mifuko, who work with female artisans. Trust us, you’ll be reaching for this beach-ready style for summers to come.
The best summer accessories for men
Tom Ford Leon sunglasses
We defy you to find a man who doesn’t look good in aviators. Timeless and versatile, aviator frames seemingly adapt to every style and face shape with ease. For proof, consider famous fans including Elvis Presley, Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt. Tom Ford’s metallic pair is classic, chic, and just plain sexy.
Amiri MA-1 leather trainers
You simply can’t go wrong with a pair of chunky white trainers on holiday. This mesh pair from Amiri is inspired by 90s skating culture and features a padded sole and blue leather panels. Wear with everything and anything for a day of sightseeing and your feet will thank you.
Dolce & Gabbana bucket hat
Not just for Brit Pop nostalgia anymore, bucket hats are an essential part of any well-rounded summer wardrobe. With 360 degree sun protection, this simple Dolce & Gabbana bucket hat is finished with a logo plaque and concentric stitching at the brim. Wear with every outfit to score some easy style points while avoiding sun damage. Win, win.
The best beauty and skincare products
Whether it’s a flight to Crete or a short weekend in Cambridge, you’ll need a few beauty and skincare essentials to look and feel your best on holiday. Whether you’re looking for the best sun cream, cleanser or lip balm, browse our picks for a simplified routine.
Hourglass Veil Hydrating skin tint
Available in an array of shades, this skin tint from Hourglass offers a natural, light finish that’s sheer enough to let your sun-kissed complexion shine through. Plus, it’s formulated with naturally-derived ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalene, and meadowfoam seed oil that are clinically proven to boost the skin’s moisture levels by 52 per cent, leaving your face hydrated and happy.
Yves Saint Laurent Loveshine Candy Glow lip balm
A great example of skincare-infused makeup, Yves Saint Laurent’s Loveshine lip balm is made with 98 per cent natural ingredients. Packed with maracuja oil and shea and jojoba butters, it imparts a dewy tint for hydrated lips.
Augustinus Bader The Face Mist
For long days in the sun, a hydrating face mist is as important as SPF. Augustinus Bader’s face mist is made with TFC8 complex – a blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides – that floods the skin with moisture, helps soothe redness and supports skin elasticity.
Standard Procedure sunscreen
Offering powerful sun protection, this lightweight formula has been perfected over 40 years and also protects against free radical damage and reduces skin irritation with its blend of Australian superfruits, antioxidants and vitamins A, B and C.
Sol De Janeiro Rio Sunset Glow body oil
The ultimate secret to sparkling summer skin, Sol De Janeiro’s Rio Sunset glow body oil is radiance in a bottle. Infused with cupuaçu butter and coconut oil, it melts into the skin to deliver a subtle champagne glow flecked with golden shimmer while featuring the brand’s iconic vanilla and salted caramel scent. Think sun-kissed skin without the sun damage.
Caudalie travel essentials kit
Don’t let airport security put a damper on your beauty routine. French skincare brand Caudalie’s kit of must-have minis – including a cleanser, shower gel, moisturiser and body lotion – is all you need to look your best while you’re away (and seamlessly avoids any security hold-ups).
The best summer fragrances
Loewe Aire Sutileza eau de toilette
Perfect for a city break, Loewe’s floral and delicate Aire Sutileza fragrance layers notes of pear, muguet and jasmine to capture the crispness of fresh air.
Goldfield & Banks Bohemian Lime eau de parfum
Capturing the brilliance of Australia’s sunny Byron Bay in a bottle, Goldfield & Banks’ Bohemian Lime perfume is a tropical scent with notes of lime, coriander, vetiver, cedar wood and sandalwood.
Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman eau de parfum
Ex Nihilo’s Blue Talisman draws from the Parisian perfume house’s roots in the exclusively luxurious Place Vendôme. Grounded in musky base notes, it’s subtle freshness comes from hints of pear and bergamot.
Memo Paris Cappadocia eau de parfum
Rose-tinted valleys, hot air balloons, fairy chimneys and cavernous underground cities. Get transported to the mesmerising Turkish destination of Cappadocia with this opulent blend of saffron, white jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood.
The best summer food and drink
If a trip to sunny shores abroad isn’t on the cards this summer, you can still treat yourself to some seriously luxurious breaks in the country. And, whether you’re hosting an al fresco garden party at the country house or headed to a charming boutique hotel in the Lake District, you’ll need tempting food and drink to make it memorable. Happily, Harvey Nichols has plenty to offer.
Harvey Nichols Set The Bar al fresco hamper
Hosting a birthday barbeque or just making the most of the weather with an al fresco dinner party? While you fret over the food, Harvey Nichols has the bar sorted with its Set The Bar hamper. From Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon and Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc for the wine lovers and OXO Tower pale ale and IPA for beer fans, to rose & hollyhock gin served with flavoured tonic waters, there’s something for everyone – plus a selection of smoked almonds, cheese straws and olives for snacking.
Harvey Nichols Premium Cocktail hamper
You can plan a pretty picnic, but trust Harvey Nichols to plan the perfect picnic basket. The premium cocktail hamper is stuffed with classic champagne and rosé wine as well as an assortment of premixed favourites including espresso martinis and margaritas alongside moreish nibbles, such as black truffle crisps, emmental and onion straws, passionfruit truffles, and jelly bears.
Shop more summer holiday essentials at harveynichols.com
