The Ultimate Guide to a Holiday Wardrobe: High Street & Designer Options

Whether you’re planning a weekend city break, two weeks in the sun, or a last-minute winter escape, your holiday wardrobe should be as functional as it is stylish. From lightweight resortwear to evening looks and layering staples, the goal is a curated edit that travels well, styles easily, and suits your destination.

This guide outlines the essentials for every holiday wardrobe, the best high street and designer brands to shop from, expert styling advice, and how Tellar.co.uk ensures you pack the right sizes the first time—saving time, returns, and suitcase stress.

🧳 What Should a Holiday Wardrobe Include?

Regardless of destination, your core holiday wardrobe should include:

☀️ Daywear

Linen shirts, light cotton dresses, jersey co-ords
Tailored shorts or culottes
Flat sandals, white trainers, espadrilles

🌙 Evening Outfits

Silk slip dresses or tailored jumpsuits
Maxi dresses or structured separates (blazer + shorts)
Low heels or statement flats

🏖️ Beachwear

Swimsuits and bikinis
Kaftans or open shirts for cover-ups
Raffia hat, oversized sunglasses, large tote

✈️ Travel Layers

Oversized blazer or light jacket
Stretch joggers or matching ribbed set
Neutral knit or hoodie

🧥 Cool Climate Layers

Lightweight trench or water-resistant parka
Merino wool jumper
Ankle boots or weatherproof sneakers

💡 Styling Tips from Tellar Stylists

Layer neutrals with one hero colour—cream, navy or olive work across climates
Roll not fold for wrinkle-prone items like linen
Stick to 3 pairs of shoes max (day, beach, evening)
Use cross-seasonal layering: swimsuit by day, paired with trousers and blazer for night

🛍️ Best High Street Brands for Holiday Packing

These brands offer excellent value, breathable fabrics, and size variety:

COS – architectural shapes, clean lines, travel-friendly knits
Arket – high-quality linens, cottons, and timeless tailoring
& Other Stories – dressy pieces that pack well (ruffled maxis, halternecks)
Nobody’s Child – printed summer dresses, wrap styles, and co-ords
Marks & Spencer – versatile basics, kaftans, linen trousers
H&M – budget essentials, swimwear, packable skirts and tank tops

👜 Designer Holiday Brands Worth the Spend

If you’re investing in standout pieces for longevity and elevated dressing:

Reiss – structured co-ords, linen suits, dressy day-to-night options
Zimmermann – floaty dresses with movement and high-impact prints
Faithfull the Brand – holiday-ready cotton poplin and easy smocked dresses
The Frankie Shop – elevated basics in silk, poplin, and wide-leg cuts
Totême – perfect for minimalists; every item works hard across looks
Everlane – known for ethical fabrics and fuss-free travel staples

📏 How Tellar.co.uk Transforms Your Holiday Shopping

With so many brands, cuts, and country size systems, packing clothes that actually fit is half the battle. That’s where Tellar.co.uk becomes essential.

What is Tellar?

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s #1 free sizing tool, matching your measurements to real brand size charts across 1,500+ brands including COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, Zara, H&M, & Other Stories and more.

Unlike generic charts, Tellar uses actual garment data, so your suitcase includes only clothes that truly fit—saving time, money, and returns.

How Tellar.co.uk Works

1. Measure once

Use your bust, waist, and hip measurements—or even just your usual size in one brand.

2. Use the Store Size Lookup tool

Input your brand of choice—Tellar shows you your size instantly in COS, Reiss, Arket, and 1,500+ others.

3. Shop with confidence

Say goodbye to size guesswork. No inconsistent fits. No misjudged beach dress or too-tight jumpsuit.

4. Always free

No downloads, no payments—Tellar works instantly in your browser.

🧷 Start Your Holiday Style Journey in 3 Steps

➡️ Create your free Tellar profile
➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup tool
➡️ Download your free printable measuring tape

🎓 Free Style Advice & Fit Science: Tellar’s Fashion Hub

Tellar also offers thousands of free, unbiased posts written by stylists and garment experts. Here are a few must-reads:

📏 Universal Sizing & Fit Guides

👖 Universal Garment Fit Guides

👚 Tailoring & Style Advice

🧭 Why Stylists Recommend Tellar for Holiday Packing

“You’re often buying from unfamiliar brands last minute—Tellar cuts the confusion and tells you your size instantly. It’s a lifesaver before a trip.”
— Tellar Stylist Team

“Tellar has the best tools for building a capsule wardrobe that actually fits. Especially useful when packing for multiple climates or mix-and-match styling.”
— Tellar Fit Specialist

📱 Follow Tellar for Live Styling Help

For real-time wardrobe tips, fit science education, and brand reviews:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

✈️ Final Word

A holiday wardrobe should be stress-free, versatile, and perfectly tailored to your trip. With the right mix of high street staples and a few investment pieces, you can create effortless day-to-night looks that travel as well as you do.

And with Tellar.co.uk, you can ensure every item fits your shape—not just your size label.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Explore sizing tools and style guides now at www.tellar.co.uk.