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What to pack for a great British staycation

Be it relaxing in a country cottage, retreating to the coast or rambling over heath and heather, our edit of the best pieces to pack for a summer staycation will ensure you holiday in style

22 July 2021

On a seaside sojourn

Keep your cool as the mercury rises with a pared-back palette of sleek monochrome. La Perla’s sporty one-piece and Fendi’s cheery shorts are the perfect beach companions, as are a straw hat and oversized sunglasses. Don’t forget the SPF: smooth on Dr Barbara Sturm’s featherweight lotion regularly for all-day protection.

Swimsuit, £230, La Perla
Shorts, £550, Fendi
Sunglasses, £385, Chanel
Sandals, £600, Hermès
Woven hat, £590, Brunello Cucinelli
Shopper, £2,450, Fendi
Beach towel, £405, Louis Vuitton
Sun Drops SPF50, £110, Dr Barbara Sturm at Harvey Nichols

Boat tripping

The best way to soak up the beauty of our beloved sceptred isle? Surely, it’s by heading out to sea. Visit Ralph Lauren and Dior for breezy linen outfits and cotton day dresses in blue and white hues that are the ideal fit for any yachting adventure. Just keep accessories minimal; there’s no need to go overboard.

Polo shirt, £95, Polo Ralph Lauren 
Men’s chinos, £355, Salvatore Ferragamo
Sports jacket, £495, Ralph Lauren 
Polo shirt dress, £1,100, Dior
Bikini top, £155, La Perla 
Bikini briefs, £105, La Perla 
Sandals, £450, Tod’s
Visor, £330, Dior
Shopper, £1,475, Saint Laurent
Self-winding flying tourbillon watch, price on request, Audemars Piguet
Sunglasses, £361, Oliver Peoples
18k gold earrings, £595, Gucci

Out in the hills

If you’re heading over hill and dale, take protective apparel in a range of earthy hues with you. Go hands-free with a lightweight backpack or pouch and invest in a pair of chunky boots to stay comfortable at all times. A shower-proof cover-up from Barbour or Burberry, who know British weather at its best (and worst), will keep you cosy, too.

Men’s jacket, £110, Barbour at Harvey Nichols
Women’s boots, £395, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
Women’s cape, £1,590, Burberry
Recycled cycling bumbag, £295, Anya Hindmarch
Water bottle, £520, Fendi
Men’s chinos, £195, Rag & Bone
Rucksack, £595, Pickett
Women’s jeans, £195, Rag & Bone

Going glamping

From yurts and treehouses, to wagons and two-man tents, there’s something truly magical about nights spent under the stars. Pack Anya Hindmarch’s smart basket bag with a picnic, put an Hermès blanket in the car and head off to find pastures new with your loved ones. Top tip: dry shampoo works wonders when solar showers are your only other option.

Straw bag, £450, Anya Hindmarch
Clogs, £780, Hermès
Blanket, £890, Hermès
Scarf blouse, £1,510, Louis Vuitton
Women’s jeans, £290, Khaite at Harvey Nichols
Women’s hooded cape, £940, Burberry
Men’s rain jacket, £590, Mackage
Men’s shorts, £375, Moncler
Dry shampoo, £20, Ouai at Harvey Nichols

Cosying up in a cottage

Low-key relaxation can still be high in the style stakes. Soft denim and white trainers are ideal for day trips to scenic spots and Pickett’s capacious carry-all will accommodate new purchases from local shops with ease. After sunset, unwind with a boardgame or a beautiful travel book; layers of cashmere and a checked blanket will keep chilly evening breezes at bay.

Trainers, £640, Hermès
Backgammon set, £5,630, Hermès
Women’s cashmere and wool jumper, £1,350, Brunello Cucinelli 
Women’s jeans, £525, Saint Laurent
Men’s jumper, £490, Giorgio Armani
Men’s jeans, £520, Giorgio Armani
Sunglasses, £485, Louis Vuitton
Holdall, £395, Pickett
Blanket, £85, Pickett  
Travel book on Rome, £38, Louis Vuitton

At a country house retreat

The stylish surroundings of a country house provide the perfect backdrop for dressing up. Elevate cocktail hour on the terrace with an eye-catching maxi dress or sleek button-down shirt and slim-fit trousers. And add a dash of drama with your accessories: look to Anabela Chan, Omega and Cartier for the perfect sparkling finish.

Kim Parker is a journalist, luxury brand consultant and the executive fashion and jewellery director at Harper’s Bazaar UK
Bag, £2,450, Roger Vivier
Dress, £3,700, Dolce & Gabbana 
Sunglasses, £225, Chloé at Harvey Nichols
Love bracelet, £9,350, Cartier
Earrings, £1,090, Anabela Chan
Men's shirt, £330, Giorgio Armani
Men's trousers, £590, Giorgio Armani
Driving shoes, £380, Tod’s
Globemaster Co-Axial Chronometer watch, £18,350, Omega
Assam & Grapefruit Huntsman Cologne, £128, Jo Malone London

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