As I think about what I’ll be packing for a weekend away at the seaside (counting down the hours until I’ll be squeezing into a mini with three girlfriends and driving down to Margate), my first thought goes to the classic nautical breton stripe. The signature piece from our favourite coastal grandma trend last year where a colour palette of neutrals, navys, and of course, stripes, met expensive-looking fabrics and fits.
This year, however, it seems as though we can’t stop talking about Scandi-core (just look to Hannah Thompson’s ideas for re-creating influencer Matilda Djerf’s aesthetic). The vibe is playful and colourful, while leaning perfectly into that relaxed weekend-away mood. A trip to the seaside is the time to have some fun with picture-postcode seaside outfits that break away from anything too smart, formal and minimal, after all. Lightbulb moment: what happens when you bring the two aesthetics together?
Striped shirts the colour of seaside rock and deckchairs, gingham floaty dresses, colourful chunky sandals, classic denim and some polka-dot swimsuits come into the mix. Maybe it’s just my nostalgia for summer trips to the coast from when I was young, but going to a seaside town, even just for a day, feels like a magical escape and you can find outfits to match.
Shackets & denim jackets
A great jacket is a must for seaside trips as you never know when a cold breeze will catch you out on a long walk, a trip to the beach, or sitting in a pub garden. For summer months, I’d pick a shacket or denim jacket for the perfect layer, which you can easily sling over your shoulders if it gets too hot.
Essential denim & cargos
Again, with those chilly breezes in mind, I’d recommend denim or cargos for trips to the seaside over and above any linen trousers that are too floaty and lightweight (unless it’s a heatwave!). I’ll be packing a denim skirt to wear with tees and sandals and some denim shorts for wearing to the beach.
Classic stripes
From navy striped jumpers to bolder pink stripe shirts, the nautical vibe might not be groundbreaking, but it is a classic for a reason and you’d be able to keep all of these pieces for years to come, not just one summer season.
Cute crochet tops
Add a bright splash of colour to your outfits with one of these crochet tops which you could wear with any of the jeans, shorts or denim skirts above.
Clever co-ords
If you’re brave enough for a swim, wearing one of these towelling co-ords before and after would be a dream. For a dinner out after outfit, I also like the idea of this top and skirt co-ord from Nobody’s Child because the soft fabric is perfect for our summer evening temps, unlike anything too lightweight that would be more suited to holiday outfits abroad.
Dreamy day dresses
If you’re always wearing dresses, these would be my top picks from the latest high street summer drops for packing for a weekend away, brimming with that nostalgic, summery aesthetic.
No-stress shoes
No seaside wardrobe packing would be complete without some failsafe trainers that will go just as well with denim as with dresses. I’ll also be packing some mood-boosting sandals to brighten up my outfits and I’d be tempted by these colourful wellies if there was any risk of rain, as they’re really light to carry and add another pop of colour!
Seaside swimsuits
Finally, now it’s turning sunnier here, don’t leave for your seaside trip without packing a swimsuit or bikini. Comfort’s my priority when it comes to wearing swimwear in the UK, and these are the styles that have all caught my eye.
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