Rain or shine, these transitional staples will see you through the season …
The reality of holidaying in Ireland is unpredictable weather. Your packing list should include a raincoat as well as a one-and-done dress for when the sun makes an appearance. Whether you’re a chronic over-packer, or a bare-necessity type, consider jelly sandals, oversize shirts, drawstring trousers and bandana prints.
VOLUMINOUS DRESSES
A wafty, minimalist midi dress is the type of silhouette you’ll turn to for so many different occasions throughout the summer months. No waist-cinching belts required. Wear with sandals or sneakers. Gabby Bitter Chocolate Cotton Midi Dress, €255; www.dissh.com.
TOGGLE TOPS
Fashion insiders love to gatekeep the best indie fashion labels. Founded four years ago, Amsterdam-based brand Róhe’s refreshing approach brings modernity to traditional clothing. Its traditional Chinese-inspired pankou-closure blouse has taken over the internet as the blouse of the summer. The secret’s out! Cream Mandarin silk top, Róhe, €575; www.fabiani.ie.
LINEN TAILORING
If you only buy into one trend this summer, make it tailored linen – the shortcut to instant polish. Irish designer Sinead Keary has really delivered in the structured linen stakes, with her Hazel blazer set to become a sell-out thanks to its flattering fit, padded shoulders and elevated irregular-shaped buttons. Linen can look pulled-together or laidback, depending how you style it. Hutton Blazer, €390, Rampling Trouser, €270; both made from 100 per cent Irish linen; www.withnothingunderneath.com.
LAYERING SHIRTS
A crisp cotton shirt is an often-overlooked hardworking basic. The styling trick from the Bottega Veneta and Ralph Lauren SS25 shows; wearing shirts as jackets, layered over T-shirts, vests and even fine knits. Classic Oxford Cotton Shirt, €149, at Ralph Lauren.
COVER-UPS
The summer sweater to invest in? A creamy cotton knit. Wear with a silk skirt or Bermuda shorts and ballet flats. Cream cotton knitwear from €240; www.babaa.es
DESIGNER DENIM
Helen Cody, known for her couture quality occasionwear, has launched HC Denim, a handcrafted denim capsule collection made from deadstock denim sourced from Dior and LVMH ateliers. Tailored to fit your shape, the collection is available to pre-order now; www.helencody.com.
DRAWSTRING-WAIST TROUSERS
Lightweight straight-leg drawstring trousers are the best trousers to add to your summer wardrobe. There are many high street hero buys from Penneys, M&S and Arket, but Los Angeles-based Donni are the fashion favourites – signature cotton and linen versions start at €149, with silk and taffeta trousers up to €355. A stylish update without spending? Tie a scarf around the waist of any straight-leg trousers you have, and team with suede clogs and a tee. Brown The Taffeta drawstring cropped trousers, €300; www.shopdonni.com. Cream and black No1 silk scarf, €99; www.lescarf.com. Le Philateliste du Faubourg silk twill scarf, Hermès, €530, at Brown Thomas.
BOW-EMBELLISHED SANDAL
Exaggerated bow details on sandals add a contemporary twist to summer dressing. These Irish-designed Fiona flats, €308, have been handcrafted in Spain from luxe dusty pink leather. The Brida bow kitten heel, €336, have just launched – perfect for warm-weather events; both from www.brog.ie.
JELLY SHOES
Quirky rubber shoes are making a stylish comeback – as well as being comfy, they’re a smile-inducing throwback to carefree childhood summers. Jelly Crystal-embellished Ballet Flats, Jimmy Choo, €325, at Brown Thomas.
BANDANA PRINTS
Fashion designers like Isabel Marant, Zimmermann and Nili Lotan are covering bags, hats, shorts and shirts in the throwback carefree print. Yenky Small Bag, €150, at Isabel Marant.
EYE SPY
Dublin label Maie Atelier’s sunglasses will lend 1990s cool to any summer outfit. Founder Robyn Trout has collaborated with friend Sinéad Gannon on a colourful new collection. Acetate-frame sunglasses, €165; www.maieatelier.com.
IT RINGS
Meet the elongated East-West ring, where the setting is laid horizontally, perpendicular to your finger. Actress Zendaya is responsible for this new jewellery trend after wearing one at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. 18ct gold East-West Pear Solitaire Ring, €3,300, at Ryan Thomas Jewellers, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
FAB AT 50
SPF is your daily essential (even on a cloudy day): this brilliant formula protects your skin and acts as a tinted moisturiser. Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Face Crème, €55, at Space NK.
PALE NAIL POLISH
An ice-cool manicure adds a touch of glamour, even on the cloudiest days. Les Mains Hermès Aqua Vert nail polish, €54; www.hermes.com.
A DECADENT SCENT
You might be in rainy Donegal, but this luxurious airy white floral, inspired by Grace Kelly, transports you to the French Riviera. Grace de Monaco perfumes, Brown Thomas.
