Whether you’re bound for sun-soaked beaches, bustling cities or somewhere in between, a wardrobe that balances style and practicality is essential …

AIRPORT OUTFITS

From comfortable drawstring trousers to easy slip-on loafers, the right designed-for-purpose pieces can make a travel day a lot more comfortable. Image; @vittoriafiles

DAYWEAR

For effortless daytime dressing on a city break, reach for a skirt. The pencil skirt is back, and no longer confined to the office. Seen across the SS26 runways (think Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs) and buoyed by the enduring Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Love Story effect, the low-slung, midilength silhouette – whether straight or in a wrap style – feels especially current. Style it with a tonal sporty jacket, a simple tee or fine-gauge knit, and finish with kitten heels, ballet fl ats or sleek, low-profi le sneakers. Try Dissh’s column and wrap linen skirts for high summer, from €185.

FRESH WHITES

From 1990s-inspired cropped capris and wide-leg trousers to cool jeans and billowing balloon pants, shades of white will dominate summer. Try Agolde’s chalk white Arc 32 mid-rise jeans, €339; H&M’s wide-leg tailored trousers, €29.99, or Wales Bonner’s Hymn linen blend twill wide-leg pants, €700. Image; @sarahmeiklestyles

EVENING SILKS

Summer evenings and silk dresses go hand in hand. A classic, feminine bias-cut midaxi is the kind of piece you’ll reach for year after year, while minimalists will appreciate the effortless ease of a silk shirt dress. However you style yours, perhaps with an added fringe silk scarf or tonal accessories, a great silk dress will take you anywhere. If you’re looking for something more sustainable, Vinted is a treasure trove of pre-loved versions. Otherwise try the Sacha dress in yoghurt, €398; or Totême’s parachute silk-blend maxi shirt dress, €680.

POOLSIDE PANTS SETS

From a practical perspective, a flowy, pull-on pant co-ord offers welcome shade from the sun, or a cosy layer once the sun has gone down. H&M’s loose-leg beach co-ords (in neutral shades) are well priced and worth checking out. Lemlem’s hand-woven stripe Terara cotton jacket, €455, and matching trousers, €345 (above) are worth the investment. From a selection at Havana.

COVER-UPS

Oversized pull-on-and-go dresses and kaftans are a perennial favourite for a reason. Choose a printed or embellished version for maximum impact. Image; Spirit of the Wild print kaftan, €305; www.secondsummer.com.

ON-TREND PAREOS

Fashion insiders are wearing old-school pareos (or sarongs) again. Wear as a skirt around your waist or as a dress, knotted around your neck.

NECKLINES

Whether it’s a one-piece or a bikini, a bandeau neckline offers a sleek, flattering silhouette (many also come with adjustable straps). Wear yours beyond the beach as a bodysuit: just add statement jewellery to elevate the look. Long pendant necklaces are making a comeback: opt for something playful with charms and tassels. Image; Cream bandeau swimsuit, €49.99; www.zarahome.com.

BOHO JEWELLERY

Boho stacks inject vintage nostalgia into your poolside style. Wanderlust spirit, natural-coloured bangles (and beaded necklaces) are the biggest jewellery trend of the summer. Parisian jeweller Aurélie Bidermann’s 1960s-style curvaceous torques and bracelets can be mixed and matched for bigger impact. From €210 each, at Electra. Image; @aureliebidermann

SUN HATS

Need some shade? Try Portuguese label Lemonade Collective’s pretty crochet and straw hats.

RAFFIA TOTES

Nothing screams summer quite like a raffia bag. This season the focus is on airy open-weave, crochet-like texture. Image; Summer Banana raffia tote, from €990; www.chloe.com.

GO ALL OUT

Forget leather sandals and woven raffia wedges – this summer, there’s a new shoe stepping into the spotlight: barely-there kitten heels and dressed-up, going-out versions of the jelly shoes you loved as a child. Image; Cher jelly kitten heel sandals, Linzi, €45; www.next.ie.

SEE MORE: Pack In Style With The Perfect Travel Bag

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