How to pack for a very British holiday

Whether you’re winding down for a wellness weekend or gearing up for a jam-packed city break, this summer’s sartorial must-haves will see you kicking back in great style. Fashion writer, Katrina Israel, unpacks her holiday essentials for a bumper British break

The hiking holiday

Traversing the white cliffs of Dover or rambling the Yorkshire Dales this August? Keep your backpack on-trend with a unisex 1990s-nylon reissue by Mrs Prada, and a chic hiking boot by everyone from Ganni to Christian Louboutin. There simply ain’t no mountain high enough. Norwegian activewear brand Helly Hansen is also having a fashion moment after a recent men’s collaboration with Sandro. Its zip-up windbreakers (pictured) take the edge off any incline.

The seaside jaunt

From Cornwall’s turquoise coves to Salcombe’s secluded beaches, there’s nothing like a day at the British seaside when the weather plays ball. Boys, leave the Vilebrequins in the South of France and go local with retro-inspired British swim and resort brand Orlebar Brown. As for the girls? This season is all about a homespun feel with natural linen cover-ups and woven basket bags – a Loewe one is still selling like hot cakes, while Wicker Wings (pictured) is a great option to go from beach to bar.

The country wedding

Whether it’s Oxfordshire or Gloucestershire, the dress code for an English wedding always teeters towards the traditional. Cue Borgo De Nor (pictured) and Saloni’s floral frocks, Chanel tweed top coats and plenty of pearls. Hats off to contemporary jewellery brands such as Albus Lumen and Natasha Schweitzer who are doing their part to pimp out the latter with the right amount of edge. Meanwhile, a kitten-heeled sandal or slingback shoe by Alexander McQueen or Tabitha Simmons updates the often prudish pump. And boys, if you’re in traditional tails, it’s all about your sunglasses. Gucci has some next-level aviators out right now – treat yourself and enjoy your next wedding through rose (or turquoise) tinted lens.

The chic city break

Pack light with day-to-night dressing that fits seamlessly into your carry-on Away smart case (pictured), which comes with a USB charge point. Take a tiny travel kettle (many boutique hotels only supply a coffee machine in-room), and self-heating jasmine-infused Spacemasks, which will send you to another planet entirely – especially useful if your bolthole lacks a bathtub. Finally, track down a pair of Virgil Abloh’s Off-White sneakers. These unisex trainers will take you from an early-morning jog to the fireside, for a cosy pub dinner.

The wellness weekend

Be honest, you’re not headed for a detox destination in the great British countryside to show off your style credentials – although bike pants are a current catwalk hit. For those wanting workout motivation, it’s hard to go past the new wave of upbeat Antipodean leisurewear brands, from P.E Nation to The Upside and Lucas Hugh by New Zealander Anjhe Marcus, which have made the ‘athleisure’ movement palatable. Accessory-wise, in addition to your hydrogenated water bottle, the unisex Oura ring (pictured) picks up where the Fitbit left off, letting you study your sleep patterns and prioritise better bed habits when you get home.