If You Want An Expensive-Looking Holiday Wardrobe, Make Sure To Pack This, This and This
Our take
The pursuit of a holiday wardrobe that whispers of luxury, rather than shouting it, speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of style. This isn’t about chasing fleeting trends or accumulating a mountain of garments; it's about curating a collection of timeless pieces that evoke a sense of effortless elegance. The recent piece highlighting essential items for an "expensive-looking" holiday wardrobe reflects a broader shift towards mindful consumption and prioritizing quality over quantity—a philosophy deeply aligned with the ethos of quiet luxury. It's a move away from the ostentatious displays of wealth and towards a more understated, sophisticated aesthetic, one that values craftsmanship and enduring style. Consider, for example, how the very essence of a sun-drenched European escape can be captured through scent, as explored in Yachts! Beach Clubs! Sunsets! These Perfumes Practically Scream "Euro Summer". Both the curated wardrobe and the evocative fragrance contribute to a holistic experience of refined leisure.
The emphasis on mix-and-match versatility also reveals a savvy understanding of modern travel. Luggage space is precious, and the ability to create multiple outfits from a limited selection of items is not just practical, but also a statement of resourcefulness. This approach resonates with a generation increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and actively seeking ways to minimize waste. The article's suggestion—prioritizing key pieces—is a direct response to this consciousness. Moreover, protecting your investment in quality garments is paramount. A dermatologist’s advice on recognizing and treating sun damage, as detailed in A Dermatologist Just Told Me the 6 Most Common Signs of Sun Damage—Plus, How to Treat Them, is an essential companion to any carefully curated holiday wardrobe; safeguarding these pieces ensures they remain cherished staples for years to come. It highlights the intersection of style and wellbeing - a crucial consideration for cultivating a truly luxurious and sustainable lifestyle.
The desire for a "designer look" without the designer price tag is a particularly relatable aspiration. It’s a testament to the power of styling and the ability to elevate even simple pieces through thoughtful combinations and impeccable tailoring. This isn’t about imitation; it’s about understanding the principles of high-end design—the clean lines, the luxurious fabrics, the attention to detail—and translating them into a personal style that feels authentic. It’s about creating a visual narrative that conveys confidence and discernment, rather than relying on overt branding. This approach allows individuals to express their personal style without succumbing to the pressures of consumerism and allows for a deeper connection to the clothing itself, rather than just the label it bears. Evoking a sense of nostalgia can also be key - finding joy in timeless staples, much like the comfort and warmth offered by revisiting a beloved classic such as Meet the Cast of Netflix's 'Little House on the Prairie', speaks to a desire for enduring values and a rejection of fleeting trends.
Ultimately, the focus on a curated holiday wardrobe signifies a broader cultural shift towards intentionality and self-expression. It’s a rejection of the disposable and a celebration of the enduring. As travel continues to evolve, and as consumers become increasingly discerning, we can anticipate a further refinement of this aesthetic—a move towards even more thoughtfully selected pieces, ethically sourced materials, and timeless designs that transcend seasonal trends. The question becomes: will the pursuit of "expensive-looking" style continue to prioritize quality and sustainability, or will the pressure to constantly update and reinvent ultimately undermine the principles of quiet luxury?
The summer season is here, and I only have one thing on my mind: the sun-soaked getaways I booked earlier this year, and, more significantly, the outfits I’ll be wearing. For 2026, I want a holiday capsule wardrobe that’s wearable, easy to mix and match, and, most importantly, looks designer. But as someone with a luxury taste on a very high-street budget, I know I’ll have to work a little harder to make the pieces I invest in for my upcoming travels look polished, put-together, and more expensive than their affordable price tags.
For summer 2026, I’m all about elevated elegance—the kind of pieces that can be dressed down for a casual day exploring the town, then taken seamlessly into a fancy evening dinner with a few simple swaps. And after what feels like hundreds of hours scrolling online, I’ve collated a simple list of the thirteen staples I’ll be packing on my holidays this year. Think classic yet elevated basics that feel fresh for summer 2026, but are also guaranteed to last me for many years to come.
And the best part? I’ve rounded them up below, so that you, too, can follow my 13-piece holiday packing list on a high-street budget. Keep scrolling to see and shop the 13 rich-looking pieces that are making the foundations of my 2026 summer holiday capsule wardrobe.
13 Affordable Staples You'll Find On My 2026 Holiday Packing List
1. Throw-On Dress
Style notes: Dress season is finally upon us, and an easy, throw-on style that you can take from day to night with ease is a holiday must-have. Simply swap out your flip-flops and raffia tote for a pair of kitten heels and a statement clutch.
Shop the Staple:
You can never go wrong with an LBD.
Wear with sandals, ballet flats or kitten heels.
No one will believe this is from the high street.
2. Tank Top
Style notes: A tank top acts as the base layer for so many of my warm-weather outfits, and in my opinion, the high street has plenty of options that look just as expensive as their luxury counterparts.
Shop the Staple:
COS' tank tops come editor-approved.
This will go with everything.
I'd style this with white linen trousers and suede flip-flops.
3. Linen Trousers
Style notes: Breezy linen trousers serve me well all season long, but they especially come into their own on holiday, when I can use them to throw over my swimsuits or pair with an elegant blouse and sandals.
Shop the Staple:
A pair polished enough for a formal evening out.
An easy throw-on style is perfect for days by the pool.
This chocolate brown hue makes for a nice point of difference from black.
4. Sandals
Style notes: It’s toes out season! And the high street is filled to the brim with a myriad of designer-looking sandals this year, from classic styles that will never date to on-trend iterations that rival any luxury find.
Shop the Staple:
These sell out every year.
These look like so many designer options on the market right now.
Two-tone flip-flops are having a moment.
5. Button-Up Shirt
Style notes: A button-up shirt will serve you well this summer, whether worn thrown over a bikini or paired with some breezy shorts. Instead of the more fitted silhouettes I opt for at home, I’m turning to more relaxed iterations that give my holiday outfits an effortlessly chic, off-duty vibe.
Shop the Staple:
Wear with linen trousers, skirts and shorts alike.
The perfect pullover style for beach days.
This pretty sky blue shade is calling to me.
6. Midi Skirt
Style notes: A midi skirt is a summer staple, and when I’m on holiday, I always turn to them to dress up my tank tops and button-up shirts when I want to look polished. It’s the perfect staple for a day out in town or evening drinks with friends.
Shop the Staple:
White skirts are synonymous with summer.
This comes in 16 other shades.
This looks way more expensive than it's £20 price tag.
7. Swimsuit
Style notes: I’ve never been a huge fan of bikinis so a one-piece suit is my swimsuit of choice for my holidays this year. However, instead of your classic neutral scoop-neck iteration, I’ll be opting for styles with elevated details or playful colours.
Shop the Staple:
Just wait until you see the back of this.
For a bold pop of colour.
Such a pretty shade of green.
8. Blouse
Style notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, then it will come as no surprise that a blouse is on my packing list this summer. This pretty top style is a fail-proof way to dress up skirts, shorts or linen trousers on holiday, not to mention it looks expensive at any price point.
Shop the Staple:
Cape blouses are having a moment.
This genuinely looks designer.
Yes, polka dots are still in for 2026.
9. Linen Shorts
Style notes: When it gets too hot for even linen trousers, I turn to shorts in the same breezy fabrication. Perfect with tank tops, tees and blouses, you can’t go wrong with taking an easy, pull-on style with you on your travels.
Shop the Staple:
This tailored pair feels so polished.
I want the matching shirt as well.
I'd wear these here in London as well.
10. Jewellery
Style notes: Jewellery plays a key role in taking an outfit from basic to elevated, but don’t sleep on the myriad of expensive-looking pieces the high street currently has on offer. It’s an easy way to get your hands on summer 20206’s trending pieces without having to splurge out loads of cash.
Shop the Staple:
An instant outfit elevator.
Resin jewellery is trending yet again this summer.
This also comes in silver.
11. Sunglasses
Style notes: I love designer sunglasses as much as the next person, but don't be tricked into thinking you have to spend loads on luxury-looking iterations. Just look at the chic high-street styles below…
Shop the Staple:
I did a double take when I first saw the price of these.
So sleek.
This khaki pair is calling to me.`
12. Basket Bag
Style notes: Whether it’s raffia, jute or hemp, a basket bag is an easy way to add texture to a holiday outfit. I’ll personally be using mine as a beach bag to fit my towel, SPF and sunnies in.
Shop the Staple:
This chocolate hue looks so expensive.
You'll be able to fit so much in this roomy tote.
The perfect size for strolling around on a city break.
13. Bandana
Style notes: The bandana is the it-girl accessory of summer 2026, and the high street is currently filled with a number of chic patterns, colours, and designs that are sure to elevate even the most basic of outfits.
Shop the Staple:
I'd style this with an all black outfit.
I love the contrast between the different polka dot styles.
Imagine this with a white linen midi dress and suede sandals.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience