You can’t beat a Greek island getaway. Whether staying at a sleek hideout like One&Only Kea island, or a rustic resort such as Lesente Cape on Zykynthos, you know you’re in for good food, good weather, endless sandy beaches, and cloudless sunsets. When packing a summer wardrobe, it’s nice to lean into the relaxed vibe of island living – breezy dresses, comfy footwear, and beach bags made to be overstuffed with holiday reads and sand-dusted towels.
I aim to retain a modicum of chic points through colour blocking, and favouring dresses over t-shirts or shorts. I also try not to overpack, which means considering multi-scenario outfits, i.e. a look that can be worn to both a beach bar and for a day trip into town, or a shirt that also works as a beach cover up. Just don’t skip the sunscreen.
The white dress
I love a white dress on holiday. Nothing brings out a tan – or says ‘I don’t spill food’ – quite like it. A loose fitting maxi style is great for the beach or a little trip into the local town or market, while a more fitted option works for the evening too. I love a broderie anglais design for an added touch of summer ‘out of office’ dressing, or something with an unexpected detail, such as the cut-out waist on this version by Farm Rio, which keeps it looking modern and less ‘pretty’. The great thing about white is that it goes with everything and can be dressed up or down. Pair with chunky sandals for a younger, edgier look, or dress up with a strappy red sandal and evening bag.
Swimwear
For any Greek island, whether you’re on the beach or in a hotel with a pool, swimwear is a must. I try to pack a mixture of styles and cuts – in part so I don’t double down on tan lines, but also to make sure I have more covered up options for family pools (you don’t want to be the ‘Amanda’ mum here), more practical options for activities, boat trips, or – gulp – waterslides (my daughter is three so unfortunately this is a big consideration now), and then more dressy options for the beach club or tanning. My fail-safe swimwear is the Eres Aquarelle one-piece; this is a great option for feeling more covered up and secure, with its square (non-cleavage) neckline and thicker, sturdier material. I’ve worn this to many a waterpark and baby swim lesson and feel very demure, very mindful. For a more fun look, I love Osale; the brand makes gorgeous cut out pieces with metallic shimmer, and I love this Siren design with gold hardware detailing. For something really fun, or for an option that can be passed off as outerwear, Maygel Coronel is a great brand to invest in.
Shoes
No matter the island, I aim to pack a few different footwear options for Greece. First up, a sandal or flip flop that can get wet – I need something that can be worn on the beach, without fear of going in the sea, plus for poolside, any boat trips, as well as for a spa. You can’t go wrong with Havaianas, in fact, I realised that we are a Havaianas ‘family’; I have the flip flops, my husband has the sliders, and my three-year-old has the velcros. They’re practical and comfy enough for the whole day and I pack for every trip. I also pack a leather sandal (Ancient Greeks are always great) for smarter day looks, something for the evening (these Bottega Lido’s are ideal), and a more fun option for special occasions or day trips. This summer I went for Arket’s ode to The Row in the form of these fishnet red pumps, which – trust me – are comfy enough for full day wear and even chasing toddlers.
Bags
Ok. This is serious business – this is the one category that I’m sure to overpack, yet I always use every bag option. I need a bag for the beach that can get sandy, I need a bag for the pool, and I also need a bag for day trips; particularly with a toddler in tow. And let’s not forget about a bag for the evening. I will compromise on bags that can be mixed and matched with different outfits and colour-schemes, but the different scenarios are non-negotiable.
The Isabel Marent Darwen bag is the best beach bag – it already has a ‘rough and ready’ feel so doesn’t mind being overstuffed and laced with sand. The Dior book tote is my go-to in-flight bag and smart poolside companion – it’s the perfect size for all of your essentials whilst remaining a resolutely chic option for even the smartest of beach clubs. For an everyday bag, I love the Tory Burch Ella clutch; it’s a compact size but still fits a phone, room key, sunscreen, and sunglasses – all you need to be hands free whilst spending a day by the pool or heading out to lunch. Finally, a fun evening bag that is strictly for non-sand, non-children usage, such as the Chloe bracelet bag – and in this gorgeous deep burgundy colour.
Sunglasses
Another must for any summer getaway is a good pair of sunglasses. I used to live by the mantra that you never really own sunglasses, merely act as temporary caretaker, such was my high rate of loss and breakage. However, call it maturity, call it going to less festivals, I have now invested in a few good pairs of sunglasses that have become trusty travel companions. Victoria Beckham makes the best sunnies in my opinion, but I’m also rather fond of this design by Gucci.
Silk skirts
This is an item in my wardrobe that started life as a city investment, but has slowly migrated to the holiday section. I love a silk skirt for a myriad of reasons – it’s chic, timeless, and can be worn with anything from a knit and heels to the office Christmas party, just as well as it can be worn with a crisp white shirt and boots to a brunch date. As it turns out, it’s also a marvellous holiday look, particularly these more summer-friendly pale and ombre versions. Pair with a simple white tee or just a bikini top for a more fashionable island look.
Jewellery
Don’t forget about jewellery for your holiday – I tend to pack my favourite, everyday pieces, that are more in keeping with my usual style, as opposed to any ostentatious ‘holiday’ jewellery. I love layering necklaces – I have my Rachel Jackson heart pendant on this chunkier hardware which looks great for both day and evening, plus my Astley Clarke locket which has my daughters name. It’s on a slightly longer chain so looks really great with swimwear or bandeau styles. I also love an anklet on holiday. If I don’t remember to pack one I’ll buy a cheapy one at the first gift shop I see.
Shirts
A great multipurpose item in my holiday arsenal is an oversized shirt. Typically in linen and usually worn open, this is my fail safe look to give off holiday mode without burning my shoulders. This summer I packed embroidered shirts for a touch of sentimental charm. Extra points for matching shorts.
