It’s time to get wardrobes prepped and ready for the sunny and oh-so-chilled-out times ahead. Dust off your shades, pop the bikini in the wash and prepare for long hot days lounging around in the sun. Whether you’re jetting off to exotic foreign climes or relaxing at home on this season’s must-have staycation, the high street retailers are choc-full with plenty of chic choices for cool summer looks.

Fill your summer wardrobe with these lovelies…

Denim shorts are a sartorial staple for every fashionista’s summer wardrobe – they’ll see you through the summer from fun-filled festivals to lazy days mooching around. This year there are loads of styles to choose from. Go for skinny and demure if you like hiding those thighs, or short and sweet hotpants if you have pins to die for. Linen shorts are fabulous holiday must haves if you need to keep cool in the heat and a matching linen jacket will add va va voom for that gorgeous south of France vibe. You can never have too many t-shirts but go for pretty and cute to channel your inner feminity. Retro tees are perfect with hotpants and girly jewellery will keep things bright and breezy. If you like to stand out in the crowd a sweet playsuit makes an on-trend alternative to the classic beach frock, and if you like to cover up a bit there are oodles of maxi dresses on offer so you can pretty much float your way through the summer. Add a stack of bracelets and a pair of boho-luxe flat gladiator sandals and you’ve an effortless bank holiday weekend away outfit.

Denim shorts, £16, at Next

Love Label denim hotpants, £22, at Very.co.uk

Limited Collection round toe gladiator sandals, £25, at Marks and Spencer

Silver lotus metallic slingback wedge sandals, £45, at Debenhams

Floppy sun hat, £7.99, at New Look

Autograph front twist foil bandeau bikini top, £44.50, at Marks and Spencer

Opaque frame tinted sunglasses, £15, at Marks and Spencer

Perfect poolside posing

Embroidered linen kaftan, £59, at Boden
For perfect poolside posing grab a pretty kaftan and team it with show-stopping wedges you can muster and work the look with masses of confidence as you
amble from beach to bar. A floppy sunhat or two will go down a treat and on the bikini front you can’t go far wrong with a gold bandeau or vibrantly
coloured one-piece. Don’t forget to add an armful of bracelets and a huge pair of sunnies. Well you’re a glam-tastic vacationista aren’t you?

Before you go

Before you head off take some time for serious preening and pruning. Have a haircut and colour, defuzz your legs and bikini line, give yourself a
self-tan – fake it before you make it – and enjoy a good pedicure.

Plane essentials

Aspinal Candy travel suitcase, £695, at John Lewis

Of course, if you’re off on a plane you’ll need an eye-catching suitcase – you’ll need one that’s guaranteed to stand out on the airport carousel!
You’ll be needing a ladylike carry on too. A timeless and colourful tote held in the crook of your arm is best for holiday sophistication. And in it
don’t forget to pack the holiday beauty must have of all holiday beauty must haves, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin Protectant. It’s perfect for
soothing, softening and hydrating skin, lips and hands.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin Protectant, £23.49, at Boots

This and a pot of Vaseline, a toothbrush and some hand wipes are pretty much all the staples you’ll need for the flight. Along with your makeup bag for touch-ups prior to landing of course.

Beauty on the beach

Your beach holiday makeup bag deserves some careful consideration. You’ll want to take enough with you to be able to confidently switch from day to night and you’ll need as many items with SPF in as possible. Go for serious staying power and upfront colour.

Bobbi Brown metallic eye shadow, £15, at House of Fraser

Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss by Lancome, £11.02, at Debenhams

Metallics make skin look warm and inviting. They’re great for evening too. Oh and make sure you’ve some shimmer to add instant glamour for nights out on the town. Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss by Lancome gives a sheen and shimmer for beach-tastic oomph. Last but not least go for summer bright nails. Coral, hot pink and limes are so of the moment.

Shocking pink Barry M nail paint, £2.99, at Boots