Life’s a beach
Ian and I are spending more time up in the North East so I have invested in a UK beach holiday capsule wardrobe, (for the summer months) to leave there. It saves me packing and transporting a car full of clothes and accessories every time we travel between Skipton and Cullercoats. Our home in the North East is a half-hour walk from three beautiful beaches, all of which we love spending time on. We take long walks and often stop for something to eat and drink. When the weather’s warm we take a picnic and settle down on the beach for the day. Therefore, I need clothes that will mix and match, that are practical enough for walking and picnicking and that are suitable to wear should we end up in one of the area’s many beautiful eateries or bars.
UK beach holiday capsule wardrobe: clothing
A UK beach holiday capsule wardrobe is very different to a holiday-abroad capsule wardrobe. I wear a bikini abroad whereas we have very few bikini-weather days in the UK. However, I do like a paddle and an occasional bracing swim in the North Sea so a swimsuit is the answer. It will also multitask as a bodysuit or extra base layer. I also bought two pairs of shorts, a pair of trousers, a tee shirt and a hoodie. I can add to these as and when I need to with new pieces or with existing wardrobe staples such as a pair of jeans.
A pair of floppy shorts worn over a swimsuit in a matching print makes for a co-ordinated play suit-type look. An elastic waist makes slipping them on and off a doddle. Similarly, a pair of loose trousers gives a pulled-together look on a slightly cooler day or when it’s more appropriate to wear trousers than shorts, for example, in a bar.
I couldn’t resist this coral pink fleece hoodie. It was an excellent price from *The Outnet and it looks super with these sea blue shades as well as with white, cream and lots of other colours. The fact that it’s slightly cropped means it looks good with shorts.
UK beach holiday capsule wardrobe: accessories
Basket
I bought my basket from a little shop in Nerja when I was last there. It’s rigid shape means it doesn’t topple over on the sand, and, it fits a huge amount in.
Large scarf
This large scarf is a useful addition to my UK beach holiday capsule wardrobe. It’s large enough to wear as a sarong but not too bulky to wear as a scarf or a shawl. It washes beautifully and dries quickly so I’m not precious about sitting or lying on it.
Sunglasses
One of the perks of being an optometrist and eyewear ambassadorship is having a piece of eyewear for (almost) every outfit. These STEPPER S styles are the perfect addition to my UK beach holiday capsule wardrobe. They’re lightweight and comfortable and compliment the clothes beautifully.
Silk hair band
It can get rather windy on the North East coast so I tend to take a scrunchie or hairband with me. This beautiful silk hairband is by small independent brand The Natural Fix. It is so comfortable to wear and does a sterling job of keeping my main under control.
Clutch bag/pouch
I always take a clutch/pouch with me to any beach, whether UK or abroad. It keeps my phone, lipstick, mirror, hand sanitizer and hairbrush all in one place. It saves rooting around in my basket. I have had this one for several years and I always enjoy using it.
UK Beach Holiday Capsule Wardrobe: Style Notes and Sizing Info
For reference I am 5 ft 9, 175cm tall and a UK size 12.
*Sea Floral swimsuit, shorts, trousers, scarf: Fat Face. Take you usual size
*Blue broderie shorts and tee: Benetton. Take your usual size.
*Bubblegum pink hoodie: Baum und Pfedergarten via The Outnet. Runs slightly large, so opt for a size down if you want a neater fit.
Pink silk hairband: The Natural Fix, (gift).
Coral clutch bag: Aspiga, past season, (gift).
Pink sunglasses: STEPPER STS-90310-F021 (Part of ongoing paid partnership).
Crystal sunglasses with blue lenses: STEPPER STS-93008-F0532. (Part of ongoing paid partnership).
Navy cat-eye sunglasses: STEPPER STS-93008, (part of ongoing paid partnership).
Nakuru leather beaded sandals: Aspiga, (currently reduced). These run large. I’d advise sizing down if you are between sizes.
