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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Viral' co-ords, supermarket steals and prices from just £2.50: the fashion team reveal what to pack for your holiday
PACKING for a holiday isn't always the easiest of tasks. Finding your passport, checking the weather and remembering the travel adapter - let alone deciding what to wear for a whole week - takes a lot of planning. Luckily, the high street is full of stylish summer pieces to oomph up your holiday wardrobe. Whether you're going on a UK staycation or a far-flung getaway, the fashion team has you covered, as they reveal what's in their suitcases this summer. Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director 4 Tracey's vibrant holiday picks are all about light layers and fun accessories - perfect for Morocco Credit: Top, £56, Next - Trousers, £54, Next - Bag, £49.99, Zara - Hat, £65, COS - Swimsuit, £80, Hush - Sandals, £35.99, Mango - Scarf, £14, Marks & Spencer - Earrings, £17.99, Zara - Dress, £79.99, ZW Collection at Zara - Sunglasses, £55, Le Specs - Waistcoat, £125, Jaeger at Marks & Spencer - Trousers, £150, Jaeger at Marks & Spencer - Bag, £99, Mint Velvet - For my long weekend away in Marrakesh with only hand-luggage, I'm going for warm, rustic colours and long, loose layers, topped off with a big, bold sunhat to hit the medina. read more in shopping My go-to in the heat is always linen. These striped trousers from Next, teamed with the tie-back top, are perfect for keeping cool when the temperature soars. I also love adding texture to my summer looks: viral cornelli detailing on an evening co-ord, a mother-of pearl embellished clutch and resin multicoloured earrings can be mixed and matched, and will take your daytime looks through to evening. Oh, and don't forget a neck scarf - wear it with everything from your bikini to your floaty summer frock. Most read in Fabulous Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor 4 Abby is safari-ready with her top-holiday picks Credit: Shirt, £29.99, Zara - Trousers, £27.99, Zara - Sandals, £55, M&S Collection at Marks and Spencer - T-shirt, £12, Primark - Shorts, £36, River Island - Sunglasses, £55, Le Specs - Skirt, £18, Tu at Sainsbury's - Swimsuit, £42, Next - Hat, £25, John Lewis - Dress, £80, Michelle Keegan at Very - I love matching my wardrobe to my surroundings, so planning my holiday outfits always brings me great joy. Jetting off to the sandy beaches and jungles of Sri Lanka means I'm going for tropical swimwear, graphic T-shirts, and earthy tones to match my exotic surroundings. Loose trousers with elasticated waistbands are a must to be comfortable and flowy, as well as flat sandals to explore in. Practical items can still be stylish, too - I adore this check bucket hat from John Lewis and super-cool sunglasses from Le Specs. Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor 4 Clemmie is packing smart for the unpredictable British weather in Norfolk Credit: Hat, £22, Next - Blouse, £98, Boden - Sandals, £29, Next - Bag, £79.99, Mango - Swimsuit, £20, George at Asda - Jacket, £44.99, H&M - Sweatshirt, £45, GAP - Sunglasses, £85, Messy Weekend - Shorts, £60, Levi - T-shirt, £18, Next - Dress, £16, Primark - As we all know, the British seaside can mean rain or sunshine - or even both at the same time - so for my staycation, I'll be covering all bases with light fabrics and layering pieces. A wind-resistant jacket, a sweatshirt for warmth and of course sandals and shorts are all must-packs. I try to add pieces that I know I can dress up or dress down and will work for every occasion - be it a blustery beach day or a promenade stroll with ice cream in hand - and this lovely lot just does that. Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 4 Emily is ready to hit the city of love in true 'Emily in Paris' style! Credit: Skirt, £97, & Other Stories - Belt, £19.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer - Ballet pumps, £45.99, Mango - Jacket, £89.99, Mango - Bag, £45, Monty - Jeans, £35.99, Pull & Bear - Sunglasses, £2.50, Primark - Shorts, £12, Primark - Tshirt, £12.99, Reserved - Scarf, £45, The Tartan Blanket Co - Dress, £89, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer - Bag, £19.99, H&M - I'm hoping to get away on a city break to Paris this summer. I've visited the city a few times before, and one thing's for sure, the French have great style, so my outfit game needs to be strong. For my trip to the French capital, I'll be channeling the Emily in Paris aesthetic (of course!) with colourful stripes and luxe bouclé - though I draw the line at a beret... Since I'll likely be travelling with just hand luggage, I've picked a selection of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Why the high street still rules! Fabulous' Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts. I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high-street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan. Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls' day out we would look forward to all week. My mum's favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes. I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam's little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high-street fave River Island. I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on. Frilly ra-ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter. Fashion wasn't so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams. At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined. Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop. I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me. One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won! That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous . It's not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When Cool Britannia hit in the '90s, they all turned up in one big store. Designers at Debenhams was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson, to name a few. This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer's signature style. Years later, I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me. In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs. Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself! Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London's Oxford Street. I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show. I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush. At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki's legendary brand Biba from Topshop? High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week. Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING! A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed. Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop's Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon 'Kollection' for Dorothy Perkins. I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars. Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn't look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback. Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels. The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop. The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30!
Graziadaily
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Graziadaily
I Found The Chic Top I Keep Seeing On My Instagram – And It's From This Under-The-Radar Brand
There's always a joy that comes with the first proper warm days of spring - the kind that make you believe that this year we might actually get a summer. Saying that, I've been burned by a similar sense of optimism before, so I tend to tread carefully when it comes to transitioning my wardrobe. But, with the days getting longer, holidays on the horizon and summer solstice only mere days away, it feels like the right time to start (finally) investing in some warm weather staples. At the top of my list? Linen. Even though it gets a bad rep for its creasing tendencies, linen is (and probably always will be) a perennial favourite, and there's only one under-the-radar high street brand I'm turning to for the best - Mint Velvet. Mint Velvet has long mastered what the brand refers to as 'relaxed glamour', yet among its spring/summer collection, it's the Linen Scallop Tie Front Top that's caught my (and just about everyone else's) eye. Spotted on Instagram countless times, the top features feminine details like three front tie fastenings, scalloped hem and V-neckline, as well as a slightly cropped silhouette and numerous matching bottom options. 1. Linen Scallop Tie Front Top Mint Velvet's pretty summer top is almost always sold out, and it's easy to see why. With a flattering scalloped neckline and a tie-front, there's an entire array of colours to choose from - whether you prefer something brighter, like a pink, or more subtle, like an ivory or butter yellow. Mint Velvet has conveniently designed matching pieces to go with said top in the same breezy linen that include city break-ready shorts, a dinner-at-the-beach-esque maxi skirt and easy wide-leg trousers - all of which create that put-together feel with absolutely no effort involved. Alternatively, for more styling options, wear the co-ord pieces as two separates, tucking the Tie-Front Top into high waisted jeans, adding platform sandals and a Dragon Diffusion tote bag. The brand's wider linen offering also sticks to a familiar formula - easy-going silhouettes, neutral tones and the right amount of tailoring that means it looks equally at home paired with loafers to the office, as it does with a swimsuit and spritz in hand. Mint Velvet's White Linen Lace Trim Shirt, and matching bottoms are a perfect example. The subtle lace details adds interest without tipping into overly girly territory, and both pieces work just as well solo - the shirt left open over a vest and jeans, the trousers teamed with a tank top and toe-ring sandals. 2. Linen Lace Trim Shirt If you're wanting to elevate your white linen shirt collection, start with Mint Velvet's feminine iteration. The shirt has delicate lace panelling on the length of the arm, which makes it perfect for pairing with a satin midi skirt and slip-on sandals. 3. Linen Lace Trim Wide Trousers To pair with the lace-trimmed shirt, finish the ensemble with the matching trousers, also complete with lace panelling down the leg. Below, I've combed through Mint Velvet's aptly named 'linen shop' to find the best linen pieces, including copious amounts of dresses, lightweight blazers and throw-on shorts, all in a palette of soft white, baby blue and butter yellow to make dressing in the heat - or the unpredictable British weather - a lot easier. 4. Linen Starfish Mini Dress This mini dress is not only in the colour of the season - that delectable butter yellow hue - but it also has mini gold starfish buttons along the front as well as a scalloped edge. To style, tie a silk scarf loosely around your neck and add a pair of slip-on sandals. 5. Gingham Linen Top This blue gingham top is a perfect item to have in your warm weather arsenal, whether you're heading to the office or to a picnic. The shirt has a crew neckline, short puff sleeves and bow detailing at the front, and can either be styled with the matching shorts or with wide-leg trousers. 6. Gingham Linen Shorts Mint Velvet's scalloped-hem linen shorts are available in a handful of colours, from gingham blue to baby pink. Featuring a comfortable elasticated waistband and front pockets, dress it up with heels and a blouse, or down with a graphic t-shirt and trainers. 7. Linen Blend Double Breasted Blazer Stuck on what to wear to the office in a heatwave? A linen blazer is always the answer, and this one from Mint Velvet is an excellent choice, with its double-breasted front, peaked lapels and long sleeves. 8. Linen Midi Dress If you're more of a midi dress person than a mini or - on the other end of the spectrum - maxi, this midi dress is one of the most flattering styles on the high street. Finished with details like a V-neckline, pin-tuck panelling to cinch and button fastening down the front, style with a pair of printed kitten heels and a statement bag. 9. Bow Back Linen Dress Another great linen dress from Mint Velvet comes in the form of its bow back linen dress, which, as the name suggests, features a large bow at the back. If you have a diary full of events this summer, it's a good dress to throw-on with a pair of platform sandals or heels and you're good to go. 10. Striped Linen Halter Top Another great addition to your workwear wardrobe, Mint Velvet's striped linen halter top is easy to pair with earthy neutrals and wide-leg trousers - and, it's formal enough to wear into the office, yet relaxed enough to wear to post-work drinks too. Main image credit: Instagram/@belsfashionedit, @anoukyve, @amyfuchsia Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stylist reveals the fashion trends to follow if you want look luxurious this summer - and it doesn't have to break the bank
We're heading towards the summer season, and fashionistas will be busily curating their wardrobes to keep up with the trends. Sticking to softer colours and delicate patterns could help elevate your ensembles in the warmer months, with stylists detailing just how to curate a luxurious outfit - without necessarily breaking the bank. One trend heading back to the high street is boho; a revival of the free-spirited aesthetic with its suede boots, flowy dresses and very oversized sunglasses. Its a softer, more refined version of the noughties vibe - defined by billowing sleeves and flowing layers, and definitely spearheaded by Parisian designer Chloé. At two ends of the spectrum, both mocha brown and soft pastels are having their moment, with brands designing shoes, bags and accessories in the unusual hues. Award winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot notes that 'dusty pinks, pale lemon, mint, and sky blue are trending and perfect for that elegant summer vibe'. 'Stick to one or two shades per outfit to avoid looking overdone,' she said. The stylist also told Femail that the oversized, structured shirt is back this season - but stick to pinstripes, soft pastels, or crisp white hues. Boho chic White Embroidered Trim Oversized Batwing Blouse - New Look £33.99 Shop Orange Floral Print Maxi Dress - Mint Velvet £130 Shop One of the most notable trends of the summer is a resurgence of Boho. But rather than the noughties style we all know and love, this 2025 version has a 'modern, edited twist', says UK-based stylist Rochelle White. She told Femail: 'It's moved on from the frayed looked to more elegance, thinking less festival more Ibiza or gallery opening vibe. 'Many brands have understood that like Chloe, as they seem to have created the modern boho chic with brand Ulla Johnson helping to redefine it. 'With better designs, craftmanship that really plays into the contemporary edit.' Soft pastels Butter Yellow Bandeau Felicity Midi Dress - Nobody's Child £89 Shop Kira Scoop Neck Sleeveless Midi Dress - Saint Tropez £39.99 Shop It's not uncommon for pastel colours to fill the high street at this time of year. But, Rochelle notes, this summer is leaning into the softer, subtle hues. She explains there are 'a lot of dusty or light colours such as blue, blush pink, lavender and buttery yellow '. Rochelle said: 'White I believe will always have a place, but for people looking for and wanting a bit more colour, without it being too bright, these are great alternatives.' Statement shirt Poplin Shirt in Pinstripe Blue - H&M £22.99 Shop Cropped Cotton Shirt in White - Mango £45.99 Shop Another trend heading back to stores in time for summer is the oversized, structured shirt look. Award winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot notes that these are best worn 'loosely over wide-leg trousers or over swimwear at lunch'. Though its a classic style, Lisa recommends fashionistas stick to 'pinstripes, soft pastels, or crisp white for maximum impact' this season. Tailored linen Linen Suit Waistcoat - Mango £49.99 Shop Stone Linen Blend Blazer - New Look £45.99 Shop Linen is a staple in the summertime, helping keep you cool on long, hot days. Most might opt for chic linen trousers, but personal stylist Lisa Talbot told Femail that tailored pieces are on trend for the upcoming season. She said: 'Linen is a summer staple, but opt for tailored linen pieces - like waistcoats or blazers - instead of slouchy fits. 'You'll still stay cool but look infinitely more polished.' Wedge heels Wedges are the perfect summer alternative to heels. Not only are they more comfortable, but they pair effortlessly with the linens, midi skirts and flowy, boho-style dresses expected to be all the rage this season. Rochelle told Femail: 'We love comfort, since lockdown heels are on the decline but wedges are as popular as ever. 'For most people they are both comfortable and practical. 'The wedge can really be paired with anything and can be paired with anything from long shorts, to Boho chic to a slip dress.' Mocha brown Brown Colorado Midi Dress - Nobody's Child £69 Shop Draped Plisse Dress in Brown - H&M £139.99 Shop In contract to the light hues and soft pastels, mocha brown is poised to be popular. The palette has been spotted on dresses, shoes and bags - with muted browns and camels also soaring in popularity on the high street. Rochelle explained: 'There has also been a raise in more muted browns and camels, as well as coffee colours with Mocha and taupe being a new go too. 'This really does support the quiet luxury and softness that seems to be popular this summer. 'Very in-line with boho chic, the colour palettes are reflecting that more colour is wanted but in a much more muted and not so loud way.' Long shorts Linen Blend Suit Bermuda Shorts - Mango £35.99 Shop Midwash Denim Bermuda Shorts - TU Clothing £16 Shop Whether its denim, linen or cotton, Bermuda-style shorts are growing in popularity. Rochelle explains that these longer short can be either dressed up for the night, or down for the day. She said: 'Styling can be from a basic vest top, relaxed shirt or blazer. Depending on the style chosen they can be perfect for a more tailored work look or a day at a beach club. 'Some people feel that these are hero pieces for a wardrobe this season as they are so versatile.' Intricate details Blue Vanilla Stone Crochet Knit Shirt - New Look £25 Shop Alvere Blouse in Ecru - Sezene £135 Shop Clothes with intricate details in lace and crochet are also making a comeback in 2025. Rochelle explains that it brings 'an element of personalisation and texture' to an otherwise simple summer outfit. She said: 'The great thing about this, is that it can be used to add texture to outfits or even be the perfect Summer holiday fit for over beachwear. 'I feel that this is really tapping into nostagle and with co-ord sets, structured two pieces and more. Adds a bit of drama to an outfit in whatever way suits.'
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Shoppers buy 'effortlessly stylish' linen dresses for less in set deal
Next's own brand The Set has launched a 2-pack of linen dresses in black and ecru-stripe that are ideal for the summer months. Costing £34, this makes the dress £17 each With summer edging closer, many of us are stocking up on linen looks to help keep us cool as the temperatures rise, from trousers and shorts to dresses. Next has just launched a set of dresses that are simple yet chic and versatile enough to wear to both the office, after work drinks and Sunday coffee stops. Coming in a pack of two, the set costs £34 making the dresses £17 each. The Set Black/Ecru Stripe 2 Pack Midi Dress with Linen is available in sizes 6 to 20 and contains two dresses: one in ecru with delicate yet elegant pinstripes and one in plain black. Promising to 'elevate' everyday wardrobes, especially in the sunshine-drenched seasons, the dresses can easily be dressed up with heels and a blazer for a business-appropriate lunch date or down with sandals and a denim jacket when off duty on the weekend. Plus, they can easily be accessorised being relatively plain - yet timeless - in design, which is always a winner. Featuring a flattering square neckline that makes any outfit look chic and romantic, the dresses have relatively thick straps which is always a welcome details, especially for those of us who need to wear a bra for support. Their sleeveless design is roomy too, which is great for those who get warm rather easily, eliminating the potential for sweat-patches. With a relaxed, A-line shape, the dresses are fitted with 'an easy, comfortable fit'. Made from a combination of 83% Viscose and 17% Linen, the dresses are breathable and come to just below the knees and don't seem to be stiff, as some linen dresses can be, which is always a welcome feature. This Next duo from its own brand The Set is ideal for anyone looking to stock up on summer staples for any upcoming holidays or who simply want to top up their summer wardrobes with pieces that can work for both work and leisure. At £17 a piece, we think it's a bit of a bargain too. However, for those happy to spend a little extra to get more linen in the mix, Mint Velvet offers a similar style for £140. Made with 100% linen, its black linen dress - which comes in black and grey - has a midi silhouette and similar square neckline. It feature lace trim detailing however as well as a rear split hemline and cross back. At GAP, shoppers can get a dress that has a bit more of an hourglass shape in its Black Linen-Blend Square-Neck Maxi Summer Dress, £105. Made from a soft linen blend, the maxi dress has a similar square neckline but smocked back, for added comfort, and has a high percentage of linen at 55% than Next's The Set variation. While the Next The Set duo of linen dresses hasn't yet received any reviews, having only recently dropped on the high street brand's website, the only potential downside we can see is whether or not the ecru shade may come a little see through. If that is the case, make sure to stock up on nude coloured undies. It also looks like the dress's straps aren't adjustable, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Nine ways to add dimension to your wardrobe with fringing
Swish. Swish. Nothing quite beats the frippery of fringing. Useful for nothing apart from visual interest, its function is sheer indulgence. Maybe that's why it's such a hard sell. Close your eyes. What comes to mind? A socialite—Martini in hand—draped across a chaise lounge. Two mysterious strangers dancing Flamenco in a café. Popping down to your local for a drink. That last one didn't make the cut, did it? But wait. It doesn't have to be so binary. Fringing, despite its reputation, possesses a certain utility – adding dimension to an outfit. & Other Stories' wispy eyelash fringing reimagines staples like a blazer without extra fabric fuss. Similarly, where Sandro's tassel hem dress is vacation-ready, Zara's knit skirt proves whimsy can be office-ready. Want to upgrade your monochrome separates? Look to M&S for inspiration with its simple yet stylish reworking of the t-shirt top. Should the thought of a freak summer shower and soggy tassels dampen your ardour, Mint Velvet's red fringe straw bag provides just the right amount of escapism. For that matter, making a dash for it in a pair of MSGM raffia mules counts too. As for reality checks, there is the small matter of laundering. Depending on the style (long tassels or thick tufts), section off the fringe using hair ties or create one loose knot. Put the garment into a pillowcase or zippered laundry bag and wash on a short, cold cycle. And remember; always dry on a clothes horse – never in the dryer. Swish. Swish. You'll be glad you did. M&S Collection top and trousers, earring and sunglasses M&S Collection top €50, M&S Collection trousers €65, earrings €17.50, sunglasses €20, all M&S M&S €50 and €65, €17.50 and €20 (all M&S) Fringe hem skirt Zara, €45.95 Fringed and beaded maxi dress Fringed and beaded maxi dress, Sandro, €275 Sandro, €275 Long necklace with tassels Long necklace with tassels, Parfois, €49.99 Parfois, €49.99 MSGM mules MSMG mules, Zalando, €223 Zalando, €223 Fringed blazer Fringed blazer, & Other Stories, €149 & Other Stories, €149 AllSaints 'Aisha' leather foil skirt AllSaints 'Aisha' leather foil skirt, Zalando, €339 Zalando, €339 Fringe straw bag Fringe straw bag, Mint Velvet, €170 Mint Velvet, €170 Cotton-blend textured fringe jumper Cotton-blend textured fringe jumper, M&S, €57 M&S, €57 Read More One and done: Nine ways to wear a versatile jumpsuit for any occasion
