Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
When it comes to the May Bank holiday, it can be difficult enough to know what to do, let alone what to wear.
With unreliable weather, a to-do list and competing ideas of what makes the perfect long weekend, the question of clothes can often go unanswered.
So if you’re in need of some mini-break outfit inspiration, look no further.
Whether it be a jet-setting city break, some time spent on the beach with the family, or a stay-cation in West Wales or London, our editors have got you covered with the best wardrobe picks to make sure you’re looking your best, even if the weather isn’t.
Here’s what the fashion experts are wearing this weekend:
Katherine Spenley, Inspire Magazine Editor
Optimism is everything, but after a rooftop supper at the Berkeley Hotel was rained off last Bank Holiday, I’m choosing to believe the weather forecast this time. My weekend will be spent catching up with friends and family in London and the Cotswolds.
There are plans for a rose-soaked lobster roll supper on the terrace at the Marylebone Hotel, for which I’ll pair this Wiggy Kit denim wrap dress with a sweater (I love this one from Herd) around my shoulders or on the back of my chair if the weather plays ball.
If not, it’ll be a pair of Frame’s Pencil jeans with a shirt from With Nothing Underneath, the jumper, a cashmere cap ‘borrowed’ from my husband, a Veronica Beard tweed jacket complete with cosy cashmere insert – and a blanket over the knee.
Shoes-wise, I’ve recently fallen in love with Flabelus and am coveting these bright yellow ones which are in the sale, although these are an easier colour to wear so the more sensible choice.
I recently stayed at The Pig in the Cotswolds and rediscovered the country-style joy of a skirt, jumper and boots (by popping an old M&S cashmere roll neck over a slippy silk dress from French brand Les Cent Ciels and slouchy suede boots).
For this weekend I’m eyeing a striped skirt by AP (or indeed any skirt from super-chic store KJ’s Laundry) hopefully it’ll be hot enough to pair with a T shirt – I find crew necks from the White Company sit at the most flattering point of my arm – if not, it’ll be a shirt like this one from Palome and a linen sweater from NavyGrey. Perfect for breakfast at Bruern Cottages, drinks at The Wild Rabbit and an amble down the track to Daylesford.
Accessories? I’m never without the pearls I commissioned from Alexandra Cordon several years ago and – hopefully – I’ll be cracking out my favourite Linda Farrow sunnies too.
Maria Coole, Inspire Magazine Deputy Editor
I’m heading west to Wales, to my childhood holiday destination: Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. In my opinion, one of the world’s most beautiful sandy beaches (it featured ever so briefly in second episode of The Night Manager 2).
The huge beach is a spectacular setting, backed by limestone cliffs with a ruined castle on top, a salt marsh and Pennard Pill stream flowing to the sea. Come rain, shine and the Welsh drizzle, I love walking along the dunes and finding the perfect spot for a picnic.
So I need a wardrobe with layers. I’m currently buying up as much of the JWA collab at Uniqlo as my bank account will let me, so packing their baggy jeans is a no brainer. I’m also a sucker for trainers and these pink Adidas ones, say ‘here comes summer’ to me!
For evening drinks in the local hostelries, which is a great excuse to wear Zara’s coveted dress and accessorise with John Lewis cat-eye sunnies.
Amy Kester, Deputy Fashion Editor
I love Italy. It’s a place I’ve been going to all my life, so rather than risking a rainy bank holiday (though the UK is set to be a scorcher), I’ve instead decided to head to Verona for a long weekend. I love city breaks so
I plan to get my steps in by walking everywhere and exploring all of the narrow, beautiful streets. For this, and knowing the weather is set to be 25 degrees plus, I’ll pack a lightweight shirt and shorts like this set from Mint Velvet and my trusted Dune Loupe sandals that offer both style and comfort.
This woven bag from Anthropologie is the perfect all round style. Great for travelling on the plane as well carrying all your essentials during the day and chic enough to wear of an evening out on the town.
I plan to head to Antica Bottega del Vino for an aperitif before perching on an outdoor table for dinner.
I don’t tend to pack jeans on a holiday but for a city break, they’re perfect if the evenings are a little cooler.
This lace top from Arket brings relaxed glamour and a collarless blazer is perfect for throwing over my shoulders.
Dinah Van Tulleken, Fashion Editor
When the weather is good, I truly believe there is nowhere better than the UK, but after one too many windswept bank holidays spent huddled on a beach in Norfolk, this year I’m escaping to the south of France in search of sun.
We’re staying in the Languedoc region, self-catering in an old château surrounded by vineyards, meadow and woodland. Days will be spent hiring bikes and cycling the children around local villages, so yes, I need a wardrobe that’s practical. But the second I’m across the channel there’s a pressure to more than merely practical. I want to feel a little chic. Not easy with a two-year-old on the back of a bike but French women manage it and so can I.
A capsule wardrobe is always the answer on holiday. I want everything to work together. A linen dress, like this one from Arkitaip – if this brand is not on your radar, it should be – is the hardest-working item in my suitcase: I’ll throw it on over swimwear, head into town and dress it up for dinner.
I always pack one statement jacket, because well, the rest of what I take tends to be quite boring. This embroidered style from East instantly lifts simple separates.
Natural fibres are non-negotiable. I’m especially devoted to linen shorts, particularly the boxer-style versions with elasticated waistbands that feel relaxed without looking scruffy. I’m packing a pair from With Nothing Underneath and wearing them with a crisp white linen shirt – the ultimate holiday staple.
Summer trainers are surprisingly difficult to get right. I want something lightweight and breathable so have found myself reaching for colourful crochet styles from Hoff in warm brown and pink tones, which feel fun without being overly sporty.
The gold-sand beaches at Sérignan and Portiragnes are only moments (an hour in a car with screaming children) away, so swimwear is needed. I’m taking a simple striped swimsuit from & Other Stories that doubles perfectly as a top worn with those linen shorts.
