Summer in the City: Style Inspiration

There is no feeling comparable to knowing you have a trip coming up and it’s time for a holiday wardrobe refresh. And yes, we are prepared to die on this hill. Daydreaming about where you’re going, what you’ll get up to, coordinating with your partner or friends, sending options to your best friend for their opinions… It is truly thrilling. If you’re heading to Paris, Lisbon, Rome, or any sunny city this season, we have got you covered. 

To Trend or Not to Trend

The themes of this year seem to be hailing ‘texture texture texture!’ all around. Everything from linen to crochet, ruffles to lace, fringing to tiered detailing, you name it, it’s out there. Introducing any of these into your look can definitely add a fun dimension - however may be more suited to a dressier, evening outing. If loud shapes aren’t quite your thing, there are other ways to incorporate some fresh aspects into your look.

This year, if something isn’t maximising on the texture, you can be certain it will be in the pattern department. Stripes, cut outs, gingham and plaid, as well as colour coordination, clashing or matching patterns and a fair amount of denim on denim. It will surprise you how much a few bold splashes of colour can revitalise your wardrobe, making you feel on top of the world with absolute minimum effort.

Attire Fit for Winding Cobblestones

• Outfit: Wide leg linen trousers, a simple vest or camisole, light shirt to layer, trainers

• Bag: Original Plus

Whilst many of the activities one might entertain in both London and other European cities may be similar, dressing with comfort in mind is a must to ensure you get through a long day of wandering around shops and trekking up and down stairs. Not to say that you can’t express yourself the way you wish! A great way to ease the mental load of packing is to transition pieces you would wear any day wandering around at home. These are the items in your wardrobe that can be effortlessly sleek, simple, but still casual. 

For day to day meandering, we would recommend pairing wide leg linen trousers with a simple vest, a comfortable fitting shirt to layer over in the later hours. If you’re feeling experimental: choose trousers with gingham or stripes, with a top, pair of trainers and bag with coordinated hues! The Original Plus would be ideal for stashing any yummy pastries and little souvenirs you find, pick a bright shade like Wasabi Green or Coral Pink to match colourful city streets, and utilise your two free straps to bring out different elements of your outfit. It’s never been so easy to add pops of colour to your look.

• Outfit: Embroidered dress, comfortable sandals, knitted cardigan

• Bag: Sutton Sling

If you wanted a different look, you could opt for a broderie anglaise dress, some comfortable sandals (that you’re sure won’t rub your feet), and a fine crochet cardigan to protect you from the sun or the chilly evening air. Remember to factor in hilly walks when packing your bag. A bag that is just as spacious but with a touch more elegance would complement this type of outfit well, which inclines us to the beauty that is the Sutton Sling. Whether you’re searching for the best viewpoints, exploring food markets or dining alfresco, you need to be comfortable whilst feeling and looking good. In this bag, there is plenty of room for your travel essentials, a portable phone charger and then some! Go for the classic, matching leather strap or inject an extra dimension with a patterned fabric strap, and you’re ready to turn heads.

Dressing Up Without the Fuss

• Outfit: Denim midi skirt, blouse, espadrilles

• Bag: City Mini

On the days when you know you won’t be walking upwards of 15,000 steps, it can be a lovely change of pace to put on something a little bit dressier. Sauntering around art galleries, dining on a pretty rooftop, visiting a theatre or heading out on the town for cocktails, no matter the activity; we all need a bag for more formal outings on a city break. This is where our slimmer bags really shine. Picture this: a denim midi skirt, paired with a delicately detailed blouse and espadrilles - a perfect balance of smart and casual - along with a City Mini. Voilà! Match your bag with vivid hued sandals, jewellery or hair accessories or keep it neutral if you want a more toned-down feel.

• Outfit: Long, lace slip dress, light scarf

• Bag: Kensington

For the ever so slightly more formal venue, we imagine a long, lace slip dress with a layer to cover your arms (this could be a light scarf), and a sleek, simple Kensington. Available in both Black and Stone, perfect for those who lean toward minimal dressing, especially as this bag is so functional with its built-in cardholder, zip compartment and wristlet style strap! Have you not heard? Looking and feeling elegant is effortless around here. 

Keeping it Casual by the Coast

• Outfit: Tie-top, patterned print shorts, leather flip flops

• Bag: Padstow

If you plan to head out on a little seaside adventure, you’ll likely want a simple outfit. Suitable for both a beachy escape or wholesome meander around quaint towns, we would recommend a tie-top and patterned shorts combo. There are many ways you could vary this one; a top with a collar or a waistcoat, shorts, a skort or skirt, add in a pair of leather sandals, this look immediately signals easy breezy whilst being structured enough to look well thought out. For a long day out, you’ll likely require more bag space - potentially for a towel, an extra layer, plenty of water and snacks to keep you fuelled, so we believe that the Padstow is the best fit for this kind of excursion. With its neutral canvas body, external and internal slip pocket (ideal for a reusable water bottle), and zipped pocket, you are set for a very organised day out. Wave goodbye to losing all your valuables in the bottom of your bag, we’re entering a whole new era of sophistication, on-the-go. All colours of the Padstow also feature strap detailing that will beautifully tie in with any stripes, checks or gingham patterns, and is available in Black, Stone and Navy. 

The excitement of a city break is equaled by the variety of outing options you’re presented with once you get there. Whilst it’s all part of the fun, we know it’s very easy to go overboard with packing for so many different events. Our designers keep the adaptability of our bags at the forefront of their process, so that you are set up with versatile wardrobe options that can be mixed and matched. If you’re ready to invest in accessories that pair well with a multitude of looks, then shop our collections today.