Outfit Diaries | Staycation Edition

 

 Hi my lovelies, hope you are all well and keeping safe and welcome to Faith, Trust and Lots of Books first ever fashion post! This is a long one so I'll keep this short and sweet. I have recently been away for a week with my family and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to accumulate a bit of a capsule wardrobe which should see you through any staycation in the UK. Hope you enjoy!

Travel Outfit - Loungewear

If you are embarking on a staycation in the UK, then there is a high likelihood you will be travelling in a car, coach etc. for a long period of time, so comfort it key when planning a travel outfit. Therefore, loungewear is the obvious answer. Jogger shorts/boxer style shorts are a huge trend right now and they are the perfect alternative to jogging bottoms, which may be too warm, or cycling shorts which can be too tight. You can find these really cheap on fast fashion websites like PrettyLittleThing and Missguided, however if you are trying to shop more sustainably and support smaller brands Angelle Collection and Asos Design collection also do them for affordable prices.

Layering Items

This leads me onto my next suggestion, which is layering pieces. Let's be honest, layers are essential when holidaying in the UK. You never know when rainfalls or breezy days are going to hit you, and sometimes it may be too warm for a thick coat, therefore lighter, thinner clothing which can be layered is the perfect alternative. Layers can also be interchangeable with the seasons and trends surfacing at the time. For example: cardigans are a staple and can be worn whatever season, and checked shirts are having a huge moment at the minute and always come back around. These can be sourced sustainably and second hand, the one pictured below is actually my Grandad's so definitely snoop around your Dad's/Grandad's wardrobes for the perfect, oversized shirt.

Bodysuits!

It's the year 2020 and bodysuits are a revelation. They have actually been around longer than we think, but they are an absolute STAPLE in any wardrobe. Whether you pair them with shorts, jeans, skirts, they really do go with anything. These ones are from Boohoo and as you can see I have them in every colour possible. They're very similar to the Zara ones which everyone has this year but are slightly cheaper and with a wider size range if you struggle with Zara's sizing like me.

A Warm, Comfortable Sweatshirt

This is an absolute essential, not just on a UK staycation but for everyday, every occasion, any season. You can wear them anytime of year, in the Autumn/Winter when it's colder, and during the Spring/Summer on cooler evenings and especially if you're on the beach. They can take up literally no room in your beach bag and always come in handy. The one photographed below was actually from a vintage fair, which I 100% recommend you visit once COVID allows it, as you can always find one-off, unique pieces and if you're lucky, there are often designer pieces! Fun fact, this sweatshirt actually comes all the way from a tennis club in Pennsylvania, United States, which is amazing to think that one piece of clothing can hold so much history and travel so far!

Traditional Nice Top and Jeans

You can never go wrong with a nice top and jeans. It goes without saying that a good pair of jeans are a staple in your wardrobe all year around and for every occasion. Especially when going on holiday, depending how long you're going for, but one pair of jeans can suit all your needs whether you're wearing them during the daytime, or want to dress them up for an evening meal. My only advice would be is don't give up when trying to find the perfect pair of jeans. It may seem like an impossible task, but there is nothing wrong with trying on 100's of pairs before you find the right ones. Luckily for us, "Mom" jeans are the preferred style of jeans at the minute if you wish to follow trends, therefore are far more comfortable than skinny/slim fit jeans. Don't be afraid to try both ends of the spectrum with brands for jeans, some more affordable brands like New Look offer a great range of denim, including petite, tall, curve, maternity etc. and also have exact leg lengths if you are smaller/taller. 

Cute Summer Dress

As someone who has never really loved dresses, this is something I have recently ventured into after discovering gradual tan and a shape/fit which suits by body type. I absolute love the Milkmaid, puff-sleeve trend that has been around for quite some time now and find it really flattering. This one from Motel was slightly more pricey than I would normally pay for a day dress, but the quality is fab (neckline is adjustable for those with smaller and larger boobs), and I have definitely got my cost per wear. On holiday in the UK, these dresses can also take you from a cute day out to a nice evening meal.

Swimwear

Swimwear can often be a scary subject, but I think no matter your body shape or style everyone deserves to feel confident in their swimwear. Again, don't be afraid to test new styles before you find the one that suits you and you feel most comfortable in. And remember, don't let anyone tell you what you can and can not wear ;). Who says that nice swimwear needs to be saved for the Greek Islands? A comfortable cover up is always a good idea as well. I would recommend a crisp, white shirt, as these can be used in other outfits and not just on the beach. 

Shorts - Denim and Otherwise

Just like jeans, finding the perfect pair of denim shorts can be a challenging task. The key is to find a pair that are comfortable and that you feel confident in. This year, there have been loads of denim shorts in a slightly longer/"Mom" style length which are far more comfortable. Personally, I prefer this style with a paper-bag waist so I can pair them with a belt and make them flatter my shape. However, denim shorts are not the be all and end all. This year, linen, beige shorts have literally been everywhere. Paired with a basic top or bodysuit these are a fab alternative and a pair of shorts that you can revisit year in and year out. 

Shoes and Accessories

For me, shoes and accessories are a huge part of my wardrobe and can easily change the whole look of an outfit. I would suggest a pair of sunglasses that you can pair with all of your outfits, aviator style are usually the best but I love a good pair of tortoiseshell sunnies. Jewellery is completely personal, whether you're a silver, gold, rose gold or mixed metals person, but I don't think you can go wrong with a chunky pair of hoops. Bags are another accessory that can really change the way an outfit looks, but on a UK staycation by the beach you definitely need a bag big enough to fit in your towel, book, suncream and any other essentials you may need. Cloth, tote bags are also amazing as they can be used as bags for everyday use or for your shopping, plus their reusable so extra points for saving the environment. They also fold up to nothing when packing them. Last but by no means least, let's talk shoes. Obviously depending on the type of holiday you're on will define whether you need walking boots, wellies etc. however 9 times out of 10 it is safe to say you can't got wrong with a pair of white trainers, and a pair of sandals which can take you from day to night if needs be.

So there we go, there is the first instalment of my Outfit Diaries | Staycation Edition. Just want to say a huge thank you to my boyfriend and brother for helping me take the photos for this post :). Make sure to let me know if you enjoyed this post and if you would like to see any more of this style of content. Please leave a comment down below and follow me on my social media accounts if you would like to see more from Faith, Trust and Lots of Books, and stay tuned for my second blog post of the week on Friday which will be my first book review!

Lots of love xoxo