City Break Outfit Inspiration: What to Wear on Your Next Getaway

Hands up if you’re guilty of scrolling through everyone else’s holiday photo dumps for inspiration for your own? The restaurant recommendations, the best bars, the hidden treasure trove markets. The itinerary’s set, the plans are made – but what to wear?

Whether you’re discovering hidden gems or seeking a change of scenery, lighter layers and easy styling are the best tour guides. And the smartest suitcases are the ones packed with the outfits that can adapt to shifting temperatures and activities with ease. From bustling streets to sunlit lunches, here’s our scoop on what to pack to make city break dressing a breeze, and to elevate your next getaway wardrobe.

​Exploring a new city or playing tourist in your own? Comfort should always come first. Packing smart means avoiding anything too restrictive or fussy – think effortless pieces that keep you cool and move with you all day long.

Consider our all-new Dark Denim Drawstring Detail Cotton Top, crafted from breathable cotton for all-day comfort, paired with matching Dark Denim Tie Hem Balloon Trousers. They’re super chic, flattering and give you room to move around all day. The great thing about co-ords is that it takes the majority of the guesswork out of styling – and they can be split up to create more outfits in less suitcase space. Pair the Balloon Trousers with ourYellow Stripe Linen T-Shirt or with the cotton boucle tank (which is oh-so soft!) and you’re ready to go – no fuss, no overthinking. For a lighter option on warm days, choose our Cotton Bermuda Shorts and pair them with the Drawstring Detail top. Then for shoes, our Freya Fisherman Sandals and the Black Croc Embossed Flip Flops combine comfort with style and are perfect for exploring, wandering and mooching – wherever your day leads.

Obviously, no city break is complete without a compulsory brunch stop. And brunch needs one of those perfect in-between outfits that strikes the balance between elevated and effortless.

Start with an easy, lightweight dress ideal for a relaxed yet refined brunch setting. Our Swing Linen Mini Dress, crafted from breathable white linen, is a key spring-summer staple. Its relaxed straight fit makes it perfect for effortless daytime dressing – and serves as a blank canvas on which to add bright jewellery and textured accessories, like our Multicolour Patchwork Straw Bag – ideal perfect carry-all for your essentials. If your plans extend beyond brunch, add an extra layer for cooler evenings. Choose one of our button down Shirts or the Crochet Detail Cardigan, paired with the Fig Cotton Balloon Trouser then complete the look with the new Laser-Cut Ballet Flats.​

Sometimes, a city break brings one of those perfect evenings: a drink here, dinner there and suddenly everyone’s on the same page about making the night last forever. The key? A dress that seamlessly transitions from ‘just one drink’ to after-dark plans, and our Black Jersey Sheer Underlayer Dress is the perfect piece to pack. Featuring soft ruching and a subtle split that reveals a sheer underlayer, it’s effortlessly chic for any soirée – no matter the hour. Elevate your look with our favourite, laidback Black Toe Post Kitten Heel Mules, which straddle glamour and comfort with ease. And if the night air turns cooler, layer up with our Clean Bonded Leather Jacket to stay warm (but also, looking cool) while making the most of your evening.

Sunglasses, scarves, and jewellery are an easy way to elevate your city break looks without taking up too much space in your carry-on bag.

The best city break wardrobes come down to smart choices. Stick to a cohesive colour palette, load up on layers and pack pieces that can work across multiple outfits. And don’t underestimate the power of accessories to switch up a look. With a little planning, you’ll have everything you need for a stylish and stress-free trip – without having to lug around a heavy suitcase.