Open back dress from H&M.

Tips on how to stay stylish during the holidays

I always seem to come back from a week off more tired than before but after so long of not being able to do anything other than work and stay at home, I felt it was only right I make the most of our newfound freedom.

I manged to fit in a weekend by the sea, a Cork city mini break as well as getting my first vaccine which felt like a momentous occasion and I’m looking forward to getting the second jab in a month’s time.

While I must say I am loving these holidays at home, or a staycation as some might say, I also really cannot wait to be able to pack my bags and go abroad again mainly because I need some sun and to be able to lounge by a pool which is just not the holiday vibe that’s achievable here unfortunately.

I long to be able to pull out my suitcase and pack my favourite high summer outfits. A great summer outfit can be easy to assemble and in fact the simpler the better in terms of style and comfort. However, if you don’t get to go abroad this year there are always little changes you can make to these looks to make them suitable for our unpredictable weather.

A midi shirt dress is one piece I love to wear when I’m abroad. It’s chic, casual and easy to wear and all you need is a chunky sandal and a crossbody bag to complete the look.

It’s great for keeping you looking stylish on those city breaks when the temperatures soar but also can be thrown on over swimwear for a beach holiday.

A shirt dress also works well here at home in the summer but try wearing it unbuttoned over a simple vest and your favourite pair of jeans to change up the look and keep you warm for all that outdoor dining.

I also adore wearing a co-ord in the summer while on my hols. Whether that’s a short and shirt in a fabulously bright print, of which you can pick up plenty in the Zara sale at the moment, or a more simple cotton top and midi skirt - they both work exceptionally well as being that easy to wear outfit you’ll reach for again and again.

It’s the type of thing you can wear all summer long and just pop a denim jacket or light pink shacket over them to make them wearable for the Irish climate. They can also be worn well into autumn as separates with each piece being worn and layered with other items.

The hotter it gets, the more I crave simplicity in my summer outfits and you simply can’t beat a classic black or white summer dress.

There are amazing options out there including a beautiful black linen dress from Zara which looks very simple from the front but has a gorgeous open back. I’ve also seen similar in H&M in a variety of neutral colours.

All so easy to wear but with a timeless feel to them.

Wear with a flat strappy sandal now or a block heel for night and then pair with an ankle boot and a longline blazer if you need a little bit more coverage. It’s all about making these high summer pieces work hard for you.