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A long weekend in Dublin to celebrate Jake’s 30th was very much just what the doctor ordered – my out of office on, a dose of city energy, pub-side people-watching, and a chance to road-test some hotly-anticipated summer outfits.
My rotation of ensembles not only had to be pretty tight thanks to Ryanair’s restrictive baggage allowances, but needed to be comfortable, versatile and practical, too. We did over 10,000 steps every single day, and the weather was up to 26 degrees some days. For our 72 hours in the Irish capital, these four looks made me feel effortlessly put-together while staying cool in the heatwave and were ideal for a whole range of activities we had planned, whether that was walking around Trinity College, pottering down Grafton Street, or splitting the G at the Guinness Storehouse.
While I think some holiday looks don’t translate as well into everyday wardrobes, these ones absolutely do and I’m already plotting when I can rewear them between now and going away again in August for our annual Cornish family trip. So whether you’re planning a summer getaway or just looking for easy outfit inspiration, these looks are tried, tested, and totally re-wearable.
FatFace Bryn White Beeble Dress – £72
There’s something about a white cotton dress that just feels right in summer – crisp, light, and deceptively low-effort, but this particular one has some features that makes it really stand out. The seersucker skirt makes it a must for the suitcase because it requires no ironing – I found it creased a little but they dropped out quickly leaving a lightly lived in appearance. The shirring on the bodice is more intricate than others I’ve seen, not only making it more interesting but also incredibly comfortable to wear all day long – and is bloat-friendly for anyone who struggles with that (I find it’s a common occurrence on holiday).
Made from 100% cotton, it’s lightweight and breathable with a square neckline and romantic puff sleeves. Drop waists have been a popular design choice for 2025 and this dress nods to the silhouette but maintains a defined waist, making it perfect for anyone curious about the trend, but still on the fence.
Designed in collaboration with Beeble, it has a secret sage embroidered bee motif in the skirt, which is very sweet. The only thing I think is missing is some side seam pockets!
In Dublin, I wore the dress with my trusty Dr. Martens Blaire sandals, which proved to be my go-to most days (breathable, comfortable and classic) and my leopard print Damson Madder bag. I definitely think this can work for milder days, too, paired with boots and a cardigan in late summer and autumn for a bit more of a cottagecore vibe. Buy it here.
Oliver Bonas Green Sun Print Sleeveless Midi Dress – £85
This dress is pure golden-hour energy. I mentioned it in my ‘pieces I ordered this payday’ post and it very much was one of those items I saw, had to have, and wore it at the earliest opportunity. I came for the dreamy colourway and sun-inspired design, and stayed for the linen-blend fabric and straight, relaxed fit, which is unlike anything I already had in my wardrobe.
With a gorgeous print of waves, florals and swirly suns, the sleeveless, super light frock is born for day to night styling, which is why I saved it for a meal out (spicy n’juda pasta and a glass of rose, if you were wondering). Thoughtful detailing is something that Oliver Bonas does so well, with a sneaky cut-out and buttons at the back adding just the right amount of intricacy to feel polished – but not so much it can’t be dressed down for daytime occasions, too.
I wore it on a balmy evening in Dublin with the same Blaire sandals (worth every penny and have definitely earned their keep this trip) and a blue woven M&S bag that gave the whole look a breezy, holiday-ready finish. I love that, because there’s so many colours in the dress you can pick out accessories in different tones each time you rewear to make it feel fresh again. It’s the kind of dress that feels like a good mood in fabric form, ideal for garden parties, beach walks, or anywhere the sun decides to show up.
ASOS Shirred Olive Vest – £24 and M&S Pure Cotton Poplin A-line Skirt – £32.50
I’ve worn both components of this outfit separately in recent weeks and had one of those lightbulb moments while packing that I could wear them together. It turned out to be one of my favourites – and most complimented – from the whole trip. The red graphic vest from ASOS has a flattering shirred fit and sleeveless design which, as someone who gets quite anxious about sweat patches, couldn’t be more perfect for me. It’s super stretchy and fun, with the olive print giving big Euro summer energy.
It’s a pretty statement top, so requires a more understated bottom half, pairing beautifully with my crisp poplin A-line skirt from M&S, which I now consider a summer wardrobe staple. You can read more about why I love it so much here.
The outfit is structured enough to look put-together, but breezy and light for long days of walking or sitting in a café with an iced matcha (which I did plenty of), and again, the high elastic waistband came in very handy. The Damson Madder leopard print bag and Blaire Dr Martens added just enough character without overdoing it.
Per Una Pure Cotton Striped Co-ord – from £45
Double stripes? Yes. I wasn’t sure either, but this Per Una set changed my mind. The oversized striped shacket I actually spotted on Denise Welch on Loose Women a few weeks back and while she’s not the first person I’d consider a fashion icon, I did absolutely need to get my mitts on it. It’s heavy enough to be worn as a jacket over a graphic tee or vest, but is light enough to be worn alone as a blouse. It’s also boxy and oversized so as not to be too warm even if the sun is out.
I wore the top over a plain white vest top with the matching wide-leg jeans. I’ve always found M&S jeans to be a great fit for me, and this particular pair toe the line between structured and relaxed for the ultimate slouchy but not sloppy silhouette.
I paired them with my Adidas Sambas (another wardrobe hero, even if every man and his dog now own a pair) and, you guessed it, the Damson Madder leopard print bag again. It’s a mix of prints that shouldn’t work but does. The cotton fabric makes it breathable even on a hot day, ideal for travel days, city exploring, or when you want to look like you made more effort than you actually did. Plus, I love that I’ll be able to wear them as separates this summer and indeed, year round, too.
For those looking for fun, comfortable and practical outfits, whether you’re city-hopping or staying local, I hope these looks give you some fresh inspiration for what to wear when the sun comes out (or even when it doesn’t). Got a favourite? Let me know in the comments below.
