Fashion

Styling tips for your next vacation

Words by SOAS Creative Dept.

May 17, 2025

Packing for a holiday can be a stressful time. Whether you leave your packing until the last minute or meticulously plan every detail down to the pattern of your socks, it's vital not to forget a thing. The key is versatility. You want to bring pieces that you can wear again and again whether you’re off to the beach or out for dinner. So, make sure to consult this list before your next adventure away in foreign suns.

A Good White Tee
It goes without saying, doesn’t it? But a good white tee is an essential and sometimes it's the basics that we forget to pack. It’s important to consider what kind of fit you might want. A classic 1950s style can look smart in the daytime and evening with a pair of chinos, whilst a boxier fit tee has a more modern, casual look suitable for daytime excursions. The next important element to decide is the fabric. If you’re going somewhere hot, you’re going to want to avoid polyester, unless you want heatstroke. Stick to cotton or even better, linen t-shirts so you don’t get too hot and bothered. Our last tip for white tees is to pack more than one. We all think it won’t happen, but you will at some point spill something down yourself. It's inevitable. Make sure to pack one more than you think you’ll need.

Versatile Shirt
You can’t go on holiday without a great shirt. The more versatile the better. Leave your stuffy office shirts at home, this is the time to show some sun to the ones you don’t get to wear as often. And nothing suits a holiday better than a chambray. Lightweight, fresh washes of colour, breathable blends, it’s a no brainer. Chambrays look amazing with more structured trousers such as chinos but also pair easily with your favourite pair of shorts. Wear them open over a tee, loosely buttoned, sleeves rolled, whatever the flavour, the chambray is as easy as they come.

Comfy (But Still Smart) Chinos
Chinos can sometimes be overlooked. An unsung hero in heritage clothing, the humble chino can add a smart yet carefree structure to your outfit, perfect for a holiday. You never know what you might end up doing and you don’t want to be limited because all you’ve packed is shorts! Depending on where you’re going you may want to stick to more lightweight chinos for comfort and breathability. Bringing clothing that can be smart and casual is key, with the chino perfectly bridging that gap. Stick to light colours and good fabrics.

Smart Sandals
There used to be a time not so long ago where wearing sandals to dinner was frowned upon. Whilst this may still be true of flip flops, there are now many classy alternatives that still uphold a smart appearance. A woven leather sandal such as the Chamula Huarache Shoe brings an elegance to your outfit. Handwoven by indigenous artisans in Mexico they are made from 100% organic vegetable tanned leather which are sure to wear beautifully over time. The slip-on nature and EVA sole makes these sandals incredibly comfortable whilst the woven design exudes style, adding an interesting texture. On the way to the airport or to dinner, slip them on, you cannot beat a smart sandal. Socks or no socks? I’m not getting into it.

Thoughtful accessories
The right accessories are the glue of any good outfit. They add that touch of personal style that everyone’s so crazy about, however, they are vital for practical reasons too. You would be remiss without a good pair of sunglasses and forced to buy a knockoff designer pair at the market (for more than the knockoff price). So, make sure that the pair you bring are tried and tested. The classic Randolph Engineering Aviator is the perfect summer frame, adding that much needed finishing touch to any outfit. And when not wearing your sunglasses, what are you going to need? A bag to put them in. No holiday look is complete without a practical but stylish bag. Look no further than a Porter-Yoshida. Coming in a variety of different shapes, sizes, fabrics, and colours, they will have the perfect bag for you to keep those important personal belongings safe.