For anyone with kids in their lives, the Summer holidays are the ultimate mixed blessing. There’s a joyful sense of possibility with weeks of (maybe) nice weather to look forward to. Then there’s the worry and stress of juggling bored kids and working hours for all that time. We can’t help you with the childcare – sorry! And activity tips will just have to go on the list for future blogs. For now, let’s look at the iconic styles that you can sport at different points over the next six weeks…
Week 1 The ‘Epic Day Out’
This look is all about enthusiasm. You’re organised, you’re keen, you’re totally on it! The family are going to leave the house early and beat the traffic to enjoy a fun filled day at the zoo / theme park / city sightseeing. You’ve thought things through and planned things out. Sensible flats are on your feet (the ones that don’t rub). You’ve chosen capri cut offs that manage anything that the weather can throw at you, and a shaping cami on top which will keep you secure and stable all day long!
Week 2 The ‘Relaxed Beach Day’
We’re still pretty early in the summer holidays so you’re up for another early start to get a parking spot near the beach. You’ve made the picnic the night before and are fully stocked with water and sun cream. Take a little while to perfect a ‘just whipped it up’ messy bun and you’re nearly there. You want to chill, so you’re going for a structured shaping swimsuit that is comfortable and sturdy. Plus a floaty dress that covers your shoulders on account of forgetting to sun cream yourself once you’ve done the kids!
Week 3 The ‘WFH Balance’
OK, by the third week of the holidays, the juggle is showing signs of strain. You’re trying to work more flexibly than ever. The amount of video conferencing you’re doing is taking you back to lockdown times. Still, at least you’re experienced with dressing the part in these situations. Nice top and make up for the webcam, non-chafe shorts and sliders for comfort and the ability to dash into parent mode at short notice. It’s true that this look can be seen as eccentric when you take the kids on a spur of the moment park visit… Although by this point you don’t really care.
Week 4 The ‘Summer camp drop off’
You’re not completely disorganised, of course. So there will be a week at least when you sorted some structured activity. Now, this is a little bit reminiscent of the school run. So it’s all based on what you’ve got going on after the drop off. It might be a meeting, or a workout. So dust off your smart casual summer dress, or your activewear, and enjoy the memory of what it was like to have some time to yourself!
Week 5 The ‘Are we nearly there yet?’
It’s holiday time! Whether you’re off to an all inclusive beach resort, a city break, or camping in the mountains, you’ll need to travel there. Assume that you’ll be at least 5 degrees hotter than you think you’ll be. After all, you’re going to end up carrying the extra teddy that the 4 year old wanted, plus all the water, plus all the shopping that you’ve somehow accumulated. It’s a wonder that it’s not you yelling ‘Are we nearly there yet’?! Why not embrace the 90’s cargo pant revival? All those pockets will be super handy!
Week 6 The ‘Frazzled tail ender’
Frankly, anything goes as you limp towards the end of the summer holidays. You’re now more focussed on locating which shoe shop within a 50 mile radius actually has your kids’ size in stock in a style that they might tolerate. You’re also determined to get the most out of that cute Spanish market dress from holiday before the season is out. So you’ll wear it school shoe shopping if you want to and no one can stop you! Pop some high waist shaping shorts on underneath if you’d like the extra streamlining.
The important thing to remember about the summer holidays is that you’ll manage the good times and the challenging much better if you’re comfortable. Non-chafe shorts are ideal when you’re on the go. They’re a core foundation and can support your back if you have stuff to carry. Wherever you are, have a great one!
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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