For many of us, few things spark joy like holiday shopping. Working out what to wear to a swanky beach club, al fresco dinners or to stroll through unexplored streets is understandably more exciting than adding yet another striped shirt to our workwear wardrobes. Yet, as with all good fashion finds, we want to be able to wear them often and we want pieces that can be styled in a variety of ways.

However, when it comes to holiday pieces, this can be a little tricky. Those bum-baring crochet trousers look a little less appropriate when standing on the bus to work and that Hawaiian print co-ord might garner a couple of sideways glances when strolling through the aisles of the supermarket. So, to avoid accumulating a whole selection of items that sit at the back of your wardrobe waiting to be worn in sunnier climes, we want to try to incorporate them into our everyday style (within reason, of course – we’d have to work miracles to make a bikini boardroom appropriate).

First, we want to pay attention to fabrics. We often lose layers, hike up hemlines and lean into sheer fabrics when travelling to warmer countries, so it can be tricky to work these pieces into our everyday routines at home. Layering therefore becomes key, whether with a simple slip or more stylistic pieces you already own. Everyday basics also become important when paring back fun-filled fashion finds so they’re more practical yet can still act as the focal point of any outfit. And accessories are there to work in your favour. A trusty T-shirt and jeans can be instantly elevated with a wide-brimmed sun hat and earrings plucked from your holiday wardrobe. Or that beach-ready dress can become more practical by swapping your flip flops and beach tote for an ankle boot and crossbody.

After all, plenty of holiday pieces hold positive memories, so why wouldn’t we want to put them on a little more often while making each item we own and buy work a little bit harder? Keep scrolling to see exactly how it can be done. 

If your holiday pieces are more skin-baring than your usual wardrobe, the best way to make them more modest is via a simple slip. Whether it’s a sheer silk maxi, a crochet mini or a lightweight linen midi, layering a slip dress underneath can instantly make you feel more comfortable. However, the slip you reach for depends on the look you’re after.

To make an outfit more modest, opt for a slip in the same shade as the dress you’re styling. Pay attention to length, though – you want the dress to be a little longer than the slip so it’s hidden subtly underneath. If you love the sheer look, a skin-toned slip will add this effect without leaving your knickers on show. Brightly coloured slips can be used to make a fashion statement – orange slips under white crochet dresses, for example, will add an extra element of interest.

This same thought process applies to trousers: choose cycling or shapewear shorts or leggings to make see-through trousers more modest.  

Accessories are a great and easy way to alter any outfit. After all, a mini dress looks totally different styled with flip flops and a raffia bag than with ankle boots and a crossbody, so use them to change each look.

To take a beach-ready outfit and turn it into a city look, start with footwear. Trainers, boots and even ballet pumps will instantly make any focal piece more practical for everyday errands. Plus, swapping a straw bag or tote for something more structured, such as a crossbody or leather top handle, will lend the look a more formal feel.

On the flipside, to bring your holiday accessories into your everyday wardrobe, amp up a simple suit with statement sunglasses or pop your big sunhat and sandals on with a trusty T-shirt and jeans. Instantly you’ll add a beachy feel while still feeling comfortable. 

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules to wearing your holiday wardrobe while out and about at home. If you wish to don a Hawaiian shirt or printed shorts co-ord, please do. If you’d like to pare it back to make it a little more practical for non-sunbathing days, look to everyday basics for help.

A simple T-shirt or white vest will perfectly slot underneath a loose-fitting shirt or tone down a boldly patterned bottom. Jeans, especially white shades that are a little easier to style, will become the perfect base for a fancy shirt and top. And that much-loved denim jacket will add a little warmth on cooler days. 

Images: Farm Rio; Getty