Your Greek Island Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
Your Greek island holiday capsule wardrobe
This summer, there’s only place to see and be seen and that’s the vast expanse of the Greek islands. From the ultra-luxurious beach bars of Mykonos to the powder-white buildings of Santorini, the world-famous cuisine of Crete and the quiet beauty of Kefalonia, every single island has something special and unique to offer.
With a total of 6000 islands and islets scattered across the turquoise Aegean and Ionian Seas, home to Blue Flag beaches and centuries-old traditions, the islands have slowly but surely emerged as a prime luxury travel destination for the global elite. Whether you’re looking for superstar beaches, decadent parties or dramatic landscapes, the Greek islands are the only place to be this summer. Just make sure you have your capsule wardrobe ready…
The Elegant Cover-Up
There is only one true beach goddess and that is Melissa Odabash. The globally renowned designer has turned up season after season with delectable – and wearable – beachwear collections that will bring out the glamour puss in the best of us. Her Carie Tunic recalls Greek myth and legend with classic patterning and a smooth colour palette in pure white with vibrant blue embroidery. It’s one size fits all too, which means you have a luxury beach classic to wear through the years.
The It Girl Dress
Silk is the perfect material for your go-to Greek island dress as it’s breathable and will keep you cool during the warm summer nights. Embrace the exotic holiday aesthetic with this exquisite hand-painted cream dress from Athena Procopiou made using 100% lightweight silk with smooth cotton lining.
Scalloped trim lace detail and a floral pattern in hot pink make this a summer classic that will take you from the luxurious beach clubs of Zakynthosto a laidback beachside dinner on Naxos with a plate of fish caught fresh from the ocean.
The Gladiator Sandal
Another summer season is approaching and the gladiator sandal trend still reigns supreme. We love the many different variations on this theme but the bold, lace-up-to-the-knee Chanel sandals with engraved buckles will take you from day to night without a care in the world. It’s also ideal for navigating the tricky cobbled streets for which the Greek islands are renowned.
For those evenings where high luxury is the only option, we love the Marnie gladiator sandals from Gianvito Rossi. Finished in a bootie style with a high stiletto heel and open toe, their woven design and gold hues are bang-on when it comes to timeless Greek island style. Dress up with a floaty maxi dress or sharpen up the look with cigarette trousers and a silk blouse.
The Floaty Trouser
Take the night off from your holiday dresses and mix up your wardrobe with a classic Greek island evening look made up of floaty trousers and a sleek fitted top. These Chanel wide leg trousers are ideal for both comfort and style and these Prada printed pants are ones to fall in love with. White in the main with a floral print and straight leg, they are made from pure silk – perfect for those hot nights – with a high waisted style and elasticated waistband.
The Fitted Top
Then we come to the fitted tops, of which we would recommend packing at least five or six (we’ve been known to take 10 for a two-week break). Pair with floaty trousers in the evening or loose-fitting shorts during the day for an authentic luxury island look. For those of us who really feel the heat, it can be tricky to dress beautifully without compromising on our style which is why we appreciate a classic sleeveless top. This bright red Roberto Cavalli sleeveless round-neck top gives a great pop of colour – we also love this sleeveless number by Moschino where sky blue hues and crystal embellishment give all the right style credentials. You can also go for a super-demure look with this elegant V-neck top from Brunello Cucinelli featuring taupe and cream shades, belted waist and large Swarovski detail.
The Floaty Blouse
Floaty blouses are an absolute must and should be worn with fitted trousers in the evening or shorts during the daytime when you’re wandering around winding streets surrounded by whitewashed buildings as the occasional donkey and cart meander past. This Chanel Paris Greece top is the epitome of understated chic with white cotton makeup and a classic Greek gold logo, or you can up the luxury points with a tie-dye style Roberto Cavalli silk blouse.
The Compact Bag
Aside from when you’re down at the beach, the trend for oversized bags is now firmly over which can only mean one thing. It’s time to embrace the classic compact bag in all its glory. Greek island style is chic and effortlessly elegant, which means a slimline designer bag should be the first item in your suitcase.
Crossbody styles are forever popular and the Burberry quilted mini crossbody bag is a real classic in smooth black with silver hardware. If you’re staying on one of the glitzier islands, we love this Jimmy Choo python clutch bag with its vibrant blue tones and busy design or the Gucci icon bag in dusty pink that has romantic summer holiday written all over it.
Statement Accessories
On the Greek islands, a bold necklace or statement earrings really do complete every outfit. Embrace the gladiator style or just think bold and beautiful, and you’ll be firmly on the right track. The Shush collections are bursting with striking statement pieces – these are a few of our favourites…
Gold, black and green Marni dangle earrings
Atelier Swarovski necklace by Christopher Kane– think chilled out yet sensational luxe!
18k white gold earrings in the style of Cartier Panther
… and a true Greek-style classic, this gold and pearl coinstatement necklace– grab it before it goes!
Travel in Style
Now that we’ve covered the essentials of your Greek island holiday capsule wardrobe, we’ll leave you to browse our preloved collections and discover the many rare and limited-edition pieces to complete your summer look.
