How To Put Together The Perfect Holiday Look

Sun’s out, group chat’s buzzing, and your suitcase is (probably) still empty. Whether you’re jetting off for a beach break, a city escape or a last-minute staycation, pulling together the perfect holiday look doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive.

At TOTUM, we’re all about helping you look good, feel good and save money while you’re at it. So, if you’re ready to turn heads from the airport lounge to sunset cocktails, here’s your go-to guide for building the ultimate holiday wardrobe.

Start with the staples

Before you get carried away with statement pieces and bold prints, make sure you’ve nailed your basics. Think lightweight, breathable and easy to mix and match.

A few must-haves:

• A classic white tee or vest

• Denim shorts or a flowy skirt

• Linen shirt (perfect for layering)

• A versatile day-to-night dress

• Comfortable sandals or trainers

These are the pieces you’ll wear again and again, so it’s worth investing, especially when you can grab them with a cheeky student discount. At TOTUM, we’re bringing you up to 80 per cent off summer styles at Secret Sales, so you can look great for less.

Add a statement piece (or two)

Now for the fun part. Holidays are your chance to be a little bolder with your style: think vibrant prints, floaty fabrics and eye-catching accessories.

Not sure where to start? Look for:

• Matching sets for effortless styling

• Bold sunglasses

• Chunky jewellery

• A colourful beach bag

Let your statement piece do the talking and keep the rest of your outfit simple.

For some top designer shades to protect your eyes and look cool at the same time, grab 25 per cent off selected lines at Sunglass Hut with TOTUM.

Swimwear that works overtime

Your swimwear isn’t just for the pool. The right bikini or swimsuit can double up as part of your outfit. Pair a bikini top with high-waisted shorts, or wear a swimsuit as a bodysuit with a skirt for an easy beach-to-bar transition.

When shopping, look for:

• Flattering cuts that you feel confident in

• Quick-drying fabrics

• Styles that can be mixed and matched

With TOTUM you can snap up quality swimwear without the premium price tag, through offers such as up to 50 per cent off at Harvey Nichols.

Don’t sleep on beauty & skincare

Looking good on holiday isn’t just about clothes: your skin, hair and overall glow play a huge part too.

Start with the essentials:

• SPF (non-negotiable!)

• Lightweight moisturiser

• Hydrating face mist

• Minimal makeup for that natural glow

A simple routine goes a long way, especially in warmer climates. Think dewy skin, brushed brows and a swipe of mascara.

You can save big on top beauty brands through TOTUM partners like Lookfantastic and three for two on selected cosmetics at Superdrug, so there’s no excuse not to stock up before you go.

Hair that can handle the heat

Humidity, sea salt and sun can all take a toll on your hair, so keep things low-maintenance.

Holiday-friendly styles include:

• Loose braids

• Sleek buns

• Beachy waves

• Claw clip updos

Pack travel-sized products like heat protectant, leave-in conditioner and a nourishing oil to keep your hair looking fresh. Embracing your natural texture will save you time and effort, and look effortlessly cool.

If you want to give your hair some serious pre-holiday love, indulge yourself with affordable luxury hair products at Gorgeous Shop through TOTUM, with savings on curated Kerastase Beauty Boxes.

Get comfy (especially for travel days)

Your airport outfit deserves just as much thought as your evening looks. You want to be comfortable, but still put-together.

The winning combo:

• Oversized hoodie or sweatshirt

• Leggings or joggers

• Chunky trainers

• Crossbody bag

Layering is your best friend here: planes can be freezing one minute and stuffy the next. And if you’re heading off on a longer trip, check out deals on luggage, neck backpacks and more with 20 per cent off at Osprey.

Accessories make the outfit

Never underestimate the power of accessories. They can completely transform even the simplest outfit.

Holiday must-haves:

• Sunglasses (the bigger, the better)

• A wide-brim hat or cap

• Statement jewellery

• A versatile bag (day-to-night if possible)

Accessories are usually budget-friendly, meaning you can switch up your look without splashing too much cash. If you want some fresh holiday bling, check out the chance to earn cashback at H Samuel when you sign up with TOTUM.

If you need some classic shades, we’ve got you covered with 20 per cent off Ray-Ban. You can customise your prescription glasses with designer frames from leading brands.

Think about wellness too

Feeling your best is just as important as looking your best. Holidays can throw off your routine, so it’s worth packing a few essentials to keep you energised.

Consider bringing:

• Reusable water bottle

• Electrolyte tablets

• Healthy snacks for travel days

• Vitamins or supplements

Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and moving your body (even if it’s just a beach walk) will keep your energy levels up, and your holiday glow strong. To get topped up before you go, check out TOTUM’s exclusive offer of 20 per cent off the best global wellbeing brands.

Plan your outfits (but stay flexible)

It might sound a bit extra, but planning your outfits in advance can save you time, stress and suitcase space.

Try this:

• Lay out outfits for each day

• Include backup options

• Choose pieces that can be re-worn in different ways

That said, leave a little room for spontaneity. You might pick up something new while you’re away, or change plans entirely.

Save while you style

Let’s be real: holidays can get expensive. Flights, accommodation, food… it all adds up. That’s why saving on your wardrobe (and everything else) is a game-changer.

With TOTUM, you can unlock exclusive discounts across:

• Fashion brands

• Beauty retailers

• Travel essentials

• Health and wellness products

• Tech for your trip (hello, headphones and portable chargers)

It’s the easiest way to upgrade your holiday look without blowing your budget!

It doesn’t stop there: check out our amazing travel deals for cool discounts on flights, hotels, airport parking and much more.

Now, all that’s left to do? Pack your bags, grab your sunnies and get ready to soak up the sunshine in style!