In the spirit of buying once and buying well, we asked our shopping editor Lucy to come up with her ultimate no-regrets summer's greatest hit list – and the results are in.
The Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Erika Classic RB 4171 Sunglasses, £139
I have these in black and tortoiseshell and swear by them. They are lightweight (perfect for playing tennis in) – and I love their simple, stylish shape.
The Sandals: Archies Footwear Classic Arch Support Flip Flops, £35
If you have high arches, these are a revelation. They're unbelievably comfortable, supportive enough for all-day wear and have completely replaced my ordinary flip-flops.
The Hat: Zara Frayed Woven Bucket Hat, £22.99
A simple raffia bucket hat never dates. This Zara version looks far more expensive than it is and folds easily into a suitcase without losing its shape.
The Swimsuit: Hunza G Square Neck Swim, £175
Hunza G really does deserve the hype. The crinkle fabric is incredibly flattering, comfortable enough to wear all day and somehow seems to fit everyone beautifully. Navy is the one I'd choose every time.
The Trousers: WNU x Lucy Williams Sifnos Trousers, £120
These cotton poplin trousers are probably my most-worn holiday purchase. They're cool in the heat, smart enough for dinner and look just as good with a bikini as they do with a crisp white T-shirt.
The Shorts: Satin Shorts, £22
These satin shorts are brilliant thrown over swimwear but equally lovely with a linen shirt for lunch. They look polished while feeling wonderfully easy.
The Skirt: The White Company Ramie Smocked Panelled Skirt, £110
Every summer wardrobe needs an easy white skirt. This one from The White Company works with absolutely everything, from simple tees to swimwear, and always looks effortlessly put together.
The T Shirt: Sezane Conrad T-Shirt, £35
I love adding one bright pop of colour to an otherwise neutral holiday wardrobe. This slightly oversized red tee from Sézane instantly lifts white trousers, denim shorts or linen skirts."
The Summer Jacket: Massimo Dutti Cotton Blend Technical Jacket, £130
Even in the height of summer there's usually a cool evening or breezy ferry crossing. This lightweight cotton jacket is just enough warmth without ever feeling bulky, and the red makes it feel that little bit more interesting.
The Beach Bag: My StyleBags Beach Bag Sofy in Orange, £215
I always come back to a simple oversized beach tote. This one is roomy enough for towels, books, suncream and snacks without feeling overly precious.
FAQs: Summer Wardrobe Heroes
First things first, what does GOAT stand for?
Greatest of all time... it's that simple: when you've found the best you possibly can and you no longer need to search for that elusive item.
What makes a good summer wardrobe?
Focus on versatile, breathable pieces that mix and match easily. A great swimsuit, comfortable sandals, lightweight trousers, a white skirt, a colourful T-shirt and one light jacket will cover almost every holiday occasion.
Which fabrics are best for hot weather?
Natural fibres such as cotton, linen and raffia tend to be the coolest and most breathable. They help regulate body temperature and often become softer with wear.
How many outfits do I really need for a week's holiday?
Much fewer than you think. A capsule wardrobe built around interchangeable separates means you can comfortably manage with around seven or eight key pieces, plus swimwear and accessories.
What's worth investing in for summer?
Prioritise the items you'll wear most: sunglasses with proper UV protection, supportive sandals, a flattering swimsuit and a high-quality beach bag. These tend to deliver the greatest cost per wear.
What's the easiest way to make holiday outfits feel fresh?
Accessories do the heavy lifting. A colourful T-shirt, great sunglasses or a woven hat can completely change the feel of otherwise simple basics without taking up precious suitcase space.
How do I avoid buying summer trends I'll only wear once?
Before buying, ask yourself whether you'd happily wear the piece next summer as well as this one. If the answer is no, it's probably a trend rather than a true wardrobe staple. The best summer purchases are the ones you find yourself packing automatically every year.
