What To Wear on Bank Holiday

It’s almost as if you can hear the nation’s collective sigh of relief when the bank holiday arrives. It might only be an extra day free from the shackles of your nine-to-five, but somehow the possibilities of a three- day weekend seem endless – and no more so than in August, when anticipation is only heightened by the prospect of squeezing out the last of the summer sun.

So what’s on your agenda? And most importantly, have you got your bank holiday outfits ready? Whatever your plans, unforgettable days deserve unforgettable outfits (for all the right reasons).

Though us Brits do tend to have an unshakable optimism that ‘the sun will come out in a minute,’ a gambling man would hedge his bets and head where the rays are guaranteed. For that, you’ll need a well-curated sartorial arsenal, and top of the packing list should be a linen shirt – the sign of a man at leisure if ever there was one. The ideal travelling piece thanks to its already artfully crumpled appearance, its breathable and light nature makes climbing temperatures a breeze. A perfect stand-in for the more typical T-shirt on beach-to-bar occasions, its characteristic tactile slub needs no bells and whistles: a plain backdrop, classic cutaway collar and a tailored fit will always work with simple chino shorts.

Whether sun-kissed shores or buzzing city streets are calling, you’ll need a bag to get you there. Capaciousness (more options the merrier) and durability (looking at you, baggage handlers) are musts, and the Thomas Pink x Troubadour Embark Compact Duffle does both. A sustainably made collab with London-based luggage makers Troubadour, its deceivingly slim design is lightweight and waterproof, plus it features a trove of pockets for prime organisation – that means less time faffing over boarding passes and passports, and more time planning sight- seeing and cerveza pit stops.

Is that the sweet sound of a new outfit we hear? It’s only right when there’s a bank holiday music festival on the cards. From London’s All Points East to Notting Hill Carnival, you’re never too far away from a dance. Better still, camping-free day festivals mean you can wear what you really want, rather than whatever’s left lurking in your rucksack. Here, may we introduce you to the overshirt. Fit for the casual occasion courtesy of patch pockets and a thick artisanal cotton weave, it calls to be styled over a plain white T-shirt for a layered look that’s ready for all weather. Designed in a myriad of shades, including a couple of checked versions, there’s an option to go with any bottom half – jeans, shorts or feathered hotpants.