We’ve made it through the week to yet another Bank Holiday weekend – and what better way to spend it than doing a spot of online shopping? Our team of shopping experts have been on the hunt for the best fashion and beauty picks of the week, scrolling through the new-in pages of your favourite high street retailers and digging out the best summer essentials to snap up in time for the warm weather.
Since it’s a long weekend, we’ve pulled together a longer edition of Weekend Wishlist to give you plenty of inspiration for your upcoming plans. So, what have we got for you?
Well, first there’s the brand new summer collection from H&M complete with everything you need to pack in your suitcase this summer, and speaking of suitcases, Antler’s latest luggage launch is well worth a peek too. As for celeb-approved picks, we’ve found Frankie Bridge’s go-to summer outfit, as well as a pair of linen trousers loved by Girls Aloud star, Nadine Coyle.
READ MORE: Marks and Spencer’s summer beauty bag is worth £170 but costs only £30
But if you’re in need of some products to beat the heat, then we’ve found an £8 ‘chub rub’ saviour, while John Lewis’ viral £12 fan is back in stock (but probably not for long).
Whether you want to refresh your makeup bag with the newest launches, or discover the influencer-loved fashion trends you’ll be seeing all over your social media this summer, we’ve got you covered. And since it’s the bank holiday, be sure to keep an eye out on any additional sales and discount codes on the retailer’s websites, too.
Here’s everything we’re shopping this Bank Holiday weekend:
M&S’s flattering linen shorts
The sun is finally making an appearance and so, naturally, we’re all on the hunt for that perfect pair of shorts that’ll keep us cool in the heat. And where better to look than Marks & Spencer , a brand renowned for its quality linen garments?
Priced at just £29.50 and available in four colours – white, beige, black and navy – these shorts are proving to be a hit with customers thanks to their flattering shape and lightweight material. Available in sizes six to 24, they’re made from pure linen, making them ideal for the summer weather.
Fashion fans have praised the shorts for their ‘minimal’ creasing – a bonus considering linen is often prone to crumpling. They also boast a flattering fit thanks to their high waist, complete with belt loops and pleats.
Not only are they a must-have addition to your summer wardrobe, but they also feature two side and two back pockets for your essentials. Plus, a button and zip fastening gives them a sleek finish.
River Island’s gorgeous leopard print dress
With leopard print well and truly tipped as the trend of the year, River Island’s Beige Leopard Print Sequin Slip Maxi Dress is a chic and versatile addition to your wardrobe. Coming in at £65, it has a v shaped neckline and has adjustable spaghetti straps for a personalised fit.
On the River Island website the dress is described as featuring an animal print design as well as sequin detailing, which is subtle but catches the sun beautifully, and makes the dress feel a bit more special. The dress is a maxi style so would be perfect for slightly more formal occasions as well as casual days out into town or even perfect to explore a foreign city this summer.
And it’s not just for the summer months either, as styled with an elegant wool cardigan or neutral knitted jumper, the dress could give the illusion of a skirt. Throw on some boots and you’ve got yourself an autumnal ensemble.
Fearne Cotton’s broderie summer dress
Fearne recently launched her new spring collection with Nobody’s Child, just in time for warmer days. We absolutely love this White Broderie Alexis Midi Dress, which is perfect for when the weather heats up.
Crafted from organic cotton, this £89 midi features a subtle shirred back that flatters your figure. It’s lightly-lined and also has fabric-covered buttons down the front and bow ties on the sleeves.
Shoppers can even get this dress in a yellow or blue floral print, a black wave pattern, or a red gingham version. This flowy number can be dressed up or down.
Megababe’s £8 solution to thigh chafing
We know we shouldn’t complain about the warm weather now that it’s finally here, but it doesn’t bring a few challenges with it, like wasps, heat rash and uncomfortable skin chafing when wearing a skirt or shorts. Chafing – sometimes referred to as ‘chub rub’ – can happen to anyone no matter their shape or size, but his Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick helps prevent the problem, meaning you can continue you summer plans worry free.
With an easy-to-apply, balm-like formula, the £8 stick
creates a barrier that sits on top of skin, allowing thighs that rub to glide smoothly against each other. Enriched with aloe, grapeseed oil and antioxidant rich vitamin E to provide extra hydration for happy, healthy skin, this stick belongs in your daily routine.
Suitable to be used on thighs, arms, the backs of feet – anywhere that rubs, basically – Megababe Thigh Rescue looks set to be a summer beauty staple. It can even be a godsend if your new shoes are rubbing, or if you do a lot of sport like running and cycling.
Frankie Bridge’s go-to figure-fitting dress
Many fashion fans struggle to dress in the summer months, since finding clothes that are as cool and comfortable as they are stylish can be a challenge. But Loose Women ’s Frankie Bridge has just discovered an affordable high-street dress that ticks all the boxes for your warm weather wardrobe.
The 35-year-old praised the brand’s Yellow Ribbed Bodycon Maxi Dress for being a ‘go-to’ for the holiday packing list. Made from a ribbed fabric, the stretchy dress is one that doesn’t require ironing , making it the perfect pick for your suitcase when the last thing you want to be doing on holiday is steaming your clothes. It’s sleeveless, meaning your armpits will be able to catch a breeze to avoid sweating, with a scoop neckline for a feminine touch and detailed straps that give it a more high-end feel.
Frankie told her followers: “We all have that one dress that’s the go to in the case. The one we wear once and then we just can’t stop reaching for it because it looks and feels good and makes you feel confident. This is the dress. It’s got a good amount of stretch and is form fitting without being tight. The detail on the straps makes it feel a bit more special and you could wear it day to evening.”
The dress comes in a creamy buttermilk-yellow that looks cream in certain lights, making it a cool shade to wear as it won’t absorb heat like darker colours. But it is also available in black, bronze and red shades if you’d prefer. Figure-hugging without being clingy, it can be worn with sandals and sunnies for the beach, or with heels for dinner on a balmy evening.
H&M’s fresh white maxi skirt
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A fresh white cotton skirt is the ultimate alternative to jeans or denim shorts, and after Marks and Spencer’s almost completely sold out of their influencer loved Pure Cotton Maxi skirt, H&M’s take on the must-have staple has arrived in the nick of time.
These billowy skirts are the perfect blend of comfort and style, made from lightweight fabrics to keep you cool. Its neutral hue also means it acts as a blank canvas, allowing for endless styling possibilities, so there’s no wonder fashion enthusiasts are dying to get their hands on one.
The long £44.99 skirt offers a loose fit with gathered tiers for added volume, and a high waist for a flattering finish . It comes as the high street fashion retailer has just launched its summer collection for 2024 – and it’s jam-packed full of holiday-ready styles for your warm weather wardrobe. Inspired by the ‘Brazilian Modernism’ movement, it’s already proving to be a hit with shoppers as the temperatures begin to rise – find out top picks here .
Tala’s reversible bomber jacket
When it comes to athleisure wear that’s as comfortable and supportive as it is stylish, few do it better than Tala . The brand has previously only ever been available to shop online, but for a limited time, has launched inside Selfridges stores, giving fashion fans a chance to see, feel and try on the always sold-out brand in person.
I headed along to try on some of the brand’s most popular styles and fell in love with this bomber jacket.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Girlfriend Bomber Jacket comes in four colours, as it would appear on the rails. Instead, it’s actually just two colourways with a reversible design, meaning you get two looks for the price of one. Some creative girl math would mean that’s basically half price (or a free jacket).
I tried the cool olive and graphite colourway, but it also comes in pebble and truffle. Coming in at £129, it offers a boxy fit with dropped shoulders and pockets to carry all of your essentials, with Tala suggesting going up two sizes if you prefer an oversized look. I wasn’t overly keen on the cropped fit, but it did make my legs look longer, and the matte-touch material was incredibly tactile.
Revolution Pro’s new Blush Duos
When it comes to make-up, many of us want a gorgeous, natural, rosy finish that not only leaves our skin looking fresh and cheeks with a bit of colour, but also glowy. Revolution Pro’s new blush duos help you achieve just that thanks to the combination of its Hydra Bright Cream Blush and Matte Cream Blush which work in conjunction to create an effortlessly rosey base.
The formulas, one of which has glowy, pearlescent finish, are super blendable and buildable to help create your desired intensity. What’s more is that they’re designed to give your skin a dose of nourishment as well as beauty with ingredients that include hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E for maximum moisture alongside your flushed look. Available in three colours – peachy, pinky and golden – the duo is priced at £7.99.
John Lewis’ £12 rechargeable fan
For anyone struggling at even the thought of a summer heatwave, John Lewis has restocked their popular £12 handheld fan after selling out for two years in a row. The John Lewis ANYDAY Handheld & Foldable Desk Fan has been hailed a ‘game changer’ by shoppers, and is back once again in time for summer.
Surprisingly powerful for its compact size, the £12 gadget comes in four colours including white, sage, lake blue and yellow and has impressed shoppers with how quiet it is. The budget-friendly fan can be carried around and fits easily into most handbags, or can be placed onto desks if you work in a warm office.
And the best part? It’s rechargeable , so you’ll never have to buy another – unless you want one in every colour, that is.
Beverley Knight’s Chelsea Flower Show dress
Singer Beverley Knight attended the Chelsea Flower Show wearing a gorgeous green maxi dress, and we can already tell it’s going to be a great addition to our summer wardrobes. The singer wore Pretty Lavish’s Khloe Knit Maxi Dress for the occasion, with the simple lime green colour and figure-flattering fit making it the perfect choice for the sunny weather.
Although a knitted dress might not be your natural go-to when the weather warms up, the dress is made from a lightweight, super stretchy fine knit fabric that keeps it lightweight and comfortable. Its high halter neckline fastens at the back of your neck and gives a cut out, open back design that helps keep you cool and bare a little bit of skin whilst still giving plenty of coverage.
The knitted material has just enough weight to it for the dress to hang beautifully, skimming over your figure and flattering your shape, and although it has a classic bodycon fit, it doesn’t cling to any lumps or bumps. Its maxi length also means it’s a great pick for plenty of summer occasions, from evening wedding receptions to cocktails or brunch with friends.
Antler’s Icon Stripe Suitcase
Antler, the esteemed luxury luggage brand, is gearing up for the travel season with their latest launch as they celebrate a remarkable 110 years in the business. The British heritage brand recently celebrated its 110th anniversary with the debut of its Icon Collection, which they tout as “the perfect combination of style and practicality.”
The collection is designed to cater to all types of getaways, from high-flying holidays to quick city escapes, featuring three unique designs. Amongst the new offerings, the Icon Stripe Suitcase is anticipated to stir excitement among Antler aficionados. Labelled as the “biggest carry-on” by the brand, this cabin bag is an ideal match for travellers seeking additional packing space.
The dimensions of the Icon Stripe Cabin Bag are quite generous, fitting within the overhead compartments of several budget carriers including Ryanair, Jet2, and easyJet. The compartment even comes with a lining, dual-zip pockets, and compression straps to secure your belongings.
The Icon Stripe, crafted from top-notch recycled polycarbonate, is incredibly robust and can withstand any airport mishaps. Plus, it’s waterproof, so no need to fret about water damage. Not only is it durable, but it also glides smoothly around the airport thanks to its Silent Glide 360 spinner wheels. The handle also features a bespoke comfort grip – now all we need to do is book a holiday.
River Island’s cinched waist midi dress
The midi dress is a staple needed in everyone’s summer wardrobe – it’s airy, it’s elegant and it’s available in so many different designs. One which we are loving is this cinched waist midi from River Island, which is priced at £46. Available in two variations – a black polka dot and plain white (sizes six to 18) – the frock has an ’80s inspired silhouette‘ and, as Mirror fashion editor Lauren Goodwin-Grafton states: “is not only feminine and flirty but also figure-enhancing.” She added: “The frill detail at the waist, which usually falls slightly over the stomach, emphasises your slimmest part (your waist) while helping to conceal any lumps and bumps. What’s not to love?”
Made from cotton, the dress has a flattering peplum detail that will certainly keep you cool during the warmer weather, not to mention the shirred body ensures a comfortable fit (and stretch, perfect for meals out).
Get it from River Island here.
Lookfantastic’s May subscription box
With payday in our midst and a bank holiday just days away, now is the perfect time to treat yourself. For beauty buffs who enjoy trying out new products as their little token of self-care when payday comes around, Lookfantastic’s subscription service is a great way to get some alternative products that may have tickled your fancy in passing but didn’t make it into your shopping bag out of fear it may not be for you. Thankfully, because of the travel sizes the products inside the box come in, it’s great for testing out lotions, make-up and other skincare items before committing to a full sized version. Something our beauty writer Eve Rowlands loved – read her review of it here.
You get six items inside the box and this month’s includes brands like Sol de Janeiro (its viral Brazilian Bum Bum cream), Rodial, ESPA and Wella. Costing £13 for a 12 month subscription or £15 for a one off (you can buy just the May box if you like the look of its contents – which are worth over £50), we think it’s a great way to discover new brands that could change your skincare game.
Nadine Coyle’s New Look linen trousers
Linen is a lightweight, breathable solution to warm weather dressing. And there’s one Girls Aloud-approved pair of trousers that New Look shoppers ‘just can’t get enough’ of. The high street retailer’s Linen-Blend Wide Leg Tailored Trousers are a smarter take on the trend compared to their elastic-waist counterparts, which means they’re just as suited to wearing to the office as they are for your weekend and holiday plans. Made from a 52 per cent linen blend, they’re lightweight and breezy, ideal for the summer months.
Costing £34.99, shoppers have praised the trousers for ‘looking more expensive’, as well as for their ‘fit’ and ‘premium feel’. They come in four earthy hues, including light brown, green, white and navy, so you can pick whichever one will suit you and your existing wardrobe the best.
The trousers are a full length and high waisted style for an elongated and flattering silhouette, and have belt loops so you can add your own accessories, with practical side pockets and pretty pleat front detailing.
Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle included the style in her Spring collection with the high street favourite. She actually wore the trousers on her Instagram account following the last Bank Holiday weekend, styling them with a black scoop neck, contrast trim top and the matching white linen blazer .
Sadly, not all of the trousers have a coordinating blazer – only the white and navy – but they do all have a matching waistcoat , which is a major trend this season. The blazers come in at £44.99, while the waistcoat , available in the same shades as the trousers, plus khaki and black, costs £32.99.
E.L.F’s £7 cooling primer stick
If there’s one thing that’s inevitable in a heatwave, it’s that our face will feel hot, sweaty, and possibly a teeny bit sunburnt no matter how thorough you are with your SPF. Thankfully we’ve discovered the e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick, which manages to tackle all of those troubles instantly whilst also helping prep your skin for makeup application.
The cooling primer’s ingredients list is packed with everything your skin needs to stay cool and hydrated in the heat. With aloe water, hyaluronic acid, spring water, coconut water and marine water it helps moisturise and plump up your skin for a smooth makeup application whilst also cooling and soothing any redness or stinging caused by sun exposure or allergies.
Rather than the usual cream or liquid formula that most primers have, the e.l.f. primer comes in a handy stick format that makes it easy to apply on the go – not to mention it’s perfect for popping in your hand luggage without worrying about liquid limits. You simply apply it directly onto your skin after your usual skincare routine then follow up with your makeup of choice, whether it’s a full coverage foundation or just a little concealer.
The primer has been hailed as “perfect” and “amazing” by shoppers for how effectively it works, and it’s safe to say it’s going straight into our travel beauty bags before our next holiday.
Boux Avenue’s smoothing Panama swimsuit
With the weather heating up, beach trips are on the horizon for many of us, especially with the bank holiday looming. So, of course, to go with your beach trip you need a swimming costume that’s going support you in all the right places and have you looking as glamorous as possible. Enter Boux Avenue’s Panama bathing suit which currently retails on the website for £54.
Available in sizes 30B to 38G, the costume comes in both black and cobalt blue and is a gorgeous shaping, tummy-smoothing, waist-snatching, pretty swimsuit that’ll make you one of the best dressed on the beach.
Our fashion writer Eve Rowlands tested it out and said: “When I tried it on for the first time, I felt pretty phenomenal. I immediately felt sucked in and smoothed out thanks to the stretchy material and the extra fabric around the stomach area. The swimsuit’s double-lined feature ensured I wasn’t too chilly during my first dip of the year (a UK-based dip, I hasten to add) and enabled me to stay out much longer than anticipated, keeping me a smidge more insulated than single-lined swimsuit might have.
“This double-lining also gave me extra figure-smoothing support and no fear of it going see-through as I hit the (chilly) water. Not to mention the ruching detailing on either side of the bodice really flattered my relatively straight up and down figure, carving out a bit of an hourglass silhouette. As one reviewer echoed, the design really “snatched the waist” that gave me confidence to walk up and down the beach without immediately searching for something to cover me up. The ruched sides on the swimsuit also feature string ties which means you can adjust the height of the leg – thus changing the shape and overall look of the swimsuit to your liking, which is such a great detail.”
Nobody’s Child bandeau felicity midi dress
We think we have found the perfect occasion dress. Nobody’s Child’s black bandeau Felicity midi dress has pockets, a flattering silhouette, a ruched bodice and an A-line skirt. Its brown spotted counterpart has already completely sold out.
The bandeau midaxi dress, which is selling fast, is made from pure cotton for soft and breathable comfort- a bonus on hot summer days when you still need to look super chic. It’s cut in a regular fit and boasts a waisted middle that creates a flattering silhouette on curves or athletic frames.
What’s more is it has the one thing all women cry out for with dresses: pockets. Thank you Nobody’s Child. What more could you want in a stunning occasion dress? Great for weddings, the races and birthday parties as well as more casual affairs: swap out your heels for some sandals and your pashmina for a denim jacket and you’re set.
Get it here from Nobody’s Child for £85. It’s also available at M&S here.