Serendipitously, the weather seems to have sorted itself out just in time for the weekend, and with a stroke of luck, Britons will be able to return to basking in the sun this bank holiday.
The single extra day really does add a world of possibility to the weekend; people will be flocking to the UK’s airports today and tomorrow to head off on mini breaks, while others will view the extra day as a license to sit in the sun and do absolutely nothing.
At Sun Shopping, we’ve got a wide array of plans for the bank holiday weekend, and below our team has written about what they’ll be wearing, reading and buying for the next few days.
M&S Scalloped Champagne Flutes Set
Set of 4 Scalloped Champagne Flutes, £16 from M&S
There’s nothing I love more than a chilled bottle of something sparkling to kick off a bank holiday; it’s the best start to any long weekend.
Like many out there, the glass I drink my chosen beverage from really does impact my enjoyment of it which is why these blue scalloped edge champagne flutes from M&S are on my bank holiday wish list. They’re a fun, summery option to liven up any glassware collection and are perfect for hosting as they’re dishwasher safe.
At just £16 for a set of four, they’re an absolute steal and as they’re part of a wider collection including coupes, tumblers, wine and highball glasses you can mix and match with other styles.
Zoe Bennetts, Affiliates Manager
Nobody’s Child White Broderie Anglaise Maxi Skirt
White Broderie Anglaise Maxi Skirt, £79 from Nobody’s Child
Boho is back, and it’s back in a big way.
You only need to look to Chloe’s recent FROW where everyone was wearing a pair of Chloe’s iconic wedges, and while my budget won’t stretch to the quintessential boho shoes, it’ll reach to this Nobody’s Child Broderie Anglaise Maxi Skirt.
I can see myself in it all summer, from my trip to Italy to pub gardens. I’m pairing it with a black waistcoat and big hoops for the city, and crisp white camis and an Aperol Spritz when the weather heats up.
Now, just to ensure I don’t spill anything on it.
Harriet Flook, Senior Writer
M&S Lois Garden Armchairs
Set of 2 Lois Garden Armchairs, £129 from M&S
The sun’s out, which means it is time to dust off the lawnmower and give the garden a much-needed makeover.
I have been eyeing up this set of Lois garden chairs from M&S, which come in an array of colours — my fave is the stunning cobalt blue shade. At £129 for two, I think the set is great value for money and it has hundreds of five-star online customer reviews.
The pair of stylish chairs are perfect for practicality and adding a dash of fun to your outdoor spaces. I plan on spending many a lazy afternoon perched on one of these chairs with a book or magazine in one hand, and a refreshing drink in the other, while the sun blazes down on me. Heaven!
Chantelle Symester, Lead eCommerce Editor
Joanie Mork Boilersuit
Mork Vintage Floral Print Short Sleeve Boilersuit, £79 from Joanie
If I had to think of my perfect bank holiday, it would have to involve sunshine, good food, a beachside bar and a cocktail in my hand… so clearly I’m going to need something fabulous to wear.
This jumpsuit from Joanie is suitably extra. I love the retro floral print which is just in-your-face bright and cheery – what better for the long weekend vibes? Also, the fact I don’t need to go digging through rails of vintage for hours to find such an ideal silhouette in my size is a dream.
All this needs is a plimsoll for casual wear in the daytime or a platform boot if you want to go out dancing. Let’s face it, you probably will, in this blooming beauty.
Lucy Atkins, Sun Shopping Writer
Amazon Kindle
Kindle (2022 release), £84.99 from Amazon
When the sun decides to shine, I love nothing more than heading out to the garden with a good book. These days, my new Kindle is what I’m reaching for.
Don’t get me wrong, I still adore a good paperback, but the Kindle’s glare-free, high-resolution display has won me over. Unlike my smartphone, which loves to double as a mirror, the Kindle lets me read without distraction.
Plus, it’s incredibly convenient; no more lugging around my entire “to-be-read” pile or getting up to fetch my next book. This little beauty holds thousands of titles, making it perfect for lazy afternoons, and it’s a budget winner too, at just £84.99.
This long weekend I’ll be on the sun lounger, mojito in one hand, Kindle in the other, diving into Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (yes, I know, I still need to read it).
Tom Tyers, Sun Shopping Tech Writer
Flying Tiger Sunglasses
Sunglasses, £8 from Flying Tiger Copenhagen
With sunny weather forecast the entire weekend, I’m going to spend most of my bank holiday outside. I’ve got a festival and a few runs planned, which means you’ll probably see me sporting these sunglasses on my face.
An absolute bargain steal from Flying Tiger, they’re the perfect running sunglasses as they offer category 3 protection from sunlight and UV rays, but they fit my face perfectly and don’t slip off even when I’m sweaty.
Plus — dare I say it — I quite like their minimal sporty aesthetic, and I’m definitely going to wear them when I’m dancing in a field.
Natalie Chui, Commissioning Editor
Chilly’s Original Bottle
Original Bottle, from £19 at Chilly’s
For a lot of amateur sportspeople, summer bank holidays mean it’s tournament time.
And if, like me, you often find yourself standing in the middle of a baking field, a mile away from the nearest tap, it’s nice to have a large insulated water bottle close at hand to keep you hydrated.
These large bottles from Chilly’s fit the bill as they’ll keep your drink cool and save you from making as many trips to the tap.
Pro tip: add ice cubes before you leave home to keep your drink cool for longer.
Joel Watson, Product Reviews Editor
Crocs Dylan Clogs
Dylan Burnished Clog, £54.99 from Crocs
I’ve got to say a TikTok influencer has well and truly influenced me when it comes to this pair of shoes, which I’ve just impulse-ordered and plan on wearing all bank holiday weekend.
They’re divisive for two reasons. Firstly, they’re made by Crocs; secondly, as with most things made by Crocs, they’re objectively repellant.
However, the way I’ve seen them styled on TikTok has convinced me that they’re the next Birkenstock Boston, and at just £55, they’re certainly not my most expensive impulse purchase.
I went for this Burnished Mocha colourway, which I think is the most versatile, but I also like the by-the-pool Miami Vice vibe of the white pair.
Kieran Ahuja, Commissioning Editor
Zara Cropped Glitter Co-ord
Glitter Cropped T-Shirt and Shorts Co-Ord, £37.98 from Zara
Every time I hear the phrase ‘bank holiday’ I think of long weekends with friends enjoying time in the sun. I also think of new outfits, and thanks to TikTok I came across the perfect co-ord to suit all of my bank holiday plans.
Despite having several outfits saved in my weekend wishlist, it was the Glitter Cropped T-Shirt and Shorts Set from Zara that caught my eye, and it wasn’t just because of its stylish sparkle.
With the warmer weather now making an appearance, this cropped set is a simple yet stylish choice to opt for thanks to its short-sleeved, loose-fitting design.
The co-ord also makes for a great airport outfit, which if you’re like me is just as important as remembering your passport!
If you’re planning on spending the long weekend taking in new sights in a new city, then this set is sure to be the flight-friendly attire you’re looking for.
Shanine Bruder, Sun Shopping Writer
Mango Kitten Heel Sandals
Kitten Heel Sandals, £45.99 from Mango
Wedding season is upon us, and my summer is filled with romantic ceremonies both in the UK and abroad.
I have been searching high and low for wedding guest dresses to wear, as well as comfortable footwear to see me through the entire ceremony, and an evening spent on the dance floor.
I’m looking for something different to a chunky platform, or pointed-toe heels, and I have seen numerous fashion influencers turn to kitten heels and thong sandals and I’m in love.
I’ve spied this stunning pair online at Mango which I think will complement any summer outfit perfectly, from wedding guest dresses to more casual looks when paired with denim shorts and a blazer for rooftop drinks in the city.
Will I get both black and neutral colourways? Probably!
Maisie Bovingdon, Sun Shopping Writer