The 4 Essential Items You Need to Pack for a Mediterranean Getaway

British weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, and summer is no exception. After spending the last few months running from flashes of rain to huddling onto trains for a hot and sticky commute, you deserve a break. Picture the ideal getaway… perhaps swimming in the blue waters of Lake Como? Maybe sightseeing and soaking up in the culture in Rome? Or perhaps a weekend of shopping in Milan? However you’d like to make the most of summer, you can live la dolce vita in style thanks to one of our favourite high-street stores, & Other Stories.

We can always rely on & Other Stories to bring the feel-good factor to our wardrobe, and its latest drop is a holiday-ready collection of summer dresses, sophisticated separates and chic sandals, in fact everything you’ll want to wear at home or away.

Southern Italy is the inspiration behind the capsule collection ‘Notes from Naples’, a celebration of feminine dressing with ‘sprezzatura’–the Italian expression for effortless elegance. Expect plenty of dresses and co-ords in rich, rustic tones and refined accessories as the finishing touch to outfits best worn in the glow of the afternoon sun.

In a bid to help you shake up your usual summer uniform with some Italian flare, we’ve put together an edit of our favourite pieces from the collection that deserve a spot in your wardrobe this summer and beyond. So keep scrolling for our pick of the best & Other Stories pieces to buy now, from the strappy sandals that will go with everything you already own, to the flattering linen dress that we just can’t stop thinking about. Now all you have to do is make space in your carry on.

Save valuable time by reaching for the easiest instant outfit in your arsenal, the summer dress.

Move over J.Lo, there’s a new floral maxi in town.

Everything from the linen to the puffed sleeve makes this the perfect summer dress.

And in fact, the linen dresses don’t stop there, this slightly more fitted version has a square neckline so good it deserves its own mention.

Make the most of bare legged season with a playful mini.

Vacation evening dresses don’t get chicer than this.

Drinks, dinner, dancing, however you choose to spend your summer, there’s a top for every occasion.

We’re calling it now, the bandeau is making a comeback. And the best part? Say goodbye to strappy tan lines.

Versatile enough to wear all summer and back in the office too.

Show a little skin by pairing a cropped top with a high-waisted skirt. Bonus points for matching prints.

Knits can work for summer too, just opt for fine to medium thickness with bare arms.

If you aren’t entirely sold on swimwear as casual wear try this body instead. It’s far more flexible, and the cap sleeve makes it look more expensive than its price tag.

Build a capsule wardrobe by mixing and matching your selection of top with a statement skirt, playful mini or refined wide-leg trouser.

We all agree, this shade of rust is universally flattering.

Rise to the occasion in an embellished midi. It’s a guaranteed hit to take you from dinner to dancefloor.

Keep tailoring loose for a relaxed fit to suit your mood.

A wise investment to buy now and wear all autumn winter too.

We’re experts when it comes to linen trousers, and when it comes to finding a style smart enough to wear to any event, these top the list.

Step out in an outfit to be seen in with these finishing touches. From comfortable heels to functional shades, practical summer dressing never looked so good.