Join the summer set: Sunny high-street buys

Whether you're jetting away long-haul or just day-tripping, Rebecca Gonsalves rounds up the pick of the high street's sunniest buys

Tropical climes

Long-haul destinations may mean a generous baggage allowance but on arrival in a hot and humid destination you'll crave cool, lightweight fabrics that won't cling to sun screened skin.

Plenty of sunshine means that bright colours come into their own and what may seem garish under the harsh strip lighting of a changing room will suddenly fit in and reflect the natural colours and sights an island destination has to offer, while longer lengths will help protect ankles from hungry insects when the sun goes down.

American roadtrip

The Americana references flew thick and fast on the catwalk this season, and whether driving or jetting to the east or west coast there are plenty of ways to interpret the trend. A knee-length skirt – whether circle or pencil in shape – can be dressed up or down, and teamed with the cropped-length tops of the season for those feeling brave. A varsity-style bomber (which is going to be big next season as well as this), faded pastels and plenty of denim are all ways to tip your hat to the sartorial history of the USA without feeling like you're playing dress up.

Stay-cation

Whether you take umbrage with the phrase or not, this is the summer to spend in the UK with some low-key celebrations for a couple of significant global events in the pipeline. A British holiday can involve windswept beaches, trips to historic properties or strolls through pastoral idylls, but one thing remains consistently inconsistent – the weather. A jumper (or two) is essential, as is something waterproof. Classic culottes and cropped trousers can be dressed up or down as suits and will serve their purpose in the office long after the holiday is over. A palette of cool blues and neutrals will remain fresh in bright sun or driving rain.

Excess baggage

Socks and sandals are a combo that showed up on many a catwalk this season, with chunkier knits best avoided by those not equipped with gazelle-like limbs. Sturdy, strappy sandals add to the geography field trip vibe – though the high street's platforms would certainly not pass muster. Classic tan accessories work well for every destination – though a flash of neon is very now. Nautical stripes are shorthand for summer and an espadrille "flatform" is an of-the-moment update.