Does anyone still bother with out-of-office emails when they go on holiday? “I won’t have access to emails”—yeah, sure. Let’s be honest: no one leaves their phone behind in 2025. Your colleagues know full well that if you don’t reply to emails, they can still text or DM you. They could even call you—though let’s face it, no one does that anymore. You can tweak your auto-reply all you want, but it’s like sticking your fingers in your ears and pretending no one can reach you.
The real way to switch into holiday mode? Ditch your work bag. Swapping out your usual commute bag for something more carefree does more for your mindset than logging out of your inbox. Normally, I avoid changing handbags too often—who hasn’t left their keys in the wrong pocket and gotten locked out? But when you get home before a holiday, there’s something satisfying about emptying your work bag: tossing dried-up pens, wondering how 14 hair ties ended up in there, and feeling oddly thrilled when a forgotten pound coin falls out. Stashing the bag—with your office pass still inside—somewhere out of sight helps seal the mental break.
Your holiday bag, whether you’re traveling or staying home, sets the tone for your time off. I switch to a bigger bag because it means I can read a book while waiting for the bus instead of checking emails. But if you usually lug a laptop around, freedom might mean downsizing to something smaller.
Always pack sunglasses—nothing else instantly elevates your look like the right pair.
My dream summer bag (aside from a Hermès Birkin) is a straw basket. Just slinging one over my shoulder slows my pulse. It’s the opposite of a sleek, zipped-up work bag—it’s relaxed, artisanal, and perfect for lazy days. When traveling, I take a roomy one that fits under the plane seat, big enough for a swimsuit rolled in a towel and a book. To avoid digging around, I keep essentials like keys and phone in a bright pouch that I can easily grab.
For summer days at home, I adore my Sézane Farrow Bag (£130). It’s just the right size—not so big that things disappear—with a secure leather drawstring for peace of mind on the tube. Three summers in, it’s still going strong, while cheaper bags have frayed or snapped.
What’s inside matters too. With simpler summer outfits, accessories make the look. Sunglasses are key—the right pair adds instant cool. I usually stick to classics like Ray-Ban Wayfarers, but this year I’m loving the angular cat-eye trend. & Other Stories has a great pair for £27 in black, tortoiseshell, and other shades—plus, they somehow give me cheekbones I didn’t know I had.
Basket bag on shoulder, sunglasses on nose. Out of office—activated.
Nails: Sophie Higginson using Chanel Le Vernis in F.Amaka from Milk Modeling wears a £79 dress from Nobody’s Child, paired with a £45 bag from Phase Eight. She carries a £35 towel from Boden and accessorizes with a fluffy £39 bag charm from Dune and a playful £175 Pez charm from Anya Hindmarch. Her sunglasses are £16 from River Island, and her shoes are £49.99 from Zara. Beauty products featured include Aussaire and Chanel La Crème Main.
