I Just Booked a Trip to the South of France—These 17 On-Sale Holiday Pieces Could Work for a Luxury Euro Aesthetic

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Like seemingly everyone else in the country, I have a love-hate relationship with the current heatwave. I’ve come to the conclusion that I do, in fact, enjoy very hot weather —just not in the UK. So naturally, my mind has been wandering more and more towards last-minute holidays and the capsule wardrobes that go with them.

Rather than squeezing myself onto a sweaty tube car, I crave languid strolls down sleepy cobbled streets and the French Riviera: settings where printed dresses, linen separates and minimalist sandals can truly come into their own. The summer sales are in full swing, and as a cost-conscious shopping editor, it’s my favourite time to shop. Season-friendly clothing, accessories and swimwear at a fraction of the price? Yes, please. But please don’t misunderstand me: I would never encourage you to buy something just because it's discounted.

My rules for sale shopping are simple: only buy something if you would have purchased it at full price and can also see yourself wearing it in multiple outfits. That way you can really savour the discount with no post-spend guilt in sight. Though these selections might be perfect for a last-minute holiday, they have been carefully selected for their timelessness and longevity—a blend of classic and on-trend pieces to see you through multiple years and holidays to come.

Oh, and the fact that most of these holiday picks are on sale is not even the best part. The Marie Claire team have curated an edit of vouchers to get you even more money off the selections below—I know, I know, we shouldn’t have. So keep scrolling to shop the fashion sale picks worthy of a luxury European resort, and don’t forget to click through to our voucher pages for extra discounts. Happy Shopping.

18 Holiday-Ready Pieces on Sale Right Now:

Alémais

Georgie printed dress

This floaty Alémais dress was made to be showcased on a Greek island. Save even more with one of our Mytheresa discount codes.

Aspinal of London

Kiran Sunglasses

I’m a fan of the wide design of these Aspinal sunglasses. You can’t go wrong with a neutral tortoiseshell frame, especially at 60% off. Save even more with one of our Aspinal discount codes.

Tod's

Raffia tote bag

A raffia tote will see you through multiple summers to come. This one from Tod’s is achingly elegant. Save even more with one of our Harvey Nichols discount codes.

All Saints

Eshe Baggy Fit Satin Trousers

With their balloon shape and cream satin finish, these trousers are the perfect mix of on-trend and timeless. Save even more with one of our All Saints discount codes.

River Island

Green Asymmetric Placed Print Top

Pair them with this printed top to inject some colour. Save even more with one of our River Island discount codes.

H&M

Broderie anglaise co-ord

This broderie co-ord makes the perfect lightweight beach cover-up. Save even more with one of our H&M discount codes.

Hobbs

Shona Linen Dress

Add a headscarf and you'll be channelling a full Audrey Hepburn vibe. Save even more with one of our Hobbs discount codes.

Fitflop

Gracie Leather flip-flops

A pair of simple black flip flops will take you through city and beach life in style, and these are cushioned for secret comfort (hello long walks by the coast). Save even more with one of our FitFlop discount codes.

Karen Millen

Sheer Skirt Maxi Knit Dress

This Karen Millen dress features subtle sheer detailing—perfect for sunset drinks. Save even more with one of our Debenhams discount codes.

Kate Spade

Wave Thin Bangle

There's nothing more Grecian than a chic white dress and a stack of bangles. Save even more with one of our Kate Spade discount codes.

COS

Linen Barrel-Leg Trousers

COS have some of the best basics around, and these white linen trousers have a gentle barrel cut, making them feel more current. Save even more with one of our COS discount codes.

Steve Madden

Tracie Heels

Jelly heels have been hailed the unexpected it-shoe of the season, and this black pair is an elegant take on the trend. Save even more with one of our Office discount codes.

MALINA

Erioa Graphic-Print Cut-Out Stretch-Woven Swimsuit

If you're looking for statement swimwear, you came to the right place. Save with one of our Selfridges discount codes.

Whistles

Blue Linen Elasticated Short

Linen shorts are a summer staple, and I’m drawn to the soft coastal hue of this pair. Save even more with one of our Whistles discount codes.

ZIMMERMANN

Printed Cotton Pareo

Pareos are everywhere right now. Aside from being the perfect beach cover-up, you can also wear it as a top, scarf or over jeans. Save even more with one of our The Outnet discount codes.

Reiss

Denim Sleeveless Waisted Midi Dress

A dress you can wear on holiday and easily back at home. Save even more with one of our Reiss discount codes.

Topshop

Linen wide leg trousers

I’d pair these statement striped trousers with a graphic tee and simple black flip flops for an easy off-duty look. Save even more with one of our ASOS discount codes.

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Gigi Hadid Brought Back the 'Rachel' Haircut—So I Tried It Too, and My Hair Has Never Looked So Full

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Few haircuts have achieved first-name status.‘The Rachel’ arrived in the early seasons of Friends, when Rachel Green’s shoulder-skimming explosion of layers became almost as famous as the character herself—and launched a thousand salon appointments in the process. Even today, the millennial style continues to inspire fresh interpretations—the latest being Gigi Hadid’s glossy, swishy reinterpretation. Her longer layers, sweeping face-framing sections, and softly curved ends retain the bounce that made the original so appealing, minus the ’90s cosplay. As her hairstylist, Dimitris Giannetos put it on his Instagram post, “I wanted to create the updated version of the C-cut, giving Gigi some Love Layers (aka heart shape layers)!” So how can we recreate this new take on a classic? I asked leading hairdressers Samantha Cusick and Jay Birmingham to explain how to wear the style now.

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The 'Modern Rachel'

While the original relied on short, visible layers and a bouncy, rounded blow-dry, the new interpretation is altogether subtler. “The modern Rachel is all about softer glamour,” explains celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham. “The original was built around short, choppy layers and lots of volume, whereas today’s version is sleeker, longer and much more wearable. The layers are more blended, the movement is softer, and the finish is glossy rather than fluffy.”

That distinction is what makes the revival feel fresh. Rather than reproducing Jennifer Aniston’s haircut section by section, the aim is to capture its buoyant, face-framing effect. “It’s less about recreating a ’90s hairstyle and more about capturing that effortless bounce and healthy-looking shine,” says Birmingham.

Cusick believes the resurgence also reflects our renewed appetite for ’90s beauty, along with a broader shift towards haircuts that create movement. “We’re obsessed with volume, with movement, with that lived-in layered quality that looks effortless but is actually really considered,” she says. “The original Rachel had all of those things; it was just styled in a more structured, high-maintenance way for the time.”

What to Ask for at the Salon

The words ‘The Rachel’ may conjure a very specific image, so arriving armed with a reference to the longer, contemporary version is sensible. The most important point to communicate is that you want movement while preserving weight and fullness through the ends. “I’d ask for long, seamless layers that create movement without taking away too much weight,” advises Birmingham. “Soft face-framing pieces around the cheekbones or jawline will open up the face while keeping the overall look elegant and modern.” The layering should blend into the haircut rather than create obvious steps. “The beauty of this cut is that it should move naturally, so the layering needs to feel invisible rather than obvious,” he adds.

“The OG version was very much built for thicker, straighter hair, where you could get that signature volume and flick”, explains Cusick. “The 2026 version works with so many more hair types because the layering technique has evolved significantly.” That’s why the modern Rachel can be adapted to a much broader range of hair types than its predecessor. Layers remove bulk and encourage movement in thick hair, while naturally wavy textures lend themselves particularly well to the softer, undone finish.

Fine hair requires a more restrained approach. Too many layers can leave the ends looking sparse, so maintaining density is more important than chasing dramatic volume. This also makes the cut a compelling option for midlife hair that has become finer, drier or less dense.

“This style is actually brilliant for midlife hair because it creates the illusion of movement and fullness without relying on lots of short layers,” says Birmingham. “I’d recommend keeping the layers longer and softer to maintain density through the ends, while using styling techniques to build lift around the crown.”

Cusick agrees that precision matters: “On finer hair, you do need a skilled hand because you want to add layers that create movement without removing too much weight, but when it’s done right, it’s incredible.” Very curly hair can also carry the shape, although its layers must be positioned with shrinkage in mind. A stylist experienced in cutting curls will be best placed to tailor the look.

How to Create The Modern Rachel

Charley before and after styling her hair (Image credit: Future, the_blonde_editor)

The secret to Gigi’s finish lies in balancing root lift with smooth, glossy lengths. Begin with heat protectant (my go-to is always Moroccanoil Perfect Defence, £28, then work in small sections, directing the hair away from the face. Allowing each section to cool before touching it helps the shape last longer. “My biggest tip is to style the hair away from the face, then let each section cool before brushing it through gently with your fingers,” says Birmingham. “That gives you soft movement rather than overly defined curls.”

A blow-dry brush or air styler will create the initial lift, but a straightener can be used to refine the shape, bend the face-framing sections and smooth the ends. I used the new ghd Sculpt Styler, £369, which promotes shine and discourages frizz thanks to its fancy Heat-adapt technology. I have layers but usually they just blend in, this allowed me to add intentional cool-girl kinks through the front sections and mid-lengths. “That face-framing quality that made the original so iconic is still completely there, but it's softer, more undone, as Cusick says, “more like your hair just fell that way rather than something you carefully constructed. You’re not trying to recreate that very polished ’90s flick; you’re taking the spirit of it and making it feel like 2026,” she explains. I’ve recently discovered Cécred's Heat Activated Silk Glaze, £32, and it's a game-changer for creating a glass-like finish and almost locking in the style you’ve created. I’ve been using JVN Hair Perfect FlexHold Strengthening Flexible Hairspray, £27, to give hair extra gravitas and keep tufty flyaways in check. If the ends of my hair are starting to look a little worse for wear, Virtue’s Healing Oil, £44, is a godsend at keeping flicks looking the chef’s kiss.

The main pitfalls are over-layering, excessive teasing and ends that have been curled too deliberately. As Birmingham puts it: “Today’s version is all about healthy-looking hair with effortless bounce and natural movement.”

Since writing this article, I have found myself wearing this new version of The Rachel more and more. With its flattering face-framing pieces, fullness-enhancing layers and glossy finish, it simply looks like very good hair. It doesn’t feel like a retro haircut enjoying a brief revival; it feels current, wearable and actually, really easy to achieve, and suitable for everyone.

Your Modern Rachel Essentials

ghd

Sculpt Styler

Cécred'

Heat Activated Silk Glaze

Moroccanoil

Perfect Defence

Virtue

Healing Oil

JVN

Hair Perfect FlexHold Strengthening Flexible Hairspray

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I’ve Had Acne for Almost All My Life—These Are the SPFs That I Can Trust Not to Cause Any Breakouts

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I've been contending with acne for most of my life, which has led me to discover the exact skincare that I can trust not to cause breakouts. That includes SPF for acne—because a product that I use on my face daily has to be one that my complexion agrees with. Not to mention, applying SPF daily can prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation that can be left behind after a breakout.

Although my skin is now much clearer than it used to be, it only takes one misstep for my chin to flare up with whiteheads and painful red bumps under the skin. Perfecting my skincare routine for acne has made the world of difference, so much so that I'm very reluctant to experiment with new products that could hinder my progress.

However, with gentle experimenting over the years, I've managed to curate a list of sunscreens that keep me safe from the sun without causing any breakouts. Whilst I'm confident in recommending the following SPFs, I always suggest doing a patch test on a small area of the face and introducing a new product gradually (and only one new product at a time) to ensure it won't create any issues for your skin type.

From oil control formulas to nourishing finishes to improve the skin barrier, these are my tried and tested favourites for acne-prone skin.

How We Test

The Marie Claire UK team takes product testing seriously, with a commitment to delivering accurate, honest and genuinely helpful reviews for our readers. For this piece, I tested each SPF for a minimum of one week, though some I've used for far longer. I assessed texture, absorption, residue and how each formula performed under makeup, checking in throughout the day for shine and general skin behaviour. At the end of each week, I looked for any increase in congestion or breakouts compared with my usual baseline.

The Best SPFs for Acne

• Best everyday: La Roche Posay, £17.60 at LookFantastic (save 20%)
• Best oil control: SkinCeuticals, £40 at LookFantastic (save 20%)
• Most affordable: CeraVe, £17.90 at Boots
• Most hydrating: Aesop, £47 at Space NK
• Best for severe acne: Dr Sam's, £31 at Sephora
• Best SPF primer: Charlotte Tilbury, £42 at Sephora
• Best lightweight: Beauty Pie, £29 at Beauty Pie

Best everyday formula

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

La Roche-Posay almost single-handedly saw me through my severely acne-riddled teenage years, and it was the first brand that made a noticeable difference to my breakouts and complexion. I've trusted the products for years, and this SPF is one of my top picks for anyone acne-prone. It's designed for oily skin types, including skin prone to blemishes and sensitivity, with a mattifying effect that will prevent shininess throughout the day. It has a very watery, milky formula that turns invisible on the skin and feels weightless too. Despite being matte, it doesn't feel at all drying or chalky on the skin, and it provides a smoothing base for makeup application on top. It's a true all-rounder for acne-prone skin with impressive SPF 50.

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+ for Oily Blemish-Prone Skin

Best oil control

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

SkinCeuticals has slowly but surely become one of my holy grail brands. Yes, the products are on the pricier side, but I've yet to encounter one that isn't worth every penny. This SPF has a thicker formula more like a mineral sunscreen, but it's still extremely easy to blend in and it doesn't leave a white cast. It feels more matte than the La-Roche Posay SPF, both to apply and on the skin, but it still sits comfortably and doesn't dry me out even though my skin isn't excessively oily. It works wonders at keeping shine at bay, and it's perfect for humid weather and preventing makeup from sliding around on the face. If you have particularly oily acne-prone skin, this will make a very noticeable difference to your complexion.

Skinceuticals

Oil Shield Uv Defense Sun Cream SPF 50

Most affordable

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

Although this SPF is designed with oily skin in mind, it's also suitable for normal skin and isn't excessively mattifying. It has a smooth, milky formula that's lightweight, breathable, and fast-absorbing for an invisible finish that primes the skin for makeup. One of my favourite things about this SPF is that it contains niacinamide, which has always worked brilliantly for preventing breakouts in my skin. It keeps oil to a minimum all day and won't clog pores either.

CeraVe

Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 for Normal to Oily Skin

Most hydrating

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

Another SPF containing niacinamide, Aesop's lotion formula is both hydrating and nourishing. It's my top recommendation if your skin needs some TLC due to any tightness or discomfort, particularly if you apply any drying nighttime skincare for spots. It functions just like a regular day moisturiser with the addition of sun protection, but it doesn't leave the skin greasy or shiny. NB: this SPF isn't fragrance-free, so if you don't respond well to fragrance, you may want to try another formula. However, it has never caused me to break out or have any irritation.

Aesop

Protective Facial Lotion SPF 50

Best for severe acne

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

If you have very acne-prone skin that needs a lot of care and attention, Dr Sam's Daily Sunscreen is a foolproof option. It's specifically designed for blemish-prone skin, with a soft-focus primer-like finish that applies like a moisturiser. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated with niacinamide to brighten and boost the skin. It's an extremely minimalist SPF suitable for all skin types, and it perfectly balances sun protection with a comfortable feel that provides a skin-like finish with no added shine. It's a true all-rounder that will work for anyone with acne-prone skin.

Dr Sam's

Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

Best SPF primer

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

For my skin, I've found that less is more—particularly in the daytime. The best way to keep my acne at bay is not going overboard under my makeup, and Charlotte Tilbury's SPF 50 primer offers exactly that. It kills two birds with one stone with priming and sun protection, as well as providing pollution defence to further halt skin stressors that can cause breakouts. It has a very subtle tint that leaves the skin with a beautiful glow and a weightless feel that's comfortable on the face. It also hydrates without a shiny finish, which makes for smooth makeup application.

Charlotte Tilbury

Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer

Best lightweight SPF

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

The clue is in the name with Beauty Pie's SPF 50: it's a truly invisible, lightweight, watery formula that blends in with minimal effort. I've used it for years, and it has never failed me or caused blemishes. It's completely non-greasy and also acts as a primer, so you can expect a skin-like finish with natural radiance and no shine. The advanced UV filters also work to fight sunlight-induced inflammation, which can make red, painful breakouts less troublesome. With no white cast, it's suitable for all skin tones and requires minimal blending to sink in.

Beauty Pie

Super Healthy Skin Featherlight SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer

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If You Like Your Summer Sandals to Be Flat, Comfortable and Approved by Fashion Insiders, These Are the Chicest Styles I Know

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Do you want to know what everyone has been snapping up this month? Slides. The slip-on sandals that make getting dressed that little bit easier. And after much demand from Marie Claire readers about which ones are actually worth the investment, here is our edit of the best slides to shop now and wear this summer and for many more to come. The best investments last far longer than a single season, after all.

The slide's popularity comes down to three things. First, comfort: fewer straps means less chance of rubbing, especially if you're someone who hates the feeling of a flip flop between the toes. Second, ease: no buckles, straps or ties to faff around with. And third, versatility: they've moved well beyond the old-school rubber sports styles, which means they now work for a whole host of occasions.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Future)

You'll find a slide in every iteration of colour—from classic black leather to bold pink canvas—and design. And some have become so synonymous with their luxury labels—take the Saint Laurent Tribute or the Hermès Oran—that they're seriously coveted shoes that often sell out as soon as the weather warms up.

Just scroll on for the sleekest designer slides of the summer, from staple styles to more of-the-moment designs. And if you aren't sold on slides, our luxury sandal guide has plenty of other options.

Best Designer Sliders of 2026

SAINT LAURENT

Babylone Embellished Gathered Glossed-Leather Slides

The Tribute may be the most iconic Saint Laurent shoe design but this gathered leather style is just as sleek with far fewer chances of being spied beside another sun lounger.

LOEWE

Petal Anagram Leather Slides

Thanks to the rise of quiet luxury, we've shifted away from glaringly obvious labels—think slides with the likes of Balenciaga written across them—and more towards subtle branding that's actually quite beautiful.

Ancient Greek Sandals

Filia Jelly Flat Sandals

Jelly shoes are one of the most popular trends of the season and the colourful slides are especially cool. While not exactly a designer brand, these are crafted by a particularly well-made shoe label.

Tory Burch

Pierced Slide in Black

I've spoken before about how Tory Burch shoes are some of the most underrated designs around and the pierced slide is a perfect example of why.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Haribalmu 10 Cutout Leather Slides

Mariko Kuo recently wrote that the best shoes she's ever worn are all crafted from shoe-only labels, and Manolo Blahnik is known to be one of the most comfortable.

ZIMMERMANN

Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals

If you're after a slider that feels more evening ready, these gold-tone floral slides are certainly up to the task. Dresses, trousers and even beach-ready looks will all pair effortlessly.

Jimmy Choo

Lova Mule Flat

These may be the most beautiful slides of the entire round-up, worthy of even an evening dress should you wish to stick to flats.

STAUD

+ Da Adolfo Tove Beaded Leather Slides

It's often hard to find flat shoes that feel as occasion-worthy as heels, but crafted from leather with a beaded design, these Staud slides are up to the task.

AQUAZZURA

Infinity Chain Perforated Metallic-Leather Flats

Aquazurra is a Marie Claire go-to for elegant, timeless and most importantly comfortable flat sandals. The Infinity chain sandals with go with everything.

VALENTINO GARAVANI

Rockstud Bead-Embellished Suede Sandals

Valentino Garavani's rockstud designs are back in the spotlight and these caged sliders are a sleek flat version of the classic heeled styles.

MISSONI

Viola Sequin-Embellished Striped Woven Sandals

A chunkier slide works especially well for daytime, though the small sequins on this style make them feel far from casual.

HERMĒS

Oran Sandals

Step into any luxury beach club or hotel and you'll soon find a swathe of Oran sandals in every shade.

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