The Packing List: Seven Must-Have Accessories For Your Pre-Summer Prep

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The Packing List: Seven Must-Have Accessories For Your Pre-Summer Prep

Words by Lucy Kingett | Photography by Mr James Robjant | Styling by Ms Sophie Watson

30 March 2023

OK, we admit it, the heating is still decidedly on for the MR PORTER Team. However, that isn’t stopping us getting our ducks in a row for the upcoming travel season. Just as it takes time to decide on your holiday destination, look for flights and accommodation and research the best bars, restaurants and beaches (we all make colour-coded Google Maps, right? Right?), picking the perfect summer wardrobe requires a little preparation and forward thinking, too.

While swimming shorts and T-shirts are obvious choices, don’t let your accessories be an afterthought. Sunglasses, bags and jewellery are the finishing flourishes that take any poolside outfit or city getaway ensemble up a notch, so read on to discover our pick of the little extras you should consider for your vacation rotation.

Waft away those grey clouds with a bold footwear choice, such as these green rubber slides from Gucci, complete with the brand’s famous insignia. The stacked sole elevates them from your everyday run-of-the-mill pool shoe, but the deep tread means there’ll be no risk of slipping when you’re carrying a tray of drinks from the bar to your lounger.

It’s official, coloured lenses are the sunglasses trend of the season. This oversized square-framed pair are the lovechild of a collaboration between Jacques Marie Mage and Hopper Goods, the brand created by Ms Marin Hopper, daughter of Mr Dennis Hopper. The style is named Taos after the New Mexico town that the late actor called home.

When the sun is shining, adorn yourself with simple jewellery that catches the light and accentuates a tan. The Marina gold-plated freshwater pearl bracelet from éliou, the favoured brand of pop darling Mr Harry Styles, has a magnetic clasp, making it easy to pop it off before going for a swim.

Don’t rely on sad plain hotel towels for your spring break. A quality version is not only more stylish, but usually bigger and more comfortable. Spreading out this Jacquemus pure cotton towel, with its leaf and spiral sun motif, will bring instant cheer and immediately make your holiday snaps more Instagrammable.

Really want to look cool by the pool? Then nab this bucket hat from Acne Studios, which combines Scandi-chic design with the colour that just can’t stay away from runways and high fashion collections – purple. The subtle lilac used here will endow your bonce with a perfect beachy aesthetic.

Every year, we still see men parading down to the beach with towels under their arms and pockets stuffed with wallet, keys, phone… Not on our watch – get yourself a patterned tote or holdall to stuff it all into. This graphic floral print example from the collaboration between Marni and Carhartt WIP is made from durable canvas and is spacious enough that it could even be used as a weekend bag for shorter trips.

Talking of wallets, it’s always a good idea to slim down your card and cash collection before you jet off. No, you really don’t need to take that supermarket loyalty fob or collection of old business cards with you. Instead, swap your usual wallet for a slimline cardholder, like this sky-blue leather option from LOEWE. Bank card, room key, done.