11 Essentials To Pack For Your Vacation

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11 Essentials To Pack For Your Vacation

Words by Jim Merrett and Emma Pradella | Fashion by Connie Daw

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Wherever you end up, you no doubt have an idea of how you want to spend your summer. A solo adventure or a family holiday? Time with the guys? Or maybe all you want to do is switch off. In reality, our free time is hard fought, and your summer likely includes some combination of all of the above. Which is good use of your annual leave, but presents a dilemma: how do you pack for it? Because, while the options the world offers you this summer are near endless, the dimensions of your suitcase are ultimately finite.

Assuming you want to be ready for anything over the next month or so, you could do a lot worse than attain the 11 items below. They’ll fit in your luggage, for one. And, between them, they’ll cover a lot of ground. Much like you this summer, no doubt.

01. The wavy Frescobol Carioca shirt

What better to put you in vacation mode than the mosaics of Rio de Janeiro? So, while most are transfixed by the beaches, epic topography and skyline of the Marvellous City, Frescobol Carioca looked down and took inspiration instead from its boardwalks instead. Despite the curvy lines, this linen shirt boasts a boxy cut – and aligns with MR PORTER’s Consciously Crafted criteria.

02. The straight-leg Versace denim shorts

How do you feel about jorts? Not so much as a portmanteau, which is neither here nor there, more the concept of jean shorts themselves. Versace’s take is predictably a cut above a pair of cutoffs. Made from Lyocell, with a horse-bit motif on the back pocket, they’re faded and whiskered in Italy for that lived-in look. Meaning that they can slip straight into being one of your summer wardrobe favourites.

03. The go-anywhere Castañer leather sandals

“Actually, my job – it’s just beach.” Unlike Barbie’s lesser half, this sandal by Castañer, also called Ken, is more adaptable than its namesake doll. Built on jute soles using time-honoured techniques, it would be right at home on the sand, but it would take you out for dinner at a fancy restaurant, too.

04. The refined Brunello Cucinelli Eyewear sunglasses

While designed more with the Italian Riviera in mind than emerging from a courthouse into the Alabama sun, there is something of the Atticus Finch about these sunglasses by Brunello Cucinelli. Not so much the shape, which leans to the classic square shape over To Kill A Mockingbird’s rounder frame. But the tortoiseshell acetate offers refined, mid-century appeal. (To be worn on your boat race, not your Gregory Peck.)

05. The effortlessly cool SAINT LAURENT striped T-shirt

A stripy tee is non-negotiable when it comes to a summer wardrobe.** **SAINT LAURENT’s take goes one better, with each of the bands made from hand-drawn lines. Wear yours with straight-leg jeans and a shrug of Rive Gauche nonchalance.

06. The all-purpose Boglioli trousers

Imagine yourself strolling through a coastal town on the Côte d’Azur. Or at an alfresco dinner in Positano. Or island hopping in Greece. These trousers can do all that, and more. They’re designed in the kind of refined silhouette – and chocolate brown hue – that’ll work well with a tank and sandals, but also with a polo shirt and matching blazer. Plus, the light slub handle will keep you cool at all times.

07. The easy adidas Originals sneakers

You may shy away from an orange and blue pairing in the work week, but in summer? Those rules are no longer applicable, particularly when on holiday. Embrace this moment to experiment with colours and textures – these Gazelles by adidas Originals will brighten up just about any outfit.

08. The LOEWE beach bag

Consider this LOEWE raffia bag a bona fide beach holiday essential – it’s spacious enough to hold a towel, wash bag and book for the daytime. And it certainly won’t look out of place if you decide to go straight to dinner from the sun lounger. Plus, it’s handily designed to fold flat, so it’ll take up minimal space in your luggage.

09. The waterproof Brunello Cucinelli cap

Brunello Cucinelli’s cap is perfect for a day at the beach or by the pool. It’s made from a Japanese microfibre that gives it a shimmering, technical feel and is finished to protect the fabric from water.

10. The Carolina Bucci everyday bracelet

This Hamptons beaded bracelet is named after the beachy enclave popular among stylish New Yorkers – but it will look just as good long after you’ve returned from holiday. The earth-hued stone beads can be removed and reordered to suit your taste. And it meets our Consciously Crafted criteria, too.

11. The geometric MR P. swim shorts

Mr P.’s latest swimwear collection is inspired by the art and architecture of Southern Italy, so this pair will look right at home on a boat in the Aeolian Islands. They’re designed with a tailoring-like waistband and handy side adjusters that’ll allow you to get the perfect fit.