THE JOURNAL
When it comes to your summer vacation, there’s a whole world of options out there. Maybe you plan to cram as much into your allotted two weeks as possible. Maybe you don’t, and doing as little as you can get away with is the goal. Either way, what you take with you is likely to define the shape – and success rate – of your time off. And, unlike the endless possibilities of your annual leave, the items in your luggage are very much dictated by the dimensions of your suitcase. As well as weight restrictions. So, every piece has to count.
And count we have, totting up 11 essential pieces that can help make your holiday. They will fit in your bag for one. And they’re versatile, so will work for different situations and with different outfits. In fact, we’d go as far as saying they will elevate anything they’re worn with, anywhere.
Think of this as your Desert Island Discs, but clothes and accessories instead of songs. (Added bonus: they’ll make your holiday wardrobe sing.) For our summer selection, read on.
01. The Jacques Marie Mage tortoiseshell aviator sunglasses
In recent times, we’ve had Brat, hot girl and rat boy. This year, we’re coining it “status-sunglasses summer”. As in the shades on your face will shape your season. And statements of intent don’t get much bolder than these Leonard tortoiseshell aviators by Jacques Marie Mage. They look like they could be worn in the third act of a Scorsese film, but given they meet our stringent Consciously Crafted guidelines, they’re far more sustainable than that
02. The Orlebar Brown printed swim shorts
Orlebar Brown is already the king of smart swimwear; this makes its case as the prince of prints, too. They’re made from a quick-drying shell in the brand’s signature shorter fit, but the first thing you notice is likely to be the geometric motif, which is inspired by Mediterranean architecture. So, if that’s where you’re headed this summer, you should blend in nicely.
03. The Hartford linen and cotton-blend jacket
The chore jacket can be traced back to those worn by labourers in 19th-century France. So, let’s give the French the credit for the loafing jacket, too. This breezy piece by Hartford is made from linen grown in France. It’s unlined and softly constructed for a light, relaxed layer if the sun dips.
04. The Frescobol Carioca linen shirt
Frescobol Carioca doesn’t shy away from its key influence – the laid-back lifestyle of Rio de Janeiro. That has previously been explored in the colours, patterns and textures of the Brazilian seaside city. And with the Alves shirt, it has embraced the local flora with Palmar embroidery. Cut from linen with a camp collar, the contrast motif helps set the tone.
05. The Brunello Cucinelli suede penny loafers
Treading a fine line between tradition and practicality, these Italian-made suede loafers by Brunello Cucinelli feature the customary penny slot across the vamp. But they’re set on rubber soles, making them lightweight, agile and incredibly comfy. So, great for events and destination weddings, but a shoe-in for city breaks, too.
06. The Drake’s pleated chino shorts
07. The Polo Ralph Lauren baseball cap
Ralph Lauren famously began his career selling neckties. Very old money. But for our money, the baseball cap might be the accessory that best captures the brand today. Especially with the pony emblem taking up prime real estate on the front panel. This sporty number in white is one for cool heads.
08. The LEMAIRE canvas tote bag
LEMAIRE is the brand behind some of the cult bag styles – and shapes – of today. But where you’d struggle to squeeze all your everyday paraphernalia, let alone a laptop, into a Croissant, this tote is up to the task. It comes in a slouchy canvas with a leather trim. We imagine it sported by Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name on a beach holiday.
09. The Christian Louboutin flip-flops
Perhaps it’s no surprise to see an uptick in sales of flip-flops in summer. But this year, the spike has been especially pronounced. Dip a toe into the trend with this rubber pair, in Christian Louboutin’s zingy signature red with a contrast white logo.
10. The Luis Morais 14-karat gold, ruby and sapphire bracelet
Who hasn’t returned home with a few trinkets bought from a beach-hut hawker? This isn’t one of those. This is a bead bracelet, yes, but with 14-karat gold charms set with rubies and blue sapphires, from Brazilian fine jeweller Luis Morais. Perfect for a grown-up gap year.
11. The DB Journey carry-on suitcase
Air travel could do with smooth sailing, too. This Ramverk suitcase by DB Journey is made from polycarbonate and aluminium. It can take transfer knocks, while the four wheels will see you glide through the lounge, with TSA-approved combination lock fastening. What a carry-on! (In a good way.)