After months of overcast gloom and drizzle, there’s at last light at the end of the tunnel, with the days growing tantalisingly longer and the mercury on an upward trajectory. And whether you’re spending April in Paris or viewing the sakura blossom in Hokkaido, spring is a great time to hit the road.

But with unpredictable meteorological patterns on the cards, prepping for a spring break can present some sartorial challenges. Unless you want to take everything but the kitchen sink, some strategic packing is required to save your precious check-in kilos for holiday knick-knacks for the folks at home.

With this in mind, see below for a concise list of 12 hard-working travel essentials that will help take the weight out of your spring packing list.

The old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has real resonance in menswear and Ray-Ban’s classic Wayfarers are as timeless as sunglasses come. Whether they’re worn with deconstructed tailoring or a silk camp-collar shirt, these are the only shades you’ll need at home, or away.

If you’re bound for warmer climes and have shed your outer layers, you might find you’re short of places to stow your effects. This capacious A.P.C. bag is a far smarter alternative to overstuffed pockets and is certain to come in handy for toting your duty-free spoils.

Woollen slacks are all well and good in cooler locales, but an airier option is in order when the thermostat is on the rise. These lightweight linen trousers from our very own in-house brand, Mr P., are just the ticket for staying cool in more ways than one.

Heading somewhere sultry to pep-up that sun-starved complexion? Then don’t forget to pack these AMI chino shorts. Their pair-with-anything hue and stretch-fit make them a versatile and comfortable warm-weather staple.

Ms Isabel Marant’s bohemian, rock’n’roll-inspired pieces have long been a favourite among the fairer sex, but now she has turned her hand to menswear with stellar results. Whether you’re wearing it with shorts or a deconstructed linen blazer, this rakish voile shirt is a multifaceted space-saver.

If there’s one collection this season that epitomises the holiday spirit, it’s Jacquemus’ hotly anticipated SS19 line. This Simon shirt (named after the annoyingly handsome man who designed it, Mr Simon Porte Jacquemus) has airy perforated detailing and a louche, relaxed fit, making it an ideal smart-casual option from plane cabin to beach bar.

If you’re heading to Northern Europe, it might be a little premature to break out the aloha shirts and sandals, nor will you be needing a coat. This shirt jacket – or “shacket” – offers the ideal in-between, and is the perfect lightweight travel companion to tackle those cool spring breezes.

Footwear often adds a considerable chunk of weight to a suitcase, so it pays to choose your shoes wisely. These crisp white leather sneakers from Officine Generale will pair effortlessly with everything from shorts to suiting, offering a myriad styling options.

After a sunless winter of wearing brogues and boots, now’s your chance to let your toes get a much-need breather. These woven sandals from leather master Bottega Veneta are just what your feet have been waiting for. And, like our multi-tasking sneakers, they’ll work with both formal and casual apparel.

Being mostly liquids, the contents of your wash bag can quickly begin to weigh you down, so packing items that address two needs at once is a smart move. This lightweight lotion will nourish your skin in the morning and evening, while its SPF protection will help keep any sun-induced wrinkles at bay.

It might seem indulgent to have a baby cashmere knit on an essentials list, but one stroke of this cloud-soft sweater from Loro Piana will reveal why its yarn is so highly prized. With its ability to perfectly regulate body temperature and an uber-plush handle, you’ll definitely want this close to hand for cool evenings on the terrace or chilly airplane cabins.

Mr Adam Brown founded his label after a trip to India, when he was dismayed at the lack of decent swim shorts for men. All of his brand’s shorts are designed using the pattern of a pair of Savile Row trousers, so you’ll look the part in these Bulldog swimmers whether you’re propped up at the pool bar, or sunning it up on the beach.