There is nothing quite like a long weekend in summer. Those blissful liminal spaces that don’t require a full suitcase and travel itinerary – you simply hit the open road with a holdall. Of course, there’s still the quandary of what to put in said holdall. Whether you’re fortunate enough to be making your way out to the Cotswolds, the Hamptons or perhaps a city break in Lisbon this summer – assuming you’re not already perched up in your Amagansett beach house as you read this – chances are you’ve spent more time than you’d care to admit pondering over what to wear. You may have an event or two to attend, as well as luxuriating in some all-important downtime. It may be tempting to overpack and feel well-equipped for anything your social calendar throws at you. However, a thoughtful selection of crisp and versatile pieces will offer endless combinations, but without weighing you down.

For those who are Hamptons-bound, MR PORTER will be co-hosting, along with NET‑A‑PORTER, a public pop up in the Hamptons this summer. Setting up camp at WYETH’s serene and beautifully crafted showroom in Sagaponack from 16 to 20 July, for a five-day shopping experience hosting a curated edit of ready-to-wear and accessories by in-demand brands including Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, SAINT LAURENT, TOM FORD and more – as well as special events. RSVP here and come visit us at WYETH.

Now, back to what to wear. First things first, summer tailoring. Menswear has smartened up considerably over the past couple years and you’ll find a rather handsome bunch of blazers dotted throughout this season’s collections, straddling smart-casual and day-evening nicely. With the balmy weather in mind, it’s all about looser cuts in lightweight linen and soft hues: take Oliver Spencer’s Consciously Crafted muted-pink herringbone jacket or Richard James’ always-elegant suiting. And try swapping trousers for tailored shorts (it works, we promise). We’re fans of Anderson & Sheppard’s pleated Gurkha style, which arrive unlined for extra breeziness.

As for what to team them with? Linen shirts are a no-brainer for any summer vacation, but all the more essential for those Hamptons’ garden parties, where you’ll want to look polished without sweating through your outfit. Provided you’re deft with a lobster roll, you can’t go wrong with white, such as Etro’s subtly embroidered pick, although the likes of Canali and Richard James offer subdued shades if you’re ready to embrace a sprinkle of colour.

Likewise, be sure to stash a polo shirt or two. And all the better if they’re as luxurious as TOM FORD’s, which blends Lyocell with cotton piqué and is cut to fit like perfection.

Given how much real estate they occupy in your suitcase, shoes require extra consideration and it’s worth whittling it down to those that provide the walkability of sneakers, but won’t get you turned away at fancy dining spots. Boat shoes aren’t going anywhere, at least not if they’re as good-looking as Brunello Cucinelli’s exclusive deliciously soft chocolate suede styles. And if you’re a fan of a sandal, Manolo Blahnik has designed a pair in leather-trimmed raffia that are the definition of easy elegance.

Once you’ve covered the foundations, there’s room to play in the accessories department. Think of your choice of sunglasses as the ultimate indicator of your exquisite taste come summer and given how enticing the creations of Jacques Marie Mage and SAINT LAURENT are this season, we won’t judge if you can’t narrow it down to just one.

And, of course, you’ll need a vessel to ferry your magnificent new wardrobe around in. For short stays and long weekends, a streamlined leather holdall by Brunello Cucinelli, TOM FORD or Bleu de Chauffe should do the trick. Given that you’ve packed so sensibly (you’re welcome), there should even be space for that 500-page thriller that you’re definitely going to read…