Racking up air miles and hopping across borders in pursuit of sun, sea and sand is a necessary evil. However, despite baggage allowances, endless queues and the obligatory dash across the departures lounge, taking to the skies doesn’t have to be done at the sacrifice of the fourth ‘S’: style.
Avoiding these pitfalls while still affording yourself enough time (and luggage space) for some duty-free shopping requires a little careful planning. Luckily, this season The Bakers are here to show you how, as they’ve escaped Tailor’s Lane for some stylish sun seeking with bold swimwear, cool daywear and dashing eveningwear in tow.
Take Flight
Dressing for travel has a tendency to bring out the worst in people’s wardrobes. Your outfit will naturally be affected based on whether flying short haul or long haul, business or pleasure, but the aim should always be to achieve both style and comfort. In order to transition between varying climates and temperatures with ease, side with versatile layering pieces like soft cotton T-shirts, lightweight bomber jackets and throw-on sweaters. Down below, opt for well-fitting chinos to take your look to new heights on short city breaks, or the smart comfort of tailored joggers if travelling long haul. Finish with sleek minimal trainers that will adapt to any occasion while away – especially important if you’re going hand-luggage only.
Make Waves
You made it, congratulations – now all that’s left to do is see the sites, nail poolside cool and rotate on the hour to perfect your tan. But that doesn’t mean you should lose your style credentials at sea the moment you apply sun cream. Our advice? Throw out the ill-fitting board shorts-and-vest combo and replace with a foolproof formula comprising sharply-cut swimwear and a relaxed-fitting polo or printed tee for walks to lunch. Once you’ve sorted the basics, don’t forget the finer details: vintage-inspired shades and high-quality sliders will top off your daytime look effortlessly, whether you managed to secure a sun lounger or not.
Sultry Nights
The trickiest summer style moves come after the sun has set, with standard tailoring often too heavy for balmy evenings but more casual attire not quite hitting the dress code. Luckily, Ted Baker’s lightweight tailored separates make dressing after-dark a cakewalk. Well-cut blazers, shorts and trousers in breathable cotton-linen blends can be mixed and matched in complementary shades or combined together for a head-to-toe look that will ensure you maintain your cool even as the mercury rises. Versatile shirting keeps your suitcase light (and hotel ironing bill minimal), so opt for a short-sleeved design in a subtle botanical print or crisp white hue that’ll work under a jacket or on its own. Down below, a pair of loafers are perfect for wearing sockless on warmer evenings – go for suede to keep them breathable and comfortable in the heat.
Stylish Stowaways
It’s a daunting sight; standing in front of the wardrobe not knowing what – or how much of it – to pack. Most of us spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how little we can take on our trip, before giving up and throwing it all in, medicine cabinet included. Like any outfit, the key to success is laying the right foundations. Whether going in the hold or overhead locker, choose a bag that’s sturdy, in a design you won’t be ashamed pulling off the carousel. Ted Baker’s leather holdalls and backpacks are the perfect size for a city break, while the brand’s spacious and robust suitcases come equipped with all the compartments needed to keep things organised for a longer sojourn, so you can choose a style accordingly.
Travel Essentials
Good luggage isn’t the only tool of the trade needed when navigating time zones. For all airports’ modern comforts, it still pays to carry some essential kit to help pass the time. Aside from stemming boredom, there are pieces best kept to hand at all times, like sunglasses, a document wallet, or a wash bag in your holdall to freshen up before landing. Luckily Ted is turning out an increasing number of stylish travel accessories, which includes everything from headphones to iPad cases and even leather luggage tags.
