Capsule Travel Essentials
If your bank balance snapped back into shape quicker than your waistline after Christmas and New Year, perhaps you’re one of the thousands of lucky Britons fleeing these dismal shores in search of some well-deserved winter sun. Whether you’ve opted for a long-haul destination or are simply jetting off to a bolthole in the Med, it’s time to equip yourself with a capsule travel wardrobe capable of keeping pace with your movements and, of course, the warmer weather. Below is a list of holiday essentials that does exactly that and, crucially, will slot seamlessly into your spring/summer wardrobe when you get back.
1. The Weekend Bag: Sandqvist
Renowned for their handsome backpacks, Sandqvist knows what it’s doing when it comes to holdalls worthy of a spot in first class. The Swedish brand’s latest offering is this khaki weekend bag. It’s constructed in heavy waxed canvas and comes with leather details, which makes it robust enough to shuttle your gear about without fear of anything getting damaged or compromising on style. With a 35-litre capacity, it can swallow up everything you need for a few days away on the continent, yet is small enough to pass as hand luggage at check in. Sandqvist Carl-Gustaf Canvas Weekend Bag in Khaki, available at urbanexcess.com, priced £129.
2. The Shorts: Orlebar Brown
For the uninitiated, Orlebar Brown specialises in high quality shorts and swimwear that will take you effortlessly from beach to bar and beyond without the need to head back to the cabana to change. How does it do that? By applying traditional tailoring cuts to beachwear, and putting a smarter spin on swim, of course. Frankly, opting for anything from Orlebar will instantly elevate your resort wardrobe, but these seersucker shorts get our vote. Breathable, versatile and sophisticated, they boast a sense of timelessness that will ensure they become a go-to in your summer wardrobe for many years to come, justifying their price tag. Cavrin Seersucker Linen Cotton Blend Short, available at orlebarbrown.com, priced £135.
3. The Sweatshirt: YMC
A quality sweatshirt may not seem like it should sit atop your list of packing essentials for a sojourn to the sun. But while the daytime temperatures in Marrakech are hovering at a balmy 21 degrees Celsius right now, it’s a much chillier story in the early morning and evenings (not to mention that brutally air-conditioned plane cabin). This raglan crew neck sweat from YMC is crafted from white premium cotton loopback terry, making it the perfect, breathable extra layer to chuck on when the sun goes down. Another versatile investment, its minimal design and neutral colouring allows it to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion – try teaming with a linen shirt and pair of slim cotton chinos for all those nights of al fresco dining. Raglan Crew Sweat in White, available at ymc.com, priced £75.
4. The T-Shirt: Topman
That ruinous combination of sun, sweat and sunscreen can wreak havoc on your day time holiday wardrobe, so there’s little point in packing an arsenal of designer tees that you’ll probably end up wanting to discard when you get back to the UK. Instead, opt for some stylish, affordable options from Topman’s extensive range. We particular like the brand’s Roller Fit styles, which feature a classic fit body with dropped shoulders and fixed, full roll sleeves. Not only do they look excellent and drape nicely, but with prices ranging between £8-18 you won’t have to worry about the inevitable marks and stains that are par for the course on a sunny week away. Roller Fit T-shirts in various colours, available at topman.com, priced from £8.
5. The Shoes: Rivieras Slip-Ons
If this season’s slew of slip-on trainers and plimsolls isn’t doing it for you, there’s no harm in falling back on a summery footwear classic: the espadrille. French brand Rivieras has quickly become a go-to for the silhouette, with their canvas and cotton mesh versions as at home in the city as they are on the beach. Breathable, elegant and infinitely more stylish than flip-flops, you’ll still want to wear them with your tailored shorts and Breton tees once the weather picks up back home. Plus, for anyone whose trip combines sea with city (Barcelona, Nice, Tel Aviv and the like), the elasticated inserts and flexible rubber soles ensure comfort, so you can walk for miles in these without worrying about inflicting any major pain on your feet. Rivieras Cotton Mesh Slip-Ons, available at mrporter.com, priced £50.
