What image comes to mind when you think of summer vacations? Is it James Bond in Casino Royale, dressed in crisp whites and a sleek linen suit, stepping out of his private jet and into the balmy Bahamas? Or is it the middle-aged tourist, sweating through his lurid Hawaiian shirt and wrinkled khakis as he huffs and puffs through customs? If it’s the latter, you’ve got some serious rethinking to do in the travel wardrobe department.
Comfort and convenience – important considerations for when you’re on the go – are not inextricably linked to sacrificing style. Granted, you have weather and versatility to think of, but there’s no need to compromise with generic basics. We’ve put together a visual packing list, if you will, of casual yet elegant pieces that will get you through any vacation. James Bond would most definitely approve.
Button Up For Business Class
For the formal dressers who like to suit up on the daily, you’ll need options that allow you to dress down for the holidays and stay sophisticated at the same time. These lightweight shirts from Norse Projects and Saturdays NYC are travel essentials that will leave you feeling crisp and clean-cut. Select the indigo chambray shirt for a more casual daytime look and the white linen option for more dressy dinners. Finish off with a pair of classic round sunglasses from WACKO Maria, and an old-school nylon strap watch from the Timex Archive.
Set Sail
Presuming that the most of you will be jetting off to seaside destinations, you’ll need a nautical outfit to match the scenery. Before you reach for your standard Breton stripe tee, consider this. Our seaside-inspired ensemble, consisting of a Maison Kitsune striped sweatshirt, white chambray shorts from Publish and low-top leather kicks from wings + horns, is a minimalist take on the sailor’s uniform. Complete the outfit with this simple leather anchor bracelet from Miansai, as well as a pair of retro havana sunglasses from the Ghostbusters X ITALIA INDEPENDENT collab.
Stow Away In Style
In our many years of travelling, our one golden rule has been “say no to the fanny pack.” If you’re looking to keep your items in check without looking like a sixteen year-old raver at Coachella, these leather storage solutions are the way to go. This cork and leather clutch from Christopher Raeburn is the perfect size to hold important documents and small electronics, while this Mismo wallet crafted from buttery caramel leather is complete with multiple card slots, note and coin pockets to store your currencies. If you’re a photography aficionado, swap out your branded camera straps for this elegant leather wrist strap from Cubs and Co – perfect for that low-key look that says anything but tourist.
Pack Smart
Most men like their tops to be crisp, not crinkled. You want to step out of the hotel looking like you just walked off a photoshoot, not like you just tumbled out of bed (even if that’s the case). In that case, rolling your tees and shirts (instead of folding) is your best bet to keep your garments crease-free.
Where are you jetting off to this summer? Comment below.
