Judging by the number of questionably turned-out Brits that flock to the coasts of Europe and beyond every summer, packing for a sunny getaway isn't as straightforward as it may first appear.
If you're looking to deviate from baggy board shorts, baggier vests and dirty flip-flops, these are the 10 holiday essentials that will ensure you stay sharp: from the airport, to the beach, to the beach bar.
1 | Weekend Bag
Whether you're heading for a spontaneous city break or a week on the beach, a well-made weekend bag should be the first item on your itinerary. If you pack efficiently you can easily carry all your essentials without resorting to a dreaded wheeled suitcase.
Filson Tin Cloth Medium Duffle Bag, £145, end.com
Hugo Boss Aspen Full-Grain Leather Holdall, £700, mrporter.com
2 | White Tennis Shoes
A summer staple for good reason. A clean, white pair of classic tennis shoes are versatile enough do all jobs for your feet on holiday. Pair them with shorts and plain white t-shirt, or dress them up with light chinos and a printed shirt.
Adidas Stan Smith Primeknit, £79.95, adidas.com
Gucci Crocodile-Trimmed Leather Sneakers, £370, mrporter.com
3 | Chino Shorts
Simple, but so easy to get wrong. When it comes to your summer shorts, burn (and burn again) anything with more than two side pockets. Instead look for a pair in a dark, understated colour that will allow you to be resourceful with the rest of your outfit choices.
Topman, Navy, Pleated, Chino Shors, £28, topman.com
J.Crew, Stanton Cotton-Twill Chino Shorts, £65, j.crew.com
4 | Sunglasses
This might be more on the obvious side, but faltering on your sunglasses selection has the potential to ruin a perfectly well thought out look. If you want to play it safe then a classic Wayfarer is still...a classic. Or you can go for something bolder like a round or gold frame.
Ray-Ban Orginal Wayfarer, £120, ray-ban.com
Orlebar Brown, Aviator-Style Gold-Tone Sunglasses, £200, mrporter.com
5 | Plain T-Shirt
Another item that should be easy to get right is the humble t-shirt. Too often Brits abroad opt for the 'fun' t-shirt covered in slogans, logos or gaudy graphics. That or the inexcusable vest. Keep it clean and creaseless in plain white, grey or navy and you've got yourself a piece that can work as well by the pool as it can at the dinner table.
H&M Basic T-Shirt, £5, hm.com
Sunspel, Riviera Staple T-Shirt, £65, sunspel.com
6 | NATO Strap Watch
If you're in the market for a summer and holiday-ready watch, head for one with a NATO strap. The military-inspired fabric offers a light, durable and colourful alternative to traditonal leather or steel watch bracelets.
Timex Expedition Scout blue, £60, timex.co.uk
TAG Heuer Formula 1 James Hunt Limited Edition, £1,150, tagheuer.com
7 | Swimming Shorts
Unlike your day-to-day shorts, your poolside pair should be colourful and caution-free. Just make surer you leave the speedos to the Russians and the baggy board shorts to the Australian surfers who can get away with wearing whatever they want.
Ralph Lauren, Hawaiian Swim Trunk, £55, ralphlauren.com
Frescobal Carioca, Copacabana Tailored Swim Short, £150, frescobalcarioca.com
8 | Printed Shirt
No longer merely the uniform of the sweaty cruise ship entertainer and the dad on holiday. The printed shirt has made a stylish resurgence in the past couple of years, meaning the coast is well clear to pack one (or four) on your next trip. Keep it current with a Cuban collar and a relaxed fit.
Topman, Black And White Leaf Print Revere Collar Shirt, £30, topman.com
Polo Ralph Lauren, Camp Collar Shirt, £110, mrporter.com
9 | Light Chinos
If you've chosen muted shades for your shorts, then a slim, but not skinny, pair of chinos in a light shade of tan, grey, military green or - if you're feeling particularly Miami Vice - white will round off the bottom half of your wardrobe nicely.
Uniqlo, Slim-Fit Chinos, £29.90, uniqlo.com
Dunhill, Slim-Fit Stretch Cotton Chinos, £210, mrporter.com
10 | Jersey Sweatshirt
In an ideal world every second of our holiday would be spent in a state of near undress, but if you're unfortunate enough to have a couple of cooler days or nights, then a jersey sweatshirt is your bail-out. Lightweight enough to pack without fuss and versatile enough to pair with shorts or chinos. A light grey sweatshirt in brushed cotton is another must-pack staple.
Nudie Jeans, Fairtrade Cotton Sweatshirt, £65, nudiejeans.com
Givenchy, Fleece-Back Printed Cotton Sweatshirt, £455, mrporter.com
