Sweat, sun and salt. Long, hot summer nights and far-flung holidays. Starting to get excited for the heat? Us too. Wondering what to pack for your summer holiday? We’ve got you covered. Pondering what’s the best SPF? Thinking about the sandals that are deserving of that precious suitcase space? We’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled the ultimate summer holiday packing edit for 2023. From statement swimwear by Dolce & Gabbana and Magda Butrym to beach-ready bags from Prada and Bottega Veneta, these are the key pieces to pack for your summer holiday. All you need to do now? Grab your passport and get going. Hot girl summer incoming…

Cut-outs, corsages and cult appeal: for summer 2023, swimwear has gone big whether you’re after a swimsuit or a bikini. Top of our list? Dolce & Gabbana’s red-hot bikini. In a bold leopard print, it ensures all eyes will be on you. Magda Butrym have brought the corsage trend to your swimmers, pinning an oversized flower to the bust of a white swimsuit. For a more sporty, vintage aesthetic, look to Casablanca’s Logo Swimsuit in a forest green. And if you really want something different, Marine Serre’s cut-out one piece, covered with their signature moon print, is the one. Versatile enough to wear long after your summer holiday too.

Sunglasses, SPF, a sunhat… the list of beach essentials is seemingly endless. So naturally, we need a big bag to tout them in. Top of our list for summer 2023? Christian Louboutin’s Loubifever bag. In a juicy pop of sunshine orange, it’ll bring sun-soaked style with you, wherever you go. Prada’s Rafia Shopping Bag became a must-have last season and is back in shades of baby pink, green and au naturel. Elevating the basket bag beach trend that’s dominated for decades, Bottega Veneta have created their iteration, complete with big bendy handles and a clever zipped pocket for your valuables. As for Marc Jacobs? The Tote Bag has been given a summer-ready makeover in yellow, orange and sheer fabric.

A pair of flats are a godsend on any holiday, so it’s a good thing we’re in possession of the most stylish ones in the game, from sliders to espadrilles to crochet sandals. Bottega Veneta have delivered classic holiday appeal with the Lido Sandal in crochet, while Valentino Garavani have brought a fiery red pair, complete with their signature V monogram. Palm Angels Track Sandals go in on classic athleisure appeal, making them perfect for pool days, while Off-White have given us streetwear’s answer to the espadrille with the Criss Cross slides.

Beach days incoming? A sunhat is always a good idea. Whether you prefer a visor, bucket hat or full-on straw hat, there’s a style to suit your pool vibe. Miu Miu’s Logo Band Visor is a fun take on the straw hat trend thanks to the exaggerated brim and tie detailing to the back, while Toteme’s Woven Paper Hat gives timeless style with serious shade. After something different? Deck out your bucket hat in statement denim by way of Miu Miu and Marine Serre, the latter complete with breathable air vents and the brand’s signature patchwork.

Summer is all about spontaneity. And that means, you need to be ready for every sartorial situation. The easiest way to do that when the sun comes out? A dress that’ll take you from the beach to the bar in one easy move. Bottega Veneta’s barely-there Crochet Dress screams summer, while Saint Laurent’s Crochet Maxi Dress makes the case for black at the beach. Jacquemus’ La Robe Bahia is an effortlessly sexy move, thanks to the loose tie detailing that gives off that I-just-rolled-out-of-bed vibe, while Miu Miu’s baby blue mini is the easy sundress dreams were made of.

This summer, you’ll find us basking in the sunshine all, day, long. And the only shade we’re accepting, is the ones in front of our eyes. Naturally, those are next level, from fun shapes to rose-tinted lenses. Saint Laurent’s heart-shaped sunglasses bring the exact energy we’re in search of this year, while Jacquemus’ Pralu Sunglasses are a contemporary take on a classic thanks to the logo detail along the legs, mixed with a tortoiseshell effect. Off-White’s Bold Blue Volcanite Sunglasses are a funky, futuristic look, while Gucci’s oversized retro shades, complete with rose-coloured lenses and a pink outer would make even Barbie jealous.

A party-ready bag for your summer holiday is a must. The question is, which one will you be packing this year? A raffia clutch, a hot pink shoulder bag or a shiny hand-held number? Allow Saint Laurent, Jacquemus and Bottega Veneta to make their case… Saint Laurent’s Woven Rafia Clutch is the perfect companion to an all-night beach party and will easily take you from dinner to daytime exploring too. Christian Louboutin’s Loubila Pouch Bag comes in the hue of the season: neon green. An easy way to quickly add interest to a look. Or if living in a Barbieworld is a priority for you this summer, vibrant pops of pink are delivered by way of a glossy Jodie Bag from Bottega Veneta and a Y2K shoulder bag c/o Jacquemus’ Le Bisou. Come on Barbie, let’s go party.

At FLANNELS, we firmly endorse partying all year long. But when the sun comes out, our party game goes up a notch. And this year, these are the heels we’ll be dancing all night in on holiday. Christian Louboutin have gone in with the Duniss Sandal. In vivid fluorescent yellow, it’s guaranteed to bring out your inner raver and instantly make an outfit more interesting. Bottega Veneta’s Canalazzo Sandals are holidays in a shoe, while JW Anderson’s Leather Bumper Mules transforms their most recent It bag, the Bumper, into a heel. And if you’re looking to add a fashion set favourite to your wardrobe, The Attico’s signature Luz Mules in ocean blue will do the trick.

Barely-there dresses, ultra-minis, tiny bra tops and neon bodysuits: summer partywear is coming in hot. Masters of summer dressing, Jacquemus’ new season looks just keep winning. La Robe Midi Dress combines cut-out detailing with a figure-hugging silhouette and sunshine-ready block colourway. And their navy co-ord goes just as hard. Complete with a tiny bra top that comes with asymmetric detailing and keyhole cut out and a slip skirt that’s cut with a high slit. Roberta Einer have given their signature knit partywear the raver treatment with the neon green Dina Bodysuit, while Magda Butrym’s ruched white mini skirt is a flawless pick for your summer holiday – just think of that tan.

When the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it’s time to switch up your scent. While spring lends itself to fresh bouquets of florals, for summer, it’s all about tapping into citrus fruits and salty notes, which will refresh and energise even on the hottest of days. While citrus notes aren’t always the longest-lasting, these fragrances will see you from hot beach days to steamy nights out. Top of your holiday fragrance hit list? Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, which will make you smell like a literal beach goddess (thanks to a blend of refreshing ylang yland and sweet Coco de Mer) and Jo Malone London’s Lime, Basile and Mandarin, a scent made for sundowners.

Question: how do you instantly elevate an outfit, while maximising the space in your luggage? Answer: a little bit of bling. There are few things we’re certain of in this life, but the fact that gold jewellery will always look good on tanned skin is one of them. And these are our key jewellery picks for the summer. Bottega Veneta’s Chain Choker is minimal but effective – pair with everything from summer dresses to your swimsuit. Prefer something lighter weight? Maria Black’s Moreno Necklace features dainty dangling diamonds and can be adjusted in length, making it the ideal piece to stack. As for logo-heavy jewellery? Saint Laurent’s Opyum Bangle and Prada’s Logo Earrings will do the talking for you.

Deciding which beauty products to pack in your beach bag is a biggie. Your non-negotiable? SPF. From all-over body sunscreens designed to work through sweat, sand and dips in the sea, to specially formulated face sun creams that’ll nourish and protect your skin, topping up your sun protection throughout the day is a must. As for those beauty products that’ll just make your day more enjoyable? A facial mist, like Tom Ford Beauty’s Hyaluronic Energizing Mist, will stop your skin drying out and help cool you down when the mercury rises. Why not throw in a mascara too? Waterproof of course, you wouldn’t want the sea spray smudging your lashes. Taking a break from sunbathing? A hydrating lip gloss will help nourish the sensitive skin. Patrick Ta’s Major Volume Pumping Lip Gloss packs in vitamin E, avocado and jojoba oil.