Salty swimsuits, sweaty skin and dodgy tan lines: holiday season is finally upon us. Top of our agenda as we get ready to jet off? Sorting out our summer holiday packing list. Gone are the days of arriving at the villa only to find you’ve forgotten your sunglasses or left your SPF at home, because for summer 2023 we’ve compiled the ultimate holiday packing checklist. And, naturally, we’re taking the hottest brands with us. From statement sunglasses by Off-White and Palm Angels to party ready co-ords from Valentino and Gucci, these are the key pieces to take with you, no matter your destination. All you need to do now is zip up your suitcase and hit the road. Now, where’s that boarding pass?

Overwhelmed by the packing process and don’t know where to start? A hardworking bag should be your first step. After all, you need somewhere to put everything, and these are the best in the biz. Prada’s Triangle Crossbody Bag embodies the term ‘cult buy’, in slick black leather, the triangle shape pays homage to the brands iconic logo. Plus, it’ll work just as well for a night out as it will at the airport for keeping your precious valuables to hand. Bottega Veneta’s Avenue Tote Bag is a failsafe pick thanks to the jet-black colourway and the brand’s signature Intrecciato detailing. Just sling it over your shoulder and you’re good to go. Need something big to stash all your belongings for the beach? A supersized Saint Laurent shopper is the one.

A staple tee for summer? Now that’s a no brainer. Whether you’re pairing with your swim shorts down to the beach or throwing on come night, we can guarantee your suitcase will be filled with an array of t-shirts. Dolce & Gabbana are here to prove that despite the current hype for quiet luxury, a logo tee still has its place in our summer holiday wardrobe. The Coloured Logo T-Shirt sets a vibrant rainbow D&G logo against an all-black backdrop for a statement-making colour contrast. Dreaming about L.A. heat? Us too. Get into the spirit with Amiri’s California T-Shirt. Prefer something more classic? Prada and Bottega Veneta have delivered a contemporary re-fresh to the classic tee. The Prada-ified white Interlock T-Shirt features a relaxed fit and signature triangle logo, while Bottega have dunked their oversized tee in a pop of parakeet green.

Simple sunnies? It could never be us. This summer, it’s all about statement shades from the biggest brands in the game. Top of your holiday packing list? A pair of logo-adorned specs from Gucci. Sitting on gold hardware, the sunglasses come complete with pink lenses covered in the classic GG monogram. Now that’s a rose-tinted vision we can get on board with. Bottega Veneta have tapped into otherworldly fashion with their futuristic-inspired Rubber Sunglasses, that, of course, come in their signature Bottega green. While Off-White have gone big on streetwear appeal thanks to chunky rectangular frames in a hit of marble grey. As for Palm Angels? Barbie fever has arrived ahead of this summer’s big release with big plastic frames covered in pink.

If there’s one thing your summer wardrobe will always need, it’s a good pair of shorts. After all, the rise in temperature means one thing: it’s time to get your legs out. Wondering which summer shorts to invest in this summer? These are the styles to take you above the knee. Jacquemus Le Shorts in an all-over bandana print will have you screaming for sunshine, while Casablanca’s Rainbow Silk Shorts in vibrant pink and orange, are destined to be on repeat all summer long. Looking for something more classic? Opt for Bottega Veneta’s Technical Nylon Shorts in an easy, peasy black, or, for a touch of denim, it’s got to be Diesel.

A good pair of sneakers are a non-negotiable for your wardrobe all year round but for your summer holidays? They’re worth every bit of luggage space. From classic low tops to chunky dad sneakers, there’s a pair to suit. Your summer holiday will call for mooching around cities, nights out and long walks, and a good pair of trainers will be your perfect companion. So, which trainers should you purchase for summer, you ask? Well, the Prada Collision Trainers are causing a stir. A statement maker, they’re deliver futuristic appeal thanks to their chunky air bag soles and come complete with a vibrant multi-colour detail to the side. Saint Laurent’s Mid Tops in block green and white are set to become a stone-cold classic. Looking for something different? Off-White’s Odsy Platform Runners are the ultimate summer streetwear pick.

The easiest way to maximise your outfit while minimising your baggage? A touch of holiday bling. From charm bracelets to pearl necklaces and logo chains, there’s a piece of summer jewellery to suit. Valentino Garavani’s Pearl Necklace combines classic white pearls with a gold V logo and will look even better with a tan. Versace’s Kitchen Charm Bracelet is a unique piece that you’ll treasure for years to come, while the Cuff Bracelet is the kind of easy staple that’ll take any outfit to the next level.

Getting beach ready? You’ll need some protection up top. From bucket hats to varsity caps and trucker styles, these are the ones to add to your holiday shopping list. The Nahmias Trucker Cap is an off-duty style that’ll look just as good on the sand as it will on the street, while Off-White’s Varsity Cap delivers classic collegiate style that’ll pair perfectly with an oversized tee and simple shorts. On the bucket hat hype? Casablanca’s Crochet Knit Hat is a major mood, in a white and green colourway it brings a dose of tenniscore appeal mixed with the brand’s signature sun-soaked aesthetic.

Heading out but don’t know what to wear? Clue: co-ordination is key. A party-ready co-ord will have you ready to dance all night in two easy steps. All you need is a shirt and some shorts. Gucci’s offering is flawless, the Geometric Silk set in easy ocean blues is covered in Gucci monogram for a statement-making look that stays on the light and loose side. And as for Valentino? They’ve gone in on monochrome magic with a black and white set that puts the signature V all over you.

Beach or poolside vacay coming up? You’ll need a good pair of summer sliders. From oversized to flip flop, these are our favourites this season. Palm Angels Logo Sliders are fun and fresh, in easy shades of white and black finished with their signature logo, they’ll pair with just about anything. Off-White’s chunky Meteor Slides feature clever cut-outs to help your feet breathe and an oversized, futuristic silhouette. After a pop of colour? Christian Louboutin have you covered with the Super Looubi Flip Flops in a juicy hit of orange while Versace have delivered their All Over 3D Logo Sliders in a hit of deep blue.

Time to take a dip, in the hottest swim shorts around, of course. This year, there are ample swimwear trends to choose from. In bold, highlighter yellow, Vivienne Westwood’s Logo Print Swim Shorts ensure you’ll stand out poolside and come complete with an oversized orb logo on the leg. Stone Island bring together practicality and style with their signature nylon dressed up in shades of pale pink, vivid fuchsia and bright orange. For those who prefer things on the more minimal side, C.P. Company have delivered a series of swim shorts in one colour: from staple black and grey to lavender, blue and orange. While Off-White keep the business in the back, with simple black shorts at the front and their signature logo to the back. Take the plunge.

Ever smelled something and the scent took you straight back to a memory? That’s because our sense of smell is one of our strongest, more so than sight, touch or taste. When visual references begin to fade, it’s scent that transports us back to those moments, which is why picking the right fragrance for your holiday is so important. One spritz of the stuff in the depths of winter has the power to transform your mood. So, what makes the best summer fragrance? With the sun heating up our skin, anything too thick or heavy with deep notes, like amber and vanilla, should be left on the shelf. Instead, opt for fresh, bright scents with notes of citrus, fruits, florals and woods. Pick a new scent to use on holiday and you’ll forever be reminded of the euphoria, fun and freedom of summer. Top of our list? Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria, filled with bergamot, red ginger and cedarwood, and BDK’s Sel d’Argent, ft. grapefruit, salt and white musk. Think your skin warmed by the sun after a late afternoon swim. Bliss.

A slightly less exciting, but all-important step when it comes to holiday beauty products, is sun cream. A non-negotiable, a hardworking SPF will protect your skin in the moment (who wants to be sunburnt?) and the long term. The good news? Gone are the days of thick, white formulas. Case in point, The Inkey List’s Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen, which is lightweight and infused with polyglutamic acid, an ingredient that rivals hyaluronic acid in hydration. Or why not try the Shiseido Sports Invisible Protective Mist, a water-resistant sunscreen in a handy spray bottle – ideal for hitting those to hard-to-reach places. Get your suitcase ready, our edit features the SPFs of the future: lightweight, high protection and packed full of skincare, from all-over body sun cream to specialise face SPF.