Men’s fashion expert reveals ‘four-outfit formula’ for summer holiday packing

Every year I dedicate time to curating my summer wardrobe to fit the brief of my holidays. Whether I’m heading on a beach break to the Caribbean, a Euro summer city break or a far-flung Asian escape, one of my biggest considerations is what to wear

As a light packer who hates lugging around huge suitcases between hotels, I always plan my outfits ahead and create a mini capsule wardrobe that means I can easily build outfits that will pair together. I’ll get my notebook ready, the weather app open and plan interchangeable outfits to take the decision fatigue away when I need to focus on relaxing. This is normally categorised into four outfits based on what people actually do on holiday.

Mytheresa’s vacation shop has an edit of luxury pieces that are perfect for your summer holidays and I’ve created four outfits for some easy looks to inspire your holiday capsule wardrobe

Airport look

My primary concern in an airport is comfort and efficiency, then secondly, looking effortlessly cool, of course. This look hinges on the giant Gucci tote bag for easily grabbing your passport, wallet, boarding pass and plane snacks. Mules or comfy sandals are my non-negotiable on a flight to slip on and off when going through security or getting comfy once you’ve boarded the plane – these green suede Sabah mules will do just that, plus they can double as evening shoes for dinners. Variable temperatures on the plane and hotel air-con require layers, like this silk, cashmere and linen blend jumper by Zegna.

I paired a simple linen tee by Thom Sweeney with wide leg trousers from Loewe. For accessories, keep your eye on your flight time with Bvlgari’s octo roma watch in a minimal all-silver colour, paired with a Spinelli Kilcollin silver ring

Beach day

For a day at the beach, the best way to stay stylish is to lean into accessories, because there aren’t many clothes to work with. I chose this lightweight A.Presse silk and linen shirt in a bold coral red to be thrown casually over swimwear, in this case Vilebrequin’s moorea swim trunksin primary blue

I’ve toned down the bright colours of the shirt and trunks with earth-toned accessories like Loewe’s tortoiseshell sunglasses, a vintage-inspired Polo Ralph Lauren cotton baseball cap in a muted navy blue and some deep brown leather flip flops from one of my favourite sandal brands, Ancient Greek Sandals

Practically synonymous with summer bags, Loewe’s refined raffia basket bag is the perfect option to throw in your sun cream, book and frisbee. I’ve rounded off this look with a beaded necklace by Mateo that will look great on tanned skin

Dinner and evening

I always think simple and sophisticated is best for the evening so I’ve gone (almost) monochrome with an embroidered Bode shirt with a relaxed Cuban collar paired with linen and cotton blend black trousers by Umit Benan

When on holiday, nice dark brown or black sandals are dinner appropriate (but check restaurant dress codes) so opt for some fisherman style slides from Ancient Greek Sandals. Keep it cool with Bottega Veneta’s sardine sunnies, for early evening sun or post-dinner sunset beach strolls. Pearls are a nice nautical nod while still feeling evening ready: try Ileana Makri’s beaded pearl necklace. Keep cards, passport, room keys and loose change safe in Loewe’s red crossbody raffia bag.

In the city

For a city break shopping trip, I would opt for a casual checked shirt like this green and yellow number from God’s True Cashmere with some breezy cotton twill trousers from Frescobol Carioca. Suede boat shoes are comfy and summer appropriate and these Ancient Greek sandalscome in a lovely honey brown shade

Add a vibrant summery twist with Loewe accessories: a bright pop of red in the strawberry print bucket hat and multi-tonal raffia tote bag for dragging around your shopping scores. These Zegna sunglasses tie the look together