THE LOW-DOWN: 10 SUMMER ESSENTIALS

The ultimate cool accessory, the perfect hat can complete your summer wardrobe no matter your look. Bucket hats such as Valentino’s logo-covered version are this season’s favourite shape, while a baseball cap from SMFK or Balenciaga adds that streetwear vibe. For a more glamorous, Cannes-ready look, try Thom Browne’s wool-mohair baseball caps or a straw canotier from Maison Michel.

The right soundtrack can make a trip, so take your favourite tunes with you wherever you’re headed with a spot-on pair of headphones. This season features many sizes – from Master & Dynamic’s and Marshall’s over-ear models to Bang & Olufsen’s discreet earbuds. Active noise-cancelling types are definitely a great shout on the plane — if they’re what you need, try Sony’s wireless over-ear version or, for something a bit smaller, Bose’s noise-masking sleepbuds.

Make sure your favourite accessories and gadgets never run out of juice with a charger that can suit all devices. You don’t want to miss the perfect shot or end up stranded without maps when you’ve been out for a few hours, so bring along a sleek Belkin battery charger in a beautiful rose gold. For something more classic and minimalist, Mophie and Sony have you covered.

Analogue reading material is a relaxing must-have for any trip, and holidays are the perfect time to embrace that long-awaited digital detox and escape in a good story or inspirational magazine. Get inspired with The School of Life’s “How to Travel” essay collection, or catch up on the latest issue of Monocle.

Complete your look with a sleek pair of sunnies. Whether you’re relaxing poolside, trekking through jungles or doing some urban wandering, there’s a shape for every occasion. Acetate is this summer’s favourite material, seen everywhere from For Art’s Sake to Balenciaga. We love Gucci’s oversized pair — it’s one of the season’s must-haves — but you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Ray-Bans either. Go for the summer’s other hot look in pink lenses, for the perfect, rose-tinted vacay.

How can you pack all your goodies properly without the right case? Make sure your luggage stands out on the carousel, and can accompany you on countless adventures, by looking for one as cool as it is durable. OOKONN’s round cases have taken the luggage world by storm, and we can’t get enough. For something more classic, opt for a Briggs & Riley model or, of course, one from luggage giant RIMOWA, which under the helm of Alexandre Arnault has become a must-watch brand.

A travel-friendly candle can transform the ambience of a vanilla hotel room, or just bring a scent of home. Is there anything more divine than a Diptyque scent? Well, maybe. Fortunately there’s no need to choose just one, with Jo Malone London, Byredo and Tom Dixon all offering travel-friendly miniature scent collections.

It’s oh-so-important to evade those damaging UV rays and protect your skin with a bottle or two of sunscreen. Opt for a high-SPF version such as The History of Whoo’s GongjinHyang SPF 50+ sun stick or Clé De Peau Beauté’s SPF 50 protective cream.

Denim and a cool T-shirt never goes out of style. This summer’s denim styles are still à la mode, from skinny fit to distressed, so take your pick. We especially love FDMTL’s patchwork and rip-and-repair jeans for a unique take on the distressed look. For a stand-out statement look to Valentino’s VLTN Grid Print jeans or Gucci’s Mix Logo Print skinny jeans. Amiri, the king of luxury distressed denim, continues to do what he does best, but for a more subtle look, opt for Alexander McQueen or Acne Studios. Pair with laid-back loafers or a pair of cool sneakers to complete a look that can easily take you from day to evening.

Every vacation-ready wardrobe needs swimwear, for days at the beach or a dip in a rooftop infinity pool. We love Orlebar Brown’s sophisticated shorts and especially the brand’s recent eye-catching 007 James Bond print with matching belted robe. Vilebrequin is the king of prints, and from a Hong Kong sailboat to sea urchins, this season is as colourful and bold as ever. Be sure to take a couple of options with you so you’re always beach ready.