Why is it that us Brits, us poor Brits, have adopted the unwelcome label of being unable to dress appropriately when abroad? I’m guessing the fact an abundance of our countrymen wearing baggy graphic vests, three-quarter length track-suit style shorts, and a pair of camouflage Air Max for a walk along the promenade, probably has something to do with it.
I think we can all agree the above is Never a good look. (Louie Jackson, don't even think about it)
You could argue it’s down to bad personal taste, however the simple fact is some blokes don’t know what to pack when going on holiday or how to do it effectively.
What’s worse, they don’t give themselves a fighting chance because they leave it to the very last minute.
It all comes down to another one of my simple formulas:
Knowing holiday essentials + Always allowing adequate time = A great holiday wardrobe.
So, what's in the case?
Neutral Coloured Crew Neck / U-Neck T Shirt
It’s been a staple in your holiday wardrobe since you were a little nipper and your mother packed your bag (if this is still the case. Just wow). I’d like to take this opportunity to say; slogans or graphics are a Never and #throwback is not a valid excuse chief.
Keep the colours neutral (white, navy, olive) the material light and the fit friendly to your body shape.
Linen Shirt / Polo
Linen tops are neither too dressy nor too casual; It’s the Ryan Gosling of apparel, effortlessly stylish. You Always want a fairly loose fit so you have space to breathe but avoid baggy fits to maintain a refined silhouette.
When it comes to the shirt, three buttons undone is acceptable, Never four.
One last thing – embrace the creases.
Loafers / Deck Shoes
When the sun goes down, it may be the cue to change from sandals or flip flops to a more robust loafer or deck shoe. You really can’t go wrong with a brown, suede loafer but if you want to keep it just that little more chilled, a boat shoe is the ideal choice.
Such versatile footwear that goes with anything from tailored shorts to linen trousers and just about everything else.
Always comfortable to travel in too.
Sunglasses
Said it once, said it a thousand times; these aren’t merely a tool to protect the retina from UV rays. Ensure you pick the right frame for your face shape, and remember aviators don’t Always make you Maverick.
Keep the case when you buy them as I guarantee you’ll end up sitting on them on the plane over there and have to buy a fake pair of Raybans from a beach shop. And that’s just an absolute no. (Speaking from experience)
Toiletries (under 100ml)
I don’t think I’ve ever worn as much afters shave as I did when I flew to Corfu for the second time – and it wasn’t from getting a free hit at the extortionate Tom Ford’s in Duty Free.
I was the fool who arrived at the airport with a fresh can of Dove deodorant – which I obviously couldn’t take on the plane. But waste not, want not. In front of about 100 eager travellers, I sprayed half a can’s worth in either arm pit. Looking back – what a melt.
Moral of the story, Always make sure you’ve got the correct volume of toiletries, and if you want to be extra, efficient, store in a sandwich bag in advance so you don’t have to transfer everything from suitcase to clear bag at the airport.
Swim Shorts
Like the t-shirt, these are a holiday mainstay, yet they’re no longer simply for the purpose of getting wet; get a pair that sit nicely above your knee and these can be a daytime weapon.
Dressing them up with an open shirt is a beach club staple but just make sure you avoid old school board short; You’re not Chris Hemsworth, so you probably can’t pull them off.
Shorts
Tailored, chino shorts. Always. Every bloody time.
Add an extra element of style and roll them up a notch but don’t go OTT. Too long and you look like a basketball wannabe, too short and you look like 70s football player – neither are good.
Lightweight Trousers
Many see it as summer sacrilege to don a trouser whilst promenading the French Riviera, however I would reply ‘ye of such little faith!’
Find yourself a pair of linen/cotton trousers in a crisp pale blue or white, and suddenly your evening wear has a completely different feel.
You never want to look the same in every holiday snap after all.
Just remember to ensure they’re slim fitting but not so tight you self-combust.
Short Sleeve Shirt
Have you not seen James bond on holiday? Cuban collar shirts are his go-to. Whether you like to bird-watch or relax with an Old Fashioned and a cigar by the pool.
This with a pair of slim fitting trousers and loafers…License to thrill. (lol, sorry)
Lightweight Knitwear
Something you should Always pack but pray it’s Never actually required. If that temperature drops during the evening, this fella quickly becomes into the holy grail – It also looks cracking when hung round the shoulders.
And finally…
Some top traveller tips:
• Always travel in your heaviest shoes and jumper – if you’re packing correctly, none of what you take should be for ‘comfort’ so you’ll look suave regardless.
• Roll cotton items such as tees, trousers and that one jumper but fold stiffer items like shirts and jackets. If you do crease your shirts, when you arrive at your place of stay, hang the shirt above the bath and run the hot water – steam will remove some of the creases.
• Never wear a bucket hat unless you're at a festival.
• Be ruthless; if you might wear it, don’t pack it. Pre-plan your outfits. You’ll thanks me at security.
Bon Voyage!
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