WHERE — London
PHOTOGRAPHY — Jessie Bush & Sam Flaherty
IN COLLABORATION WITH — Mytheresa

What to pack for your next summer vacation. Consider this a check-list of all you’ll ever need to feel cool when it’s hot out.

The truth is most of us pack more than we’ll ever need for a summer holiday, completely ignoring the majority of the contents of our suitcase and simply living in the same dress and sandal combo all week long. So consider this a quick check list to avoid over-packing and  taking pieces that you have the best intention of wearing, but never actually will. And more importantly, the key pieces that are destined to become staples this summer, and will make you feel cool, even when it’s 32 degrees out.

So I’ve complied an edit of the coolest pieces from Mytheresa that will legitimately take you from city to beach, day to night, and ensure that you get maximum mileage out of your summer wardrobe and avoid those excess luggage charges.

Wearing: Isabel Marant Etoile linen dress, Loewe bag and Tibi sandals via Mytheresa

THE ITTY BITTY BAG

The coolest bags this summer come in teeny proportions that is made for lo-fi holiday dressing (since you can pretty much only fit your phone, bank card and lip balm) and is super space efficient when it comes to packing.

THE WIDE-BRIMMED HAT

Sunsmart and chic; win, win. The trick is to either opt for a floppy hat that you can roll up and store in your suitcase or basket bag (without mis-shaping it) or be cool with carrying it on the flight.

THE MINI DRESS

Not sure if it ever really went away, but the mini dress is definitely back and if you can’t flash a little leg on holiday, when can you?

THE FLORAL MAXI DRESS

The yin to the mini dresses yang, I totally get that a floral maxi dress may not be everyone’s jam, but I challenge anyone to pull one on and not feel good. If you’re worried about feeling too girly – tone it down with ugly dad sandals (a staple this summer) or your favourite trainers. It’s the kind of dress that will have total strangers telling you you look amazing.

THE STRAPPY SANDAL

In-case you missed the memo, if you buy one shoe this summer, make it a strappy sandal. Super flattering on the foot and pretty much goes with anything – although don’t go for a super high heel; walking is always the best way to explore somewhere new on holiday.

THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS

The summer equivalent of the LBD and just as timeless. Pair it with chunky dad sandals and a basket bag by day, then swap for heels and a teeny tiny bag by night.

THE BASKET BAG

A quintessential summer-time classic that looks as good in the city as it does on the beach. Make sure it’s roomy enough to fit sunscreen and a book – it’s form and function in equal measure. It’s also the perfect plane bag – you can fit plenty for your flight (plus you don’t want to squish this into your suitcase).

Wearing: Lola Hats raffia hat, Chloe dress, ByFar bag and Tibi heels via Mytheresa

THE DAY-TO-NIGHT DRESS

A staple of holiday dressing is any dress that you can pull of during the day without looking over-dressed, yet with a pair of heels and a red lip, is also perfect for a night out. I always find a slinky slip or a figure-hugging knit dress is just the ticket.

Wearing: Gül Hürgel dress, Loewe bag and Tibi sandals via Mytheresa

THE CHUNKY SANDALS

Otherwise known as ugly dad sandals, these sandals are both practical and comfortable – yet somehow make an outfit cooler. Consider them the antidote to the myriad of dresses you’ll be wearing all summer long. Plus you can walk all day in them without limping from blisters.

Wearing: Isabel Marant Etoile linen dress, Joseph sandals and Ganni hat via Mytheresa