The Go-To Brands For Sleek Packing Essentials

With the sunshine destination chosen, flights booked, and beach (or pool) waiting, the only thing left for summer to start is the perfect vacation closet. Thankfully, this year’s collections are imbued with vintage references evoking the spirit of the ’70s and ’90s, resulting in a blend of whimsical, romantic pieces and crisp, minimal separates. In any case, traveling light is always ideal, so opt for styles you can mix and match to make the most of your luggage allowance.

Bold swimwear is firmly on the agenda for SS23 – think cutout designs and asymmetrical detailing. Color-wise, black is always a classic option, and the sleekest iterations pair beautifully with wide-leg pants when you’re poolside. For directional cuts and flattering silhouettes, look to resortwear designer Louisa Ballou, whose strapless ‘Sex Wax’ swimsuit is pure glamour. Style it with oversized hoop earrings and sun-kissed skin, then add a chic cover-up for lunch by the ocean.

This season’s crochet and knit co-ords are vacation staples that promise ’70s style and maximum flexibility; wear pieces together for a top-to-toe look, or style as separates with the rest of your suitcase. We love Calle Del Mar’s pointelle knit duo, which conjures the sunshine mood of the brand’s So-Cal home – just the ticket for a far-flung escape. Alternatively, look to Savannah Morrow, another LA-native label offering a free-spirited aesthetic – think earthy colors, homespun details and asymmetric cuts. For the perfect sea-and-sand pairing, slip the brand’s ‘Ammoudi’ cropped, fringed top and skirt on over a bikini.

On vacation, a floor-sweeping silhouette delivers a dreamy combination of impact and ease – LoveShackFancy’s skirt-and-top duo is a case in point, with its whimsical print and delicate embroidery boasting serious beach appeal. Or, opt for an effortless dress instead – breezy cotton pieces, like Faithfull The Brand’s khaki one-shoulder dress, are great to pull on over swimwear by day, then style up with polished gold accessories after dark. What’s more, this particular style is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, and, crafted in organic cotton, forms part of our NET SUSTAIN edit of more mindfully made fashion.

Although not always the obvious choice for summer, black is most definitely on the agenda for SS23. Its ease and elegance earns the hue a place in your packing, so seek out timeless silhouettes and textured pieces, like lace or crochet, to lighten the look. New York-based brand Sea is a great port of call, and its cotton and lace slip dress is super-versatile – simply add sleek slides and an oversized raffia tote for laid-back vacation chic.

If the weather goes to plan, most of your vacation may well be spent in swimwear, so look to brands that excel at island-ready designs. Cue Charo Ruiz – its collection is inspired by the designer’s native Ibiza, and is full of bohemian-inspired pieces, including this lace-trimmed, floral-print bikini. Crafted in seersucker cotton-blend, it layers beautifully with the brand’s voile take on a white shirt – the perfect lightweight cover-up to wear on repeat all summer long.

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