Packing for a Sartorial Summer Getaway

This is the glorious season of the glamorous weekend getaway, a time when the weather is so fine that one cannot help but fall victim to idealised day dreams of strolling along the sea front in some chic European city, sitting sipping espressos in the balmy afternoon sun, and quaffing cocktails in stylish hotel bars - all whilst clad in a crisp summer suit and a soft linen shirt.

I'm hope that for at least some readers, there is an opportunity to make this wistful dream a reality, so with this in mind I thought I'd optimistically outline my recommendations for packing a weekend bag for an effortless quick summer getaway. The first thing to consider is a couple of luxurious summer tailored pieces which will travel well and ooze the requisite glamour to which such holidays aspire. A fine linen suit is perhaps the most iconic of those summer clothes we imagine throwing on during weekend getaways - but it will need looking after if you're going to travel in it. I'd suggest investing in an affordable linen two-piece in a soft pastel colour, or even white like the one above. Reserve it for summer occasionwear or elegant sojourns abroad and it'll wear considerably better than if its flogged-to-death on the Tube. Don't wear it to travel but pack it in a suit carrier and make the effort to transport it properly - otherwise it'll be a bundle of creases by the time it emerges out of the case and no one wants to waste their precious holiday time pressing linen trousers.

Alternatively, opt for something in a crisp and clean wool fresco - a navy or even French blue blazer works well - its timelessly elegant and versatile. The particularly tight weave, woven with an 'uptwist' to the yarn allows fresco to resist and recover from the creases inflicted during travelling with ease. It makes for a beautiful summer cloth, crafted with an open weave to allow air to circulate through the garment. It can be woven to an extremely light seven to nine ounces in weight, feels breezy on and yet retains some body. Pair your blazer with either soft grey or ivory trousers and a pale linen and silk blended tie if the evenings require it.

A couple of lightweight cotton poplin, or plainweave linen shirts will be all that's required to compliment your tailoring. Both fabrics are again light and airy, and there is something timeless about a crisp white poplin shirt. A couple of pale blue or pastel peach linen shirts are a less formal, but equally chic alternative. You can pack one of each and you'll find your weekend bag will go anywhere, do anything and keep you cool whilst you're at it.

The quintessential summer one-shoe-suits-all is of course the unlined penny loafer. The lack of lining keeps the shoe breathable and lightweight and if you buy a loafer which has some thought behind the design, the leather will be soft and supple enough to wear comfortably without socks - a choice which is gaining in popularity with the confident summer dresser and which was well established by the fashionable attendees of this season's Pitti Uomo last month. Wildsmith of London invented the unlined penny loafer; there is no better option for a breathable, lightweight shoe. Opt for their polished rosewood calf Bloomsbury Loafer for a durable investment that will allow you to drift effortlessly from the office to the Amalfi Coast. The warm, rich rosey colour will compliment light pastels, all shades of brown and blues, making it the ideal hue to match with your vacation tailoring. If a second pair is required for the weekend, search for a pair in navy suede for another ideal mix-and-match summer shoe. You might even consider opting for a tasselled pair if you'd like some variation in style.

Compliment your clothes with a beautifully made panama hat - the most luxurious of summer accessories and the ubiquitous option for the stylish gentleman seeking some shelter from the sun. Bates Hats on Jermyn Street offer some of best you'll find, with a beautiful shape to suit every crown, although cheaper options are available for the students amongst us. The hat above was a pleasant surprise found in Marks& Spencer, its entry level quality but has a good shape and it was woven in Ecuador. Don't forget your sunglasses either; tortoise shell is fast becoming a modern classic, but retains a retro edge - Oliver Peoples and Ray Ban offer a number of models which combine beautiful styling and precision craftsmanship.

That's it really, a one-stop shop for you all this week. I hope these thoughts are of some help to those in a seasonal sartorial conundrum. As ever, stick to the classics, invest in good quality pieces and they'll serve you well.