Unlike the monthly wish lists, this one takes a wider perspective and selects pieces worth genuinely investing in for the whole season. This selection is not just what's caught my eye, but rather what should be considered for the summer. Twelve picks across the wardrobe, the wrist, and the bar cart, all earning their place through actual summer use rather than a passing want.
1. Luca Faloni Linen Shirt
Still the shirt I reach for most through the warmest months, and still the standout from this season's linen roundup. If you're buying one genuinely good linen piece this year, this remains the one to start with.
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2. A Proper Pair of Sunglasses
Covered in full in our sunglasses brand guide — Moscot's Lemtosh Sport if you want one genuinely versatile pair, or something bolder from Meller if you're after a second, more colourful option. Otherwise investment sunglasses will go a long way to building a proper capsule wardrobe.
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3. Leather Slide Sandals
The most versatile summer footwear pick on the site this year, covered here — works from the beach straight through to dinner without needing to pack a second pair.
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4. A Genuine Boat Shoe
Whether you call it a deck shoe or a boat shoe, the category's worth revisiting every few summers — Sperry's Authentic Original remains the right starting point if your current pair has seen better days.
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5. Baltic HMS 002
Still the standout from this year's budget summer watch rotation — a genuinely vintage-inspired dial that photographs differently in every light, and light enough on the wrist to forget you're wearing it through a long, hot day.
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6. Horace SPF and Vitamin C Serum
The two products that anchor this year's summer grooming routine — worth restocking at the start of the season rather than waiting until sun damage is already visible.
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7. Multiple Polo Shirts
You can't go wrong having an array of polo shirts to call up during the summer. Get multiple styles and colours.
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8. Linen Trousers
The natural companion to the linen shirt above — still on my own list rather than in my wardrobe, but genuinely close to becoming a purchase this year rather than a repeated intention.
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9. A Pilot Bag / Overnight Bag
The Pilot Bag is a versatile bag that can be used as an overnight bag – I've doubled up mine packing additional clothes along with space for a laptop and more.
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10. WAHTS Tech Stretch Comfort Shorts
Covered in our WAHTS review – built for the specific demands of summer travel, and one of the more practical additions to this list if a lot of your summer involves flights and long transit days.
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11. A Sold Baseball Cap
A recurring want from past wish lists — still holding out for a properly woven, structured version rather than settling for the tourist-shop alternative.
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12. A Vacation-Ready Capsule Collection
From co-ord sets to swim shorts and polo shirts and linen casual wear, The Resort Co. have you covered for your vacation wardrobe. You have no excuses.
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The Verdict
If budget only stretches to two or three of these, the Luca Faloni linen shirt, a proper pair of sunglasses, and the Horace SPF/Vitamin C combination cover the most ground for the least spend — everything else on this list is a genuine want rather than a seasonal necessity.
