Take five: the gentleman's guide to packing a streamlined suitcase

Follow this step-by-step guide to holidaying in style.

1. Big shirt + small shorts

As far as I’m concerned, the only rule to holiday packing, assuming you’re planning a beachy or poolside retreat, is to pick clothes that make you feel a combination of the following: immediately relaxed, totally breezy and a little bit sexy. Currently, the sexy bit is likely to come from a pair of shorts or trunks that are a mere slash, a thigh-grazing delight, if you will. It’s the look that defined the film Call Me By Your Name. It’s a look that Mrs Prada recently described as a bit like a mini-skirt.

Meanwhile, for a bit of instant breezy, an oversized shirt seems to be the easiest route. In shirt news, tunics are also having a moment, with designers such as By Walid and Connolly offering long versions that actually do away with the need to wear shorts completely. Imagine.

Trunk update: this summer, if you care about trends then the thing to swim in is something a bit sporty- looking, think running shorts, think block colour. Patagonia’s Baggies (made from recycled polyester) are a particularly good option, while Arket has a nylon version in classic colours such as red or army green. Alternatively, if you’re after something with a bit of print, then the Australian brand Commas is definitely worth investigating.

2. A mini-bag

We’ve talked about belt bags before and their popularity continues with seeming gusto both on the runway and on the high street. You can’t move in Zara for iterations on the mini bag — from shrunken messenger styles to mobile phone holders that are designed to be worn like lanyards. Note: lanyards are very new-season Prada, ie hot. Acne’s new techie-look mini-saddle comes in splashy yellow or pool blue while Heron Preston’s take on this actually rather practical look is in hi-vis orange.

Kim Jones, at his debut for Dior for spring/summer 2019, showed the label’s signature saddle bag for men worn on a belt with a pair of neon trousers. And during this particular round of men’s shows, street-style photographers had a veritable field day snapping the movers and shakers of the fashion biz sporting variations on the mini-bag look.

3. Deck shoes

Yes, I know this sounds a bit Ed Miliband. But assuming you have already got a pair of hiker-style sandals and are thoroughly bored to sobs with driving shoes, espadrilles or a loafer, then the deck shoe is the fashion- forward shoe du jour. So forward in fact that you can’t buy the Prada ones — marvellous on their recent runway in Milan — until 2019. Fear not, all is not lost. You can still add a deck shoe to this summer’s ensemble, regardless of budget. If you want to sling £600 at the situation then Saint Laurent’s black suede version is currently very much available, while Timberland’s navy leather version with a white sole (from Office) will set you back £110.

4. Cycling specs vs Neo shades

Or Princess Anne versus Keanu Reeves? I know, this is all quite mind-boggling stuff. Let’s start with the cycling sunglasses trend which has united HRH — as seen at the recent royal wedding in a pair — and the likes of Vetements, which showed them in Paris this month. They are, like the deck shoe, very summer 2019, also cropping up at Versace and GmbH. But if the mood takes you, you’ll be able to get this look now at brands such as District Vision or Oakley.

Alternatively, you can go Keanu circa 1999. This shape of spec began its comeback at Balenciaga last June. It is now very much on the high street — see River Island and Zara. Naturally, if both of these frame choices leave you cold then you could just go for a classic aviator, which is also having a moment. ASOS has 56 versions, from coloured lenses (see Johnny Depp in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) to more angular styles.

5. The super-wide trouser

And last but not least, the breeziest thing of them all — a roomy trouser. The extremely stylish designer Stefano Pilati (formerly of both YSL and Zegna) was recently spotted in Paris showcasing this particular trend, which admittedly has been bubbling for some time. His were a light grey with a drawstring waist and had the ease of a classy tracksuit bottom. Virgil Abloh’s opening look at his debut for Louis Vuitton last month featured a white pair of slacks that were pleated in the front and worn with sneakers. It’s a look you can also find at Rick Owens.

Meanwhile, Zara has just added a “flowing palazzo trouser” for £39.99 that comes in navy and is slightly cropped at the ankle. And Raey’s best-selling, super-wide chinos are now available in both classic beige and a delicious, holiday-friendly shade of hot pink. Wear with a plain white T-shirt or an old Oxford shirt.

And there you have it, summer 2018 with a dash of summer 2019 thrown into the fashionable bargain. Let the tequila and tonic flow.

Simon Chilvers is men’s style director at MATCHESFASHION.COM