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We’d put money on the fact that if we asked the world what it was most excited to do after the pandemic, the overwhelming answer would be to go on vacation. Vacations used to feel like a luxury bonus to normal life. Only after being starved of foreign countries for over a year have we realized that they’re an essential aspect of it. New food, new experiences, good weather, and all of the other pros to a holiday are the things that keep us alive and young. Well, it looks like holiday time is creeping closer, so we enlisted the help of Luisaviaroma to round up our 2021 vacation essentials.

From sunglasses to swimwear, our market editors have covered the breadth of vacation essentials in style. With selections ranging from Gucci to Merrell, it’s equal doses utilitarian and high-end luxury, which — alongside a good cocktail — is the only mix that really matters when you’re on vacation.

So, keep dreaming of the golden sand and warm sun; it’s not far away, and you can take some preparatory steps towards it with these vacation essentials.

Keep scrolling to shop our 2021 vacation essentials.

Merrell Hydro Moc

MerrellHydro Moc Sandals
$50
Buy at ssense

The rise of purely functional footwear has been an enigma. Styles that would have been sniffed at five years ago are now the height of fashion and we’re loving it. The Merrell Hydro Moc is our functional footwear winner this summer.

Gucci Perforated Mules

GucciPerforated Rubber Sandals
$420
Buy at Luisaviaroma

If the hiking look isn’t for you, go for the other end of the spectrum with this pair of perforated mules from Gucci.

Bottega Veneta Puddle Sandals

Bottega VenetaPuddle Sandals
$510
Buy at Luisaviaroma

For what it’s worth, Bottega Veneta also threw its hat in the ring with the Puddle Sandals. This pair of rubber clogs effortlessly combines fuss-free comfort with high-end style.

Formy Studio Crono Techno Shorts

Formy StudioCrono Techno Shorts
$233
Buy at Luisaviaroma

You’re not going on vacation to quietly fade into the background. Make a statement when you hit the beach in this pair of unmissable shorts from Formy Studio.

Ami Long Swim Shorts

AMI ALEXANDRE MATTIUSSILong Swim Shorts
£130
Buy at Farfetch UK

Alexandre Matiussi’s Ami Paris is a product of its environment. Understated, classic style is the name of the game and these swimmers epitomize that.

Formy Studio La Belle Città Deniim Shirt

Formy StudioLa Belle Città Denim Shirt
$466
Buy at Luisaviaroma

Milanese label Formy Studio is a newcomer to the scene, but with bold prints and distorted graphics, it’s already made a recognizable mark. The La Belle Città denim shirt features a baseball collar and a neutral, mid-century print to the bottom half.

Blue Sky Inn Shadow Shirt

Blue Sky InnPrinted Shadow Shirt
$320
Buy at Luisaviaroma

Blue Sky Inn's Shadow Shirt is the perfect optical illusion for when you’re wandering in the sun. Emblazoned with hyper-realistic palm-frond shadows, as though you were lying under a tree for shade, it’s a playful nod to vacation time.

Loewe Logo-Embroidered Cotton Shirt

LoeweLogo-Embroidered Cotton T-Shirt
$380
Buy at Luisaviaroma

Arguably the most essential of vacation essentials, a high-quality white T-shirt has never once gone unworn on holiday — that’s a fact.

Bottega Veneta Crossbody Bag

Bottega VenetaIntrecciato Crossbody Bag
$1,400$1,380
Buy at Farfetch

While dressing for the beach is all well and good, you’re going to need something to spice up your evening fits, too. Reach for this beautiful, cobalt Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Crossbody Bag.

Kuboraum A1 Round Sunglasses

KuboraumA1 Round Sunglasses
$350$351
Buy at Farfetch

Berlin-based Kuboraum doesn’t skimp on wild frame designs, so this pair of round-rimmed sunnies actually sits on the more minimal end of the line. Silver lenses highlight the matte transparent frames for a flash of unorthodoxy, though.

Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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