Summer is finally here. Whether you’re spending the weekend by the beach, swimming in the canals, as we often do in Copenhagen, or heading off on your next getaway, there are a few things that always make it into our bag. The outfit is sorted, the fragrance is decided, the book is prepared, the playlist is ready, and it’s finally time to slow down.
As much as we both enjoy being around people, we also love and value spending time alone: reading a book, walking through a city, sitting by the water, or simply doing nothing at all. It has become an important part of how we recharge. And there’s a good chance that while you’re reading this, one of us is already doing exactly that, or at least planning the next trip.
Day
Zegna Linen bowling shirt
Linen is having a bit of a moment this summer, and as it wrinkles immediately, there is no point in ironing it, saving a bit of time when you get up. We love the dark brown colour of this one – a slightly left-field choice which is very sophisticated and chic.
Orlebar Brown Norwich Straight-Leg Linen Shorts
Linen is also a great choice for trousers and shorts, too. This pair screams summer in the Côte d’Azur but will also work beautifully on a balmy day in Scandinavia.
Munthe Tank Top
Trust us on this one. While it is from the womenswear section, the fit is spot on, and it’s actually longer than some from the men’s section. It is lightweight, soft, and holds its shape well. For sizing reference, Robin usually wears a medium and goes for a size 42.
John Henric Slippers
As a stylish alternative to the ubiquitous Birkies, these have a similar vibe but at least won’t be seen on everyone else you pass that day. The minimal design in chocolate brown makes them very versatile, and come winter, you can wear them with socks when you have to nip out to get a carton of milk (we LOVE sandals with socks!)
Bongusta Naram Beach Towel
Please keep it simple for your beach towel. Unless you can afford Hermes, avoid anything with parrots, cocktails or palm trees on it, but instead go for something understated like this one. Then it will be YOU that stands out, not the backdrop…
CDPL Swim shorts
Skinny-dipping is always preferred, but if you have to wear swimwear, then the shorts vs Speedos debate still rages on. On the side of shorts, these are particularly lovely in a less-than-obvious brown and, as they come from our underwear go-to brand, CDLP, we know the quality will be great, so no weak elastic embarrassments as you get out of the water.
Loewe Raffia Tote Bag
Carrying all your stuff needs a decent bag – that freebie tote in the bottom of the wardrobe really won’t cut it. OK – so maybe this one is an insane amount to spend on a beach bag, but we can aspire, and we really can’t argue about its beauty.
Night
Cherry Los Angeles Wide-Leg Cotton Twill Trousers
Loose and easy and yet still with a good dose of style, these wide-leg trousers are casual enough to get the summer vibe but dressy enough for you to slip into a great martini bar too.
Son of a Tailor Areia Shirt
More elegant than a polo, this button-up knitted shirt in a textured stitch is very St Tropez and fits like a dream across the shoulders. You can also wear it open over a tank top for a Bad Bunny kinda attitude.
Frescobol Carioca Striped Linen and Cotton-Blend Jacket
It’s the Northern European in us, but even on the warmest evening, we feel we have to take a jacket ‘just in case’. This one is super lightweight in a cotton and linen mix, so it won’t take up much room in that insanely expensive bag, and the pale colour might be a tad impractical but oozes glamour. Just stick to white wine, maybe?
Henrik Vibskov Ambient Glare 5 o’clock
A good rule of thumb for summer fragrances is always go for the lighter side of things, but that doesn’t mean bland. This new perfume from local hero Henrik Vibskov still has a lot of character with its mix of bergamot, pink pepper and pine keeping things fresh, and nutmeg and sage oil adding a spicy touch. The bottle is a stunner, too.
Thank You, Jeeves – P. G. Wodehouse
One of younger Robin’s favourite books, it was rediscovered years later during a solo trip to Mallorca. Picked up almost by accident, without even reading the title, it turned out to be just as good the second time around. An easy, entertaining read for long afternoons by the sea or quiet evenings with a martini or a glass of champagne.
Sony Headphones WH-1000XM5
Robin’s current favourite. Great sound and perfect for long flights, train rides, or simply switching off for a while. And if you’re also enjoying the return of analogue habits, plug in the cable and wear them wired: the way we used to do it…
