Our 10 Winter Getaway Essentials

In the weeks approaching Christmas and the New Year, there’s no better place to be than somewhere it snows. Curling up under a thick blanket with something warm to drink and someone special to share it all with is probably the most compelling winter gets.

But the beginning of January brings with it the return of a few timeless winter truths: a wet tongue will always stick to a frozen metal playground pole, and by a few weeks into deep-freeze temperatures, Canadians will always want (read: need) to escape the cold.

The most wonderful time of the year becomes the most ‘wanderlust’ time of year — for good reason. And with the masses looking to swap snow for sand, sweaters for shorts, and piping hot chocolate for perfectly chilled Sauv, suitcases need to be packed. At this point, the only thing our winter wardrobes are good for is getting to the airport.

So this year, don’t leave for your exotic getaway ill-prepared (McCallister family, we’re looking at you). Peruse our list of warm-weather essentials below for some guidance on how best to use up your suitcase weight allowance.

1 The Cuban Collar:

Saint Laurent Black & Off-White Jungle Shirt

Cardinal to any Cabana or warm-weather holiday is the Cuban Collar shirt. Worn alone during the day, layered under a v-neck sweater in the afternoon, or with the collar laid flat atop the lapels of a sports jacket in the evening, this shirt is the definition of versatile. Saint Laurent have executed the perennial vacation mainstay to perfection with this black and off-white jungle shirt.

$925 at ssense.com

2 The Swimsuit:

Gucci Navy Short-Length Swim Shorts

In homage to some of the most treasured and glorious moments of my formal education, Gucci has recreated the classic gym-short — here in swimsuit form. You won’t need to be as quick as Michael Phelps in the pool to have all eyes on you if you’re wearing these sleek striped logo-jacquard grosgrain trunks. Featuring an elasticated drawstring waistband and quick-drying shell, the ’70s never felt so comfortable.

$680 USD at mrporter.com

3 The Sunglasses:

Dior Tortoiseshell DiorFlag2

While friends, family, and coworkers may fully anticipate the deep, bronze-like tan you’ve been bragging about returning home with, it’s crucial to remember that too much sun can be harmful and potentially ruin your trip. While a great pair of sunglasses is basically a non-negotiable for everyone in the sun, nobody will look as fresh as you at the beach in anything other than these stunning rectangular green and black tortoiseshell sunglasses by Dior Homme, delivering 100 per cent UV protection.

$405 at ssense.com

4 The Sneakers:

Givenchy Suede-Trimmed White Sneakers

Dressed up or down, a great pair of simple white plimsolls suits most any lifestyle, most anywhere. That being said, you probably don’t get a lot of use out of your old pair in the dead of winter. A sunny destination is the perfect time to debut a brand new pair of pearly whites, and these traditionally inspired tennis sneakers by Givenchy will easily fit into your carry on.

$625 USD at mrporter.com

5 The Polo:

Z Zegna Navy TechMerino Polo

Striking the perfect balance between the ease of a t-shirt and the style of a button up, think of the polo shirt as your vacation workhorse. It’s something that can look polished with anything from a swimsuit to dress trousers — but not just any polo will do. Make sure to pick one up as elegant as Z Zegna’s expression here, with striking white piping details and a deep dark Navy blue  TechMerino wool base. Simple, yet suave.

$580 USD at mrporter.com

6 The Bag:

Hugo Black Gradient Tote Backpack

Whether you find yourself high-tailing it up a mountain, on a hike through the tropics, or you just need something to hold all of your poolside accessories, a bag that blends practicality and sleek design is a must.

Thankfully, Hugo Boss have satisfied these criteria with this convertible, adjustable, and detachable black gradient tote backpack.

$350 at ssense.com

7 The Pants:

Brunello Cucinelli Cream Linen Suit Trousers

Whichever deity is the God of Summer Fashion, we must pay our due diligence and show them profuse thanks for sending us linen. And what better way to show our appreciation for the light, breezy fabric than wearing it at every hot and humid opportunity that we can?

Clearly, Brunello Cucinelli knows his way around linen. The fabric appears here in an off-white cream colour to deliver a pair of lightweight, made-in-Italy trousers perfect for dining al fresco.

$900 USD at mrporter.com

8 The Blazer:

Prada Navy Slim-Fit Virgin Wool Blazer

Just because you might be “on vacation” doesn’t mean you can get away with looking sloppy when the setting calls for something more. You’ve never seen James Bond walk the length of a posh hotel lobby squeaking from the elevator to the bar in flip-flops and a beach towel, have you?

Make a rakish entrance to dinner and drinks in this elegant navy blue blazer by Prada. Knitted entirely in a soft, supple virgin wool, this jacket will feel more like a breezy cardigan than a blazer, but with all the right sartorial details.

$1,840 USD at mrporter.com

9 The Loafers:

Gucci Brixton Horsebit Suede Loafers

Almost as easy to wear as those squeaky flip-flops yet infinitely more dignified are a pair of sumptuous suede loafers. They’ll take you everywhere on your sunny holiday: from a stroll through cobble-stoned side streets to local wineries and cafes.

Do yourself a favour and bring along these Gucci Brixton Horsebit loafers with you wherever you might find yourself escaping the cold this season, because you sure won’t be able to rock them for another little while back home.

$695 USD at mrporter.com

10 The Watch

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN Portugieser 18-Karat Red Gold Chronograph

Between catching planes, trains, and automobiles and making sure you don’t miss out on dinner reservations and happy hours, you will inevitably be making quite a few glances down at your wrist on vacation.

Feel confident that everything is still on schedule and let one of the best watchmakers in the world take care of the timing. IWC Schaffhausen cements its reputation as the maker of some of the most beautiful, lust-worthy timepieces on the market today with this stunning 18-Karat Red Gold and Alligator 40.9mm Portugieser Chronograph.

$16,600 USD at mrporter.com