Travel Must-Haves to Ensure an Idyllic Summer Escape

BY LAURIE BROOKINS

From luggage and accessories that ease your onboard flight experience to stylish fashion that transitions effortlessly from beach to café, we’ve curated a mix of 12 chic items you’ll be longing to pack as that much-anticipated vacation nears.

May 22, 2023

If you’re someone who plans a mental checklist of every perfect item to pack for your upcoming vacation weeks in advance, you’re sure to love this look at the latest travel fashion and accessories newly arrived in the boutiques of South Coast Plaza.

Whether your preferred travel spot this year is the south of France, the Greek islands, the always-convenient Caribbean, the sultry Mexican Riviera or points beyond, we’ve curated a collection of 12 summer-friendly items you’ll long to use from the moment you arrive at the airport until your last evening in that idyllic locale. Once your foot steps onto the airplane, it’s all about comfort and convenience, with items like noise-canceling headphones and a chic sleep mask — after, of course, you’ve stowed an outstanding (and well-packed) piece of luggage. As you traverse your tropical location, you’ll also feel confident knowing you’ve packed a variety of fashion and accessories that allow you to explore your surroundings and enjoy every moment assisted with just a tinge of glamour.

Hermès

You didn’t check any luggage, you say? That’s truly OK, because it really is possible to fit a week’s worth of style into a carry-on, if you’ve planned well. Here’s a look at a dozen must-haves, all easily packable and designed to inspire even the most frequent traveler.

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SOUTH COAST PLAZA

SUMMER TRAVEL EDIT

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Burberry

Check Sling Bag

This subtly stylish Check Sling Bag by Burberry features the brand’s iconic plaid in a sophisticated charcoal and slim silhouette that feel effortlessly chic for daytime activities or carrying into a restaurant for dinner. An exterior zip pocket and interior slip pocket are also perfect for stowing a passport, smartphone, room key and other needs.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.556.8110

Dolce&Gabbana

Terrycloth Jogging Pants with Logo Tag

Slip into these terrycloth jogging pants by Dolce&Gabbana on the beach and feel instantly stylish at any beachside café. The ultra-soft fabric and drawstring waist ensure comfort, while the white hue is a perfect island-chic statement.

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.668.9142

Gianvito Rossi

Shanti Embellished Leather Sandals

Explore Greek ruins by day or make an entrance at a beachfront restaurant in the evening wearing these stylish gladiator-style sandals, crafted of thin straps of gold lambskin and embellished with chakra-inspired natural stones and gold studs.

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.668.9477

Golden Goose

Men’s Black Zipped Sweatshirt

Guard against the night chill or add the right touch of polish to your look in this men’s black zipped sweatshirt with contrasting white stars, the iconic emblem of Golden Goose. Crafted of black technical jersey, this versatile zipped jacket looks crisp with jeans, khakis or the matching star-embellished pants.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
657.212.5453

Hermès

Not Sleepy Aviator Travel Mask

Sleeping on a flight has never felt more glamorous: Hermès crafted this padded travel mask in its Petit h workshop, which employs remnant silk-twill fabrics, the same silks used for the House’s iconic silk scarves. The result is a sustainability-driven design in which no two masks are exactly alike. Features include goatskin edging and an adjustable strap at the back.

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.437.1725

Jimmy Choo

Fuchsia and Paprika Crochet Beach Tote

Few color combinations are more joyful and more couture-inspired than the duo of pink and red, the mix Jimmy Choo chose to create this stylish logo tote, ideal for the beach or a day of in-town shopping. As a bonus, this Italian-made crochet design rolls up easily for packing.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.327.0644

Madewell

Demmera Sunglasses

In Cannes and Monaco, oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses instantly communicate French-girl chic. Madewell’s Demmera sunglasses are crafted of a hand-cut acetate in a square-meets-oval design that exudes a retro vibe that suits most face shapes. A microfiber pouch will protect them in your beach tote and doubles as a cleaning cloth.

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.966.0109

MaxMara

Straw Hat

Protect yourself from the sun or conceal a day of beachy hair under this chic wide-brimmed straw hat. Crafted in natural woven straw with a wide black grosgrain ribbon, this hat looks equally stylish with a breezy sundress or wide linen trousers and a crisp white blouse, while it also rolls beautifully for packing.

Level 1, Jewel Court
714.754.7900

Porsche Design

Headphones

When fully charged, these over-ear headphones by Porsche Design offer 75 hours of playtime or 50 hours when the noise-cancellation function is activated, allowing you to enjoy high-end audio performance during flights of any length. The earpads are fitted with memory foam for maximum comfort, while their foldaway design enables you to slip them into your carry-on bag with ease.

Level 1, Carousel Court
714.662.2992

Prada

Leather Shoulder Bag with Pouch

Keep your hands free for taking photos or carrying an icy beverage when you’re wearing this Prada leather shoulder bag with pouch. This unisex piece comes with an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap crafted of leather and Prada’s sustainable Re-Nylon fabric, allowing you to wear this bag as a convenient crossbody style. Perfect for sightseeing or stopping at an outdoor café, the bag’s compact size easily fits a passport, smartphone, cash, lipstick and other items, all of which stay organized thanks to the pockets both on the bag’s front and its interior.

Level 2, Jewel Court
714.338.2200

Rimowa

Packing Cubes

Stay organized every day of your trip with Rimowa’s popular packing cubes. In a nylon polyester that’s equal parts durable and water-repellent and, as a sustainable bonus, crafted of a recycled material, these sleek zipped packing cubes come in three sizes and three colors — in addition to the petal pink seen here, the cubes are also available in silver or black — allowing you to organize anything from clothing to toiletries to tech accessories with ease. When not in use, these cubes can be stored flat or stowed inside each other.

Level 2, Carousel Court
714.662.6990

Tumi

Tegra-Lite International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Tumi’s Tegra-Lite collection is crafted of recycled materials, which adds an instant feel-good element to your choice of vacation luggage. This International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On weighs less than 8 lbs. and is a popular choice among frequent travelers for its convenient features, starting with its split design and two roomy compartments, one secured with a zipped entry and the other with adjustable straps.

The exterior, meanwhile, includes a zipper that allows the case to expand up to two inches, while the telescoping handle, side and top grab handles and four spinner wheels mean you’ll both glide through the airport and grab your case from the overhead with ease. Available in five colors — the black graphite is seen here — the bag also includes a TSA-approved lock and the ability to register with Tumi Tracer, an exclusive, complimentary program that assists with tracking your luggage when it’s out of your hands.

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.429.0997