The Carry On: September 2021

Chic safari-style jackets, supercharged eye serums and custom-made bikinis: these are the buys to seek out this September

The Carry On is our monthly round-up of those joy-giving travel items we'd happily haul from Stansted to Seville, Heathrow to Hydra. Be it a functional fedora or the latest in skincare science, we've probably got it in our carry-on. Riffing on the adage "if you can think it, you can be it", we're saying, "if you can jam it in your carry-on, you can bring it." Catchy.

Note: weight restrictions and other practicalities do not apply.

Lucent Hoop Earrings in Green

Swarovski

This is exactly what we wanted from Giovanna Engelbert in her first year as Swarovski's Global Creative Director - out with the twee crystal swans and in with the edgier upgrade. A wallet-friendly(ish) alternative to influencer-favourite EÉRA's ear candy, these chunky geometric hoops will elevate a white-tee-and-jeans kind of day, or steal the show when you're having a monochrome moment. We've gone for Bottega-inspired green - jewel-like yellow, blue and pink are also available - because, well, spring green is the new black, isn't it?

Buy now at Swarovski £280.00

Swim Shorts

CDLP

These unisex and wear-anywhere swim shorts made from Econyl - a regenerated nylon fibre comprised of salvaged ocean and landfill waste - are the swimwear to snap up this season. Consciously constructed in Portugal and available in a quartet of Fruit Pastille shades, ours will be paired with a simple white tee and stacks of gold jewellery, before we let our partners borrow them for, well, a midnight dip. Sharing's caring, after all.

Buy now at CDLP£140.00

Essential Cargo Jacket

Banana Republic

We'll let you in on a style secret: we've recently rediscovered Banana Republic's staples inspired by their heritage and origins and, in short, we're obsessed. Mixing classic design with creative expression, the label's "The New Look" collection pairs utility with safari chic, making it ideal for big-game adventures, real or imaginary. The perfect in-flight (or commuter) companion, this washed-cotton, designed-for-layering jacket is semi-fitted (read: hyper-flattering) and sports handy pockets that will prevent you from misplacing your (delete as appropriate) purse/keys/phone. Fashionable and functional? "Add to cart".

Buy now at Banana Republic £108.00

Super Eye Serum, 30ML

Verso Skincare

Ever felt personally victimised by your circadian rhythm? This superhero eye serum might not be able to fix your sleep schedule, but it'll sure mask the late night-/deadline stress-/over-exhaustion-induced dark circles. Its power lies in the revitalising hero ingredient, Verso's patented Retinol 8. Slather around the eyes to reduce fine lines, banish bags and pep up tired skin.

Buy now at Verso Skincare £69.00

Bright Days CBD Capsules

Cannaray

Finally, a CBD product that doesn't claim to save the world but does do exactly what it says on the tin: helps us calm the f*ck down. Triple lab-tested to ensure quality results, this one-a-day capsule is loaded with premium CBD and a bundle of nutrients - think vitamin D3, vitamin C, zinc and elderberry. Charged with boosting your immune system, aiding sleep and genuinely improving wellbeing, these have fast become our go-to for easy, breezy, stress-free pre-, mid- and post-trip jaunts. Oh, and they're vegan, too.

Buy now at Cannaray£36.00

Organic Varsity Sweater Jacket

Banana Republic

Taking you from (airport) runway to Roman café, weekend staycation with friends to autumn city break à deux, this borrow-from-your-beau varsity jacket will quickly become your go-to wardrobe and suitcase essential. Intricate style details such as the delicate Milano stitch give the bomber-style beauty a laid-back structure, while the strokable, planet-friendly organic cotton and tailored drape add a luxurious feel, proving that Banana Republic has upped its game and provided a covetable collection of well-made staples. Other half continuously stealing your hoodies? Watch out; they'll have their eye on this next.

Buy now at Banana Republic£122.00

Two-Piece Bikini

By A Swimwear

Throw that tattered black cozzie where it belongs - in the bin - and invest in the latest cult swimwear brand to grace our carry-ons. Made-to-order, sustainable and constructed from recycled ocean plastic, the Skittles-coloured bottoms and zany, checkerboard tops are designed to be mixed and matched. Our pick? The flower-power tile print, which is reminiscent of days spent lazing around mid-century crash pads in Palm Springs.

Buy now at By A Swimwear£40.00

Toffee Tan Leopard Co-Ord

Sundays

As ideal for airport attire as it is for beach-club blow-outs, this laid-back cotton twill co-ord can simply be thrown on with your go-to gladiator sandals and trusted raffia beach bag for a chic, ready-in-five ensemble. Back on home soil, we're pairing the Donyale shirt with a pair of bootcut Margiela jeans and our on-the-wish-list Chanel clogs for A/W 1970s vibe.

Buy now at Sundays£85.00

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The Carry On: August 2021