The Essential Items You’ll Find in Our Overnight Bags

Statement sunglasses are making a big comeback, and what better season to sport this look than in summer when necklines are lower and there is not as much clothing to compete for your attention.

A must-have in every summer travellers’ overnight bag, is a pair (or preferably, two) of sunglasses. One of the most versatile of accessories, sunglasses not only offer the practical benefit of sun protection but also the added benefit of lifting an entire outfit.

In order to achieve maximum poolside glamour, my dream pair of shades are the chain trimmed tinted sunglasses from Chanel. The brownish tinted lenses with the distinct Chanel chain detailing around the rim and bridge take these to a whole other style level.

These frames are accompanied by a silver on-trend chain complete with the iconic Chanel double C’s and would look just as good on as they would off.

Alexandra – Founder & CEO
CHANEL Chain-trim Tinted Sunglasses, $660, Selfridges

I rarely leave the house without a book in my hand, so when I’m on holiday I’ll try to tick a couple off my never-ending summer reading list.

For me, there is nothing more relaxing than laying on the beach all day getting lost in a good book, definitely my favourite item in my getaway bag.

There are plenty on the list I never get around to of course but Three Women by Lisa Taddeo is a book that took my breath away in 2019, and I’ve added it to the top of my reread list for these holidays.

Lisa spent eight years and thousands of hours tracking the women whose stories comprise Three Women. It’s so honest and explores female desire in intimate detail, I can see myself rereading every year for many to come.

Kristen – Art Director
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo, was $32.99 now $26.25, Booktopia

When it comes to sleepwear, a matching set adds a level of luxury I’m not willing to deny myself.

So, when Sleeper’s feather-trimmed set started popping up in street style pictures, taking loungewear to the street, I just knew I had to get my hands on them.

Founded in 2014 by two former editors, Kate Zubarieva and Asya Varetsa, Sleeper loungewear is designed to be worn at home or out and about.

As a self-confessed over-packer, I’m always looking for ways to cut down on the amount I inevitably stuff into my overnight bag. The versatility of these suit PJs means I’ll have a little extra space in my overnight bag.

Lazy weekends away call for only your favourite loungewear, and this oversized suit style checks all my PJ boxes. Whether styled for wine tastings with the girls or a quiet afternoon nestled up with a good book and fresh cuppa, the rose hues of this oversized gingham set are perfect for any occasion. I also love the detachable feather trimmings, simply remove and hop into bed.

Eliza – Editorial Contributor
Sleeper Feather-trimmed Gingham Crepe de Chine Pajama Set, $342.66, Net-A-Porter

My favourite item to take on a getaway is my best set of swimwear. It cannot be emphasised enough how fabulous SIR the Label‘s swimwear is. Think minimalist designs and dainty silhouettes, SIR’s swim collection for Summer 2021 is everything you need in your next pair of swimwear and more.

This yellow string bikini top and matching bum bearing brief is the perfect set to take on your next beach or poolside vacay. Coming in an ivory and butter yellow floral design and featuring fine and adjustable self-ties, this bikini is perfect for lounging by any body of water. Plus, the itty-bitty straps means there’s less chance of developing future outfit ruining tan lines.

Made from a nylon and spandex blend, they’re made for more than a one-off summer affair. Sewn together with the stuff that lasts, I know they’ll be securing a special spot in my overnight bag for more than a single holiday.

Katelyn – Editorial Contributor
Sir The Label Anais String Brief, $90, Sir The Label
Sir The Label Anais String Triangle Top, $90, Sir The Label

Now we’re in the thick of summer, my overnight trips are pretty much guaranteed to be to a seaside destination. When packing for a coastal getaway, my swimwear and beach accessories are at the forefront of my mind.

Proper sun protection and comfort are essential when planning to spend a full day at the beach, and so, I cannot not pack my beach umbrella, beach chair and towel. The Finley towel by CAMILLA AND MARC is the perfect balance of plush and absorbency (I know this because I have it in the blush colour that came out last year!).

The dark slate colour is going to be a welcome addition to our collection of beach towels, and the subtle branding isn’t too showy which I’m a fan of.

The size is also the perfect amount of large that you and your lover or bestie can both fit. Can’t wait to unroll this and at the beach and pull out a book to enjoy the seaside.

Brittany – Head of Community
CAMILLA AND MARC Finley Towel, $99, CAMILLA AND MARC

Is there anything worse than jumping on a plane, train or hike and realising you didn’t pack your headphones? I think we can all agree that these tech accessories are a must have for any form of travel.

If you’re yet to invest in a set of noise-cancelling headphones, you must see what the hype is all about.

This wireless pair is perfect for any type of workout or training on your current health kick, or to listen to your fave podcast by the pool.

Going cordless means ease of movement for running, weights or in this specific case, playing a game of basketball. Master & Dynamic have actually teamed up with NBA star Kevin Durant to collaboratively design these headphones, so you know they’re perfect for a sweat sesh.

Boasting a sleek design and case, they’re the bougie tech accessory I’ve been wanting for ages! Packing these in my carryon, and in my everyday work bag, for years to come.

Miles – Editorial Contributor
Master & Dynamic X Kevin Durant MW65 Wireless Headphones, $849, Matches Fashion

Well accustomed to summer seasons spent an unfortunate shade of lobster red, the Ultra Violette Skinscreen collection is always at the top of my getaway packing list.

Aussie brand Ultra Violette’s Skinscreens are widely celebrated for seamlessly marrying sun protection and skincare. Protecting against broad-spectrum UVA & UVB rays in both mineral and chemical SPF 50+ formulas, the products also contain a variety of skin-loving Australian antioxidants, leaving your skin glowing and white-cast-free.

What’s even better about this set is that it caters to all skin types and environments. The Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen provides much-needed moisture for dry, salt-water drenched skin. The Clean Screen Mattifying Mineral Skinscreen, meanwhile, is a blessing for oily skin that struggles to cope with humidity in the summer months. The two ‘screens are also fragrance-free and gentle, meaning even sensitive skin will glow and smile.

The Skinscreen collection wouldn’t be complete without cult-classic Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen for a subtle rose-scented glow, and a compact 30ml tube of the water-resistant Extreme Screen Hydrating Hand and Body Sunscreen ensures your skin remains protected, from head to toe.

All packaged in a compact, bright cobalt silicone bag, the Skinscreen collection is proof a sun-filled holiday and happy, healthy skin can go hand in hand.

Eleanor – Editorial Intern
ULTRA VIOLETTE Skinscreen Collection 30ml, $130, The Iconic

Originally a collaboration between Converse and JW Anderson, the Run Star Hike has gone from being a top sneaker of 2019 to a mainstay in the converse catalogue.

These hiking-inspired high-tops feature all the technical refinements of a comfortable and durable shoe – sturdy canvas, rubber saw-tooth tread on the sole and OrthoLite insoles. And they don’t sacrifice any stylistic integrity.

I take these shoes with me everywhere I go. They’re comfortable and versatile enough to suit any occasion and any weather. From beach holidays up north to camping in the Otways.

For an athletic look, I would wear with a Sean Connery-inspired terry cloth romper, like the Terry tan II Pareo playsuit, as well as the Loewe Paula’s Ibiza X SIGG mermaid-print metal water bottle.

For an everyday look, I would style with Another Tomorrow navy high-rise twill slim trousers, Glassons linen blend short sleeve shirt and a Mizuki diamond, topaz and 14kt gold necklace

For a party look, I would wear with the SIR Alena crossover-back linen maxi dress and LASTFRAME pink and orange stripe knitted tote bag. I always make sure to keep some sneaker wipes with me to keep my converse looking fresh all day long.

Eva – Editorial Contributor
CONVERSE Run Star Hike High Top, $150, The Iconic

When packing for any trip away, be it long or short, at the top of my priority list is a stylish versatile hat and good sunscreen.

A hat can add style and enhance an outfit, taking a basic outfit to effortlessly cool in an instance. They are also perfect to cover up bad hair days or in between washes.

Sun protection is also important, especially if like me you have a freckly complexion, so a hat when outdoors is an absolute must.

Made in Italy and exclusive to My Theresa, this wide brim straw hat from Valentino Garavani ticks all the boxes as a perfect hat to take away on holiday. I love the 70’s print twill ribbon making it perfect for breezy summer days at the beach, sitting around the pool or outdoors enjoying lunch with an amazing view.

Julie – Digital Manager
Valentino Garavani Straw Hat, was $900 now $540, My Theresa