I cant decide what I hate more. Packing or unpacking. Both equally difficult, make me question my life (and clothing choices), and just take much more time than they should because I don’t want to do it in the first place.

But you know what is the ultimate AWFUL when it comes to packing? Packing for vacation! Can I get an AMEN?! Being forced ahead of time to choose exactly what I intend to wear on some of the loveliest nights of my year? What if we decide to go casual most days? What if there’s more than one fancy dinner? What if I don’t FEEL like wearing what I packed that day? WHY CAN”T I JUST BRING MY WHOLE CLOSET JUST IN CASE?!

If you’re anything like me and HATE packing, I’m going to make it that much easier for you with my guide to packing for your beach vacation below. It will set you up with some variety you need while also making sure you don’t pack a small house and don’t forget the things that are often overlooked.

 

 

 

 

BASICS

To maximize your options anytime you take a trip, it’s best to focus the majority of your items around the basics. This way you can mix and match more easily and wear things again with different options. So yes, you’re reading this right…..be a basic b.

• Jean Shorts
• Plain tee’s or tanks (stripes are also encouraged, just nothing too wild)
• Neutral sandals (or heels if you dare at the beach)
• Simple/solid sundresses
• White linen button down (so versatile and classic)
• Light denim jacket

 

STATEMENT PIECES

Though your basics will be your everyday wear and make it easy to get dressed, we can’t forget about that one bright dress you bought this year that cannot be left at home. I recommend packing a few statement pieces that can either punch up your basics, or serve as the perfect outfit for you fun night out (find the best of the summer trends statement pieces here). You’ll have to limit yourself here because these pieces can rarely be worn again and go with limited items, but are necessary for your beach trip.

• 2 Statement tops
• 1 Statement dress

ACCESSORIES

Just like your statement pieces, your accessories are really a great place to go a little wilder when you are packing, especially for your beach vacay. Because accessories are generally smaller, you can get a way with packing a little more, which will add fun variety and change ups to your outfits. Sunglasses, jewelry, bandanas, and my personal favorite, hats, will all give you some fun options for styling yourself on and off the beach.

•  Jewelry
  
• Sunnies
• Hats
• Bandanas

 

SWIM & COVERUPS

This is the obvious one, but in case you’re going through a check list, I thought I’d call it out. Try for variety in your swimsuits this summer, with so many styles and the one-piece coming back, it’s always nice to have different cuts/styles for different occasions (a skimpy one is great for you and the beau but with the fam something a little more conservative is needed). Though your basics and sundresses will be great for beachware or coverups, it’s also fun to have some cover ups in there as well.

• One Piece
• Something with a little more coverage (so you can be with the fam, be active/etc and you’re all good)
• Something a little skimpier (great for the beau and for tanning)
• 2-3 Cover Ups (or just repurpose your basics and statesments above)

 

THE REST

While all the above items are your staples for the beach, there are a few more pieces I recommend that will round out your needs and make sure you have something for different occasions that could come up. Speaking from experience on a few more pieces you’ll want to consider packing.

• • Atheleisure (in case you want to work out or great for lounging)
  • Cozy sweater (for lounging or a chillier night)
  • Cute PJs (bc life’s too short to wear that old t-shirt)
  • Bags (one that is versatile for beach and dinner is the best)

Now of course don’t forget your toiletries (I’d recommend keeping your beauty routine to a minimum for vacay), a good book (or two), sunscreen, and most importantly your charger (how do we always  forget that one?!)

 

Anything else you’re packing for your beach vacay that I forgot?! (Bc I probably did and thats why AGAIN I hate packing….)

 

XO,

JESS

 

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