Downloadable Summer Vacation Packing List

Hi Friend!! Like many of you, summer brings fun and travel, Disney, cruises, beach vacations or family getaways, but a common hurdle is knowing exactly what to pack with various settings in mind, possibly various temperatures, and not wanting to over-pack.  Ever been there?  Yeah me too. Right now I'm supposed to be on my 15year anniversary cruise, but it's postponed thanks to the CoronaVirus lockdowns.  However, even as a wardrobe stylist, I found myself hitting a wall in figuring out what decisions to make when packing/shopping for it, which motivated me to create this list, to share with ya'll! I've styled so many folks, and one of the most common requests this time of year was versatile pieces for vacations.  So, I put together the pieces I know you can get a lot of use out of.  You can layer a tee over a dress, and knot it at the waist for a different look.  Throw a kimono over your swimsuit as a bathingsuit cover up, or rock it with wedges, a tank and shorts for a cute dinner look.  A chambray button up can be worn open over your bathingsuit and shorts, or tie it over a tank top and maxi skirt.  These options are super interchangeable, so get creative and happy packing!!

PACKING TIPS:

1. Plan for your shoes!  Pick three versatile shoes that'll match everything you pack, and then create outfits around the shoes.  They're the heaviest, bulkiest part of an outfit, so start there.

2. Pack pieces that can be worn 2-3 ways.  Layered, tied, knotted, tucked, get creative and you'll get more mileage out of your stuff.  If you need some inspo, just search Pinterest for "ways to wear a chambray shirt" or "versatile maxi skirt ideas" to get your mind rolling.

3. I usually pack two outfits per day.  One for day time, and one for evening.  You can re-wear pieces, but be mindful that if you'll be sweaty or it's a hot climate, you may not be able to re-wear pieces more than once.  Also, in humid, hot climates, avoid straight polyester pieces on anything fitted.  They don't breathe, don't stretch, and hold odors (not great if you're sweating!).  However, you can rock a polyester kimono for a lightweight, breezy outer layer.  Try to stick to cotton blends, rayon blends, linen blends, and stuff with light stretch.

4. Hats help hide bad hair days, keep sun off you, and when you're in and out of the water and sand, they'll offer you a lot of grace so you can still look cute in pics!

5. If it's hot, dresses are super easy and cool.  Can't go wrong with a cute hat, sandals and dress!

Enjoy this list!

I created this downloadable checklist for you that'll help you hone in on what's needed for spring/summer and it doubles as a vacation packing list!  Just click here to download it!