Packing for a beach vacation is a bit easier than packing for a city vacation. You don’t need much more than a couple swimsuits, shorts and T-shirts, right? But if being stylish is important to you, even by the beach, it takes just a bit more work. I’ve put together a wardrobe that will show you how to pack for a beach vacation. You will be lying by the pool, sightseeing and imbibing tropical drinks with style. And all the clothes will fit in a carry-on.
For a week at the beach, I bring two swimsuits. That’s all. The ones I included here are very flattering and sophisticated. Ruching (horizontal pleating) is a girl’s best friend. The ruching on these swimsuits will make your chest look larger (if that’s what you’re after) and will provide good coverage. It also camouflages a less than perfect tummy. Hallelujah!
The red bandeau bikini top is sexy but the shoulder strap offers some support. The high cut of the bikini bottom will make your legs look longer. It is also high-waisted for women who don’t want their tummies to hang out. The black bathing suit looks great on a myriad of body types. And, as a bonus, you can wear it as a top with shorts for day or a skirt for at night.
A maxi dress is a great cover-up for the pool or beach. Add some chunky jewelry at night, and you have a chic evening look.
Accessories are important as well. The white scarf goes with every piece. It’s thick enough to wear as a shawl if it’s cool at night or if the A/C is too high in a restaurant. The small bag will work for a day of sightseeing or an evening out, and it won’t take up too much room in your suitcase. A big straw bag with a zipper makes a versatile carry-on that you can use as a beach bag too. Just dump out the sand before you get on the plane to go home!
The thong sandals are cute for day or night. Sneakers work for casual dinners as well as sightseeing. The wedge shoes are the same as from the “Packing for a City Vacation” post last week. In fact, a lot of the pieces from the city wardrobe post would work for the beach, too. I used different pieces just to show you some variety.
If you want to be more creative or get even more looks out of these pieces, you can layer tanks on top of each other or with the T-shirts. How do I sum up this beach wardrobe in three words? Complete beach chic.
Bon voyage!
Illysia Neumann-Loreck