Beach Vacation Packing Tips
Everything to Pack For Your Beach Vacation, From Bikinis to Sun Dresses
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My idea of perfect happiness is a beach vacation. Give me a sunny day, a good book, and an iced tea, and I'm content. I have friends who love active trips, and want to see everything, but if I'm honest, when I'm on vacation, I want to relax, and for me, that's being by the beach.
I used to pack a giant suitcase stuffed to the brim with all the fun, alluring outfits I thought I'd wear, and without fail, every single time I ended up wearing the same four bikinis and coverups. All the outfit changes and vacation looks, frankly, were just a waste of space, and so a few years ago, I set out to prove that I could pack for a week-long beach vacation in just a carry-on. Now that I've had some experience doing it, I'm going to share my tips and tricks.
I will say that this kind of packing is generally only possible for a beach vacation, where the clothes are inherently compact. There's no need for coats or boots, and honestly, minimal shoes. I like to go with one or two pairs of sneakers, generally one workout sneaker and one everyday sneaker, but if you can find one that fits both so much the better, and plus, you'll wear a pair on the plane. Then it's one pair of water shoes, like a Birkenstock or flip flop, and one to two pairs of nicer sandals. I'd take one neutral flat pair and one with a block heel for nights out. I'm not into the idea of a strappy stiletto on cobblestone streets, or even worse, sand. If you want to pack lightly but efficiently for a beach vacation, keep on reading to shop my favorites.
Old Navy EveryWear Slub-Knit T-Shirt ($6, originally $15)
A T-shirt is a travel essential. Picking a quality, well-fitting T-shirt looks great with shorts or skirts, and it's a comfortable top that's also easy to wash, making it great for longer stays. This style is affordable and chic; at under $20, you can pack a few extra in your carry-on.
Aerie Lace Up Longline Triangle Bikini Top ($32, originally $45). Aerie Ruched High Waisted Full Coverage Bikini Bottom ($20, originally $35)
You can never go wrong with a little black bikini. The crossover detailing on this style hits you in all the right places. It's a great comfortable and affordable option that you'll always want to pack in your suitcase.
Hazel Round Polarized Sunglasses ($68)
Polarized sunglasses are a must-have for the beach as the lens filter blocks out water's reflective glare. These shades are just as stylish as they are functional, thanks to the cool round shape and black and brown colorways.
Steve Madden Sleeveless Mini Dress ($49)
This easy mini dress might not look it, but it's actually supremely comfortable. It's made of a T-shirt material, so it's comfortable to wear every day, and the side ruching is so flattering. This is a dress that you could wear as a beach cover-up, out to lunch, or to a dinner dressed up with heeled sandals. At $49, it should definitely be in your suitcase.
Birkenstock Arizona Eva Waterproof Sandals ($50)
If you're going to be by the water this summer, these easy rubber sandals are essential. They're comfortable and affordable, and they have tons of rave reviews. They pair well with almost anything, and as far as waterproof shoes go, they're as stylish as they come.
FP Beach August Nights Maxi Dress ($68)
Whoever said maxi dresses weren't show-stopping clearly hasn't seen this look. It's easy to throw on and perfect for a day by the water. It works as both a coverup and a day dress, and versatility is key.
Glamorous Ladies Skirt ($78)
We're big fans of the style and print of this printed skirt. The ruching at the stomach is so comfortable and flattering, and the floral print is perfect for summer. This makes for an excellent swimsuit coverup when paired with a t-shirt or tank.
Levi's 501 Original High Rise Shorts ($75)
Denim shorts are a summer essential — you can wear them as a coverup or with a T-shirt and sweater for a more casual look. You can't go wrong with this pair and the frayed detailing adds an effortless vibe.
Summersalt The Sidestroke ($95)
This swimsuit is the brand's signature style, and it's a bestseller for a reason. It's sophisticated and cool, plus it comes in so many different color combinations. There's also an option if you have a longer torso.
Andie The Amalfi ($95)
When in doubt, reach for a black one-piece swimsuit. This option is as classic as it gets, and we love everything about it. It can also be worn as a bodysuit and will help you feel your best at the beach.
Monday Swimwear Clovelly Top ($96). Monday Swimwear Byron Bottom ($79).
We love Monday Swimwear because the brand really thinks about people with larger chests when creating its suits. The underwire design of this bestselling top is both sexy and supportive. Paired with the high-waisted bottom, it's a suit you'll return to again and again. We're obsessed with the powder blue shimmer hue, but it also comes in over a dozen colors.
Gnash String One Piece Swimsuit ($100)
The side ruching on this one-piece swimsuit is so flattering. You could definitely wear this as a bodysuit with shorts or a skirt. It comes in over a dozen colors, but we're drawn to this soft lavender.
New Balance 996 Sneakers ($100)
We like these sneakers because they can be worn for both walking around and working out. If you feel like getting some movement in, it's nice to have a pair of sneakers on your beach vacation. Wear them on the plane, so you don't have to pack them!
Schutz Cari Flat Sandals ($108)
If you need a pair of versatile flat sandals, we like this cork design. They're really comfortable, and look just as good with a bikini as they do with a night out dress. Plus, if you don't feel like bringing a water sandal, you could get away with just these.
Good American Showoff One-Piece ($109)
If you love the look of underwire, then get this sexy swimsuit. The belt is a great way to define your shape, which we love. The flattering swimsuit also comes in white, red, and leopard print.
Banana Republic Cropped Utility Jacket ($110, originally $160)
If you're by the beach, there's a real chance it'll get cold at night by the water. A lightweight jacket is a great thing to have on hand, and we're loving this style. It's super light, easy to pack, and seems to go with everything in our closet.
Schutz Victorie Slides ($118)
If you want a little lift, go with these heels. They're supremely versatile and comfortable. They're also sturdy, and can withstand cobblestone streets, grass, and even sandy paths.
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress ($150)
This bestselling nap dress is back and better than ever. It comes in a bunch of new colors and prints, including this rose print, mosaic print, lavender stripe print, and a solid red color. It also has pockets, making this the ultimate comfortable, useful dress.
Misha Rhea Set ($353)
We love that this two-piece set can be worn for so many different occasions. If you want to get dressed up for a night out, this is a fun set, and it also looks good separately. Wear the top with jean shorts or the bottoms with a white t-shirt, and you have three outfits in one!
Borgo de Nor Pietra Dress ($475)
Sometimes, you need a dress you can style for day and night. That, for us, is this printed number. It's fun and vibrant, and feels just as natural with white sneakers for walking around as it does with sandals for dinner.
India Yaffe was an associate editor on the Shopping team at PS for five years. She focused on curating the best fitness, fashion, beauty, and home products on the market for the PS audience.
