Style Q&A: packing for a short beach vacation

“We are leaving for a beachside resort tomorrow morning and though I’ve done my packing, I’m not really confident. I have been trawling the blogsphere for tips on what to take.” -N.

 

Unless you are going to attend a destination wedding, your packing list for a stay at a beach resort should revolve around – you guessed it –  the beach.

So, item number 1: choose your beachwear.
You should bring at least 2 bathing suits, and at least one of them should be suited to doing something other than laying on a lawn chair, ’cause chances are you will be taking walks, maybe snorkeling, or at the very least going for a swim now and again.

So, although that itty-bitty bikini looks fabulous and will leave very few tan lines, if it’s something that will get ruined in contact with salted water or that will fall off you the moment you dive into the crystal-clear water, choose something that will stay put and will look as good wet as it does dry. A few things to look for: bottoms with good coverage, halter straps (they will keep things in place without slipping off your shoulders, but they are easy to move out of the way to avoid tan lines), a top that won’t slide to the side or up as you move.

Top row (left to right): Topshop, $55; Monsoon, $33 for the top and $26 for the bottom; Toast halter top, $13 (on sale) and Violet Lake bottoms, $85; American Eagle Outfitters ruffled bikini, $12 for the top and $12 for the bottom.
Bottom row: Seafolly, $90.75 (on sale); Monsoon, $62;  Seafolly, $78 (on sale); Peacocks, $23.

2. Stay comfortable and effortlessly chic by choosing pieces you can mix and match and dress up or down to go easily from day to night.

Choose comfortable pieces with fun details or cute prints, and pair items in solid shades and neutrals to keep it polished.

3. Accessorize. rather than dumping the entire contents of your jewelry box in your suitcase, choose a few statement pieces: bib or multi-layered necklaces and bold cuffs are great!

4. Don’t fill your luggage with shoes! Rather than bringing tons of cute flip-flops and sandals, keep it simple and bring only two pairs: one pair of flat embellished sandals that will take you day to night, and 1 pair of wedges (something light like cork is best) in case you want a little boost for the evening.

And don’t forget to keep your feet sandal-ready: moisturize daily and keep your favorite shades of nail polish handy for quick touch-ups. If spa services aren’t available where you are or if you don’t want to sit on a pedicurist’s chair when you could be frolicking on the beach, here’s a trick: once a week, do a foot scrub, apply a thick layer of a very rich, nourishing foot/body lotion and sleep with socks on. I know, it doesn’t sound really sexy, but it will once you take your socks off in the morning and your feet emerge soft and lovely.

Less clothes, less confusion, less time spent getting dressed, more time spent doing fun stuff

Have a great time!

 

 

 

 

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