7 fashion mistakes we make when we pack for a beach vacation
While we all anxiously wait for our next big vacation, there’s a small part of us that can’t help but want to pack everything in sight. Sometimes, its hard to let go of those not-so-comfortable sandals or convince yourself that your red evening maxi dress just won’t be able to pass as a sundress for the beach.
The harsh reality is that you just won’t be able to wear everything and bring everything you own and love. So, to save you from your misery, here are 7 fashion mistakes all make as we prepare to pack for vacation. Don’t repeat them, and you’ll save yourself from ruining another holiday!
1. Do not create outfits in advance
Before packing for a beach vacation, take a look at all the different combinations based on the numbers of days and occasions of use. The best method to follow is to focus on 3/4 basic and versatile garments and see how you can get different looks out of them. This will allow you to save space and avoid unnecessary items.
Palmacea
Canela Bikini Top Green
$90.00
Anthropologie
Nau
Corded Bikini Bottoms Red
$150.00
Anthropologie
-40%
Same Swim
String bikini bottoms Blue
$108.00
$180.00
Mytheresa
Tommy Bahama
Ashby Isles T-Shirt
$29.99
Rue La La
2. Don’t bring more than 3 pairs of shoes
This one’s tough, for our shoe lovers. You can get away with just 3 styles of shoes: Sneakers, low sandals, and heeled sandals. But, somehow, when we go to pack for a beach vacation, we want to take all of our sandals. Try to stick to this rule and allow yourself a pair of beach flip-flops as an extra bonus.
-40%
Tory Burch
Roxanne Jelly Thong Sandal in Brilliant Red /Brilliant Red at Nordstrom, Size 10
$76.80
$128.00
Nordstrom
-60%
AllSaints
Isla Leather Sandals Silver
$100.00
$249.00
AllSaints
-40%
Tory Burch
Classic Flip Flop in Perfect Black at Nordstrom, Size 10
$106.80
$178.00
Nordstrom
-50%
AllSaints
Sian EVA Buckle Sandals Pink
$72.00
$145.00
AllSaints
-40%
Tory Burch
Roxanne Jelly Thong Sandal in Classic Leopard at Nordstrom, Size 11
$76.80
$128.00
Nordstrom
-50%
AllSaints
Sian EVA Buckle Sandals Silver
$72.00
$145.00
AllSaints
Ipanema
Selfie Wedge Flip Flop in Black/Black at Nordstrom, Size 9
$35.00
Nordstrom
-47%
Tory Burch
Sandals Red
$105.00
$198.00
Yoox.com
3. Don’t underestimate the weather
Even though you’re expecting beautiful weather all day every day, this isn’t really the reality. Instead of packing a billion pairs of shorts & crop tops exclusively, throw in a pair of jeans or perhaps a denim jacket just as an added bonus. You never know when you might need a little extra layer, especially in the case of a tropical storm.
Mother
The Half-Pipe High-Rise Tapered Jeans Blue
$288.00
Anthropologie
-20%
Self Portrait
Embellished high-rise wide-leg jeans Blue
$496.00
$620.00
Mytheresa
Mother
The Lemon Twist High-Rise Flare Jeans Blue
$248.00
Anthropologie
AllSaints
Deri Single Breasted Leather Blazer Black
$619.00
AllSaints
Mother
SNACKS! The Takeout Scrumptious Jean Blue
$66.00
Rue La La
AllSaints
Guardian Amelie Oversized T-Shirt Black
$99.00
AllSaints
AllSaints
Rita Relaxed Fit Snake Print T-Shirt Black
$119.00
AllSaints
4. Order is very important!
Packing for a beach vacation means a few rules when it comes to packing. First, start from the bottom by putting in the heaviest items and accessories. Proceed according to weight. Once you put in the absolute essentials, you can figure out if you need to throw in any more pieces. Those can then go on top.
7 For All Mankind
Cut Off Clean White Short
$41.99
Rue La La
-40%
Free People
Tippi Denim Shorts in Slumber at Nordstrom, Size 33 Brown
$40.79
$68.00
Nordstrom
Tommy Bahama
Relaxed Jean Short Pink
$49.99
Rue La La
-7%
Vaquera
Womens Shorts Light Denim Blue
$351.00
$379.00
LUX LAIR
Rag & Bone
Vintage Cut-Off Short White
$50.99
Rue La La
-49%
Dolce & Gabbana
Red Stretch High Waist Denim Hot Pants Womens Shorts
$276.00
$546.00
LUX LAIR
Hudson
Gracie White Short
$31.00
Rue La La
-40%
Free People
Fleur Denim Shorts in Blue at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$46.80
$78.00
Nordstrom
5. Keep the essentials in mind
While you might be a bit busy thinking of that beautiful straw hat you need for your IG pics, you might forget about the important stuff like your SPF, beach flip flops and phone charger. Make a list and check it twice. Santa’s strategy really works here.
Chloé
Chloé Isla embroidered espadrilles White
$650.00
Mytheresa
Lands End
Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag in White at Nordstrom, Size Small
$44.95
Nordstrom
-50%
Ganni
Crystal-embellished sandals Pink
$146.00
$292.00
Mytheresa
-40%
-24%
Marc Jacobs
Handbags Green
$249.00
$327.00
Yoox.com
Crocs
Small Classic Tote in Taupe at Nordstrom Gray
$39.99
Nordstrom
Gucci
Savoy Small Toiletry Case, Beige, GG Canvas
$880.00
Gucci
Crocs
Medium Classic Tote in Purple at Nordstrom
$59.99
Nordstrom
6. Make a detailed list of everything you want to pack
Not only will this make you more efficient, but it will help you realize if you’ve in fact overpacked. Do you really need 5 pairs of flip flops and 7 dresses for a 7-day vacation? Probably not. Write it down and you’ll see a pattern.
Alo
| Faux Fur Starstruck Bucket Hat in Black
$128.00
Alo Yoga
Moncler
Moncler Reversible Bucket Hat, Men, Blue, Size: Xl
$610.00
Moncler
Alo
| Airlift Solar Visor Hat in White
$78.00
Alo Yoga
San Diego Hat Company
Petal Bow Bucket Hat Beige
$34.00
Anthropologie
Psycho Bunny
Mens Chuck Reversible Bucket Hat 335 ICEBERG GREEN / O/S
$50.00
Psycho Bunny
Moncler
Moncler Cotton Blend Bucket Hat, Women, Beige, Size: L
$425.00
Moncler
7. Be realistic
If you think you’re going to wear your stiletto gold sandals to discover some beaches or walk in the sand, you’re wrong. Remember, the less you bring with you, the more you can buy from the country you’re visiting, so you probably want to have some room for that. 🛍
Alo
Water Bottle in Black
$68.00
Alo Yoga
Béis
The Large 29-Inch Check-In Roller in In Burgundy at Nordstrom Red
$368.00
Nordstrom
Bric's
Bellagio Expandable Trolley Organizer
$329.99
Rue La La
Alo
| Supernatural Sweater Dress in Ivory White, Size: Large
$198.00
Alo Yoga
Bric's
Bellagio Expandable Trolley Organizer
$329.99
Rue La La
Carl Friedrik
Large Check-in Luggage - Hard Case Lightweight Polycarbonate - Black
€595.00
Carl Friedrik
Bric's
Siena 30in Spinner Black
$169.99
Rue La La
