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.
MC2 Saint Barth
Cris bikini with Vichy and cherries pattern Multi
$69.52
TheDoubleF
Onia
Kate Bikini Bottom in Mykonos Blue at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$110.00
Nordstrom
-55%
Jean Paul Gaultier
Women s Marinière Gradient Bikini Bottom Black / Navy / Light Blue Multi
$78.00
$175.00
Slam Jam
-24%
-40%
Hysteric Glamour
Women s HG Label Bikini White
$211.00
$351.00
Slam Jam
-24%
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 Classic Leopard at Nordstrom, Size 11
$76.80
$128.00
Nordstrom
-52%
AllSaints
Sian Leather Buckle Sandals Brown
$95.20
$199.00
AllSaints
-40%
Tory Burch
Classic Flip Flop in Perfect Black at Nordstrom, Size 10
$106.80
$178.00
Nordstrom
Tory Burch
Miller Leather Sandals
$200.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Olukai
Ohana Flip Flop in Java Faux Leather at Nordstrom, Size 10
$80.00
Nordstrom
-44%
Tory Burch
Sandals Blue
$111.00
$198.00
Yoox.com
-68%
AllSaints
Isla Leather Sandals Silver
$80.00
$249.00
AllSaints
-62%
Baldinini
Sandals Black
$186.00
$487.00
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.
AllSaints
Guardian Amelie Oversized T-Shirt Black
$99.00
AllSaints
-60%
Levi's
501 90s Ankle Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans in Vanity Agenda at Nordstrom, Size 24 27
$38.99
$98.00
Nordstrom
Prada
Jeans in washed blue denim
$1,205.04
TheDoubleF
-30%
BDG
Niko Skate Wide Leg Jeans in Rinse at Nordstrom, Size 26 32
$58.80
$84.00
Nordstrom
-50%
Darkpark
Wide washed grey Lisa jeans Gray
$268.82
$537.64
TheDoubleF
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.
-46%
-36%
Diesel
Denim shorts Gray
$107.00
$166.00
Yoox.com
-65%
Madewell
The Brynn Long Cutoff Denim Shorts in Polacheck Wash at Nordstrom, Size 24 Gray
$30.80
$88.00
Nordstrom
-88%
Haikure
Denim shorts Gray
$33.00
$276.00
Yoox.com
-58%
Liu Jo
Denim shorts Gray
$67.00
$160.00
Yoox.com
-79%
Off-white
Denim shorts Gray
$161.00
$758.00
Yoox.com
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.
-40%
Thule
Aion Tote Bag Black
$159.95
REI
-16%
Burberry
Handbags Brown
$1,172.00
$1,396.00
Yoox.com
Dolce & Gabbana
DG cutout slides Black
$375.00
Mytheresa
-29%
Chloé
Handbags Red
$858.00
$1,209.00
Yoox.com
Chloé
Chloé Isla embroidered espadrilles White
$650.00
Mytheresa
Marc Jacobs
J Marc Logo Square Acetate Sunglasses
$145.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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.
Moncler
Moncler Reversible Bucket Hat, Men, Blue, Size: Xl
$610.00
Moncler
Alo
| Faux Fur Starstruck Bucket Hat in Black
$128.00
Alo Yoga
Moncler
Moncler Reversible Bucket Hat, Men, Multicolor, Size: Xl
$660.00
Moncler
Burberry
Fishermans hat with Check pattern Beige
$222.47
TheDoubleF
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. 🛍
-81%
Bugatti
Brussels 3 Piece Hardside Luggage Set with Expansion in Black at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$219.99
$1,160.00
Nordstrom
-50%
Karl Lagerfeld
Karl In A Box 21 Carry On Upright Suitcase in Black at Nordstrom, Size Small
$150.00
$300.00
Nordstrom
Alo
Water Bottle in Black
$68.00
Alo Yoga
Hurley
Suki 29 Hardshell Spinner Suitcase in Black/Blue at Nordstrom Rack
$109.97
Nordstrom Rack
Tumi
Leger Continental Carry-On Black
$795.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Britbag
Stonegate 21-Inch Carry-On Hardside Luggage in Cobblestone at Nordstrom Rack
$69.97
Nordstrom Rack