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.
-30%
Delfi
Ronnie Halter Top & Shorts Set White
$209.95
$298.00
Anthropologie
Hutch
Marin Bikini Top Blue
$35.99
Rue La La
Gottex
Dandy Bikini Top Blue
$33.99
Rue La La
Sanctuary
Refresh Rib Bandeau Bikini Top Green
$59.00
Anthropologie
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.
-47%
Cole Haan
Womens Go-To Estella Flat Thong Sandals - Black Size 10.5
$79.95
$150.00
Cole Haan
-60%
Dolce & Gabbana
Cutout DG Flat Slide Sandals Red
$217.99
$545.00
Neiman Marcus
-47%
Cole Haan
Womens Go-To Estella Flat Thong Sandals - Brown Size 10.5 Beige
$79.95
$150.00
Cole Haan
Reiss
Gabi Plait Leather Flat Sandal
$99.99
Rue La La
Christian Louboutin
Loubi Donna Spike Flip Flops
$425.00
Neiman Marcus
Ferragamo
Leah Gancini Bit Leather Slide Sandals Black
$795.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Valentino Garavani
Mens Coolslide Plastic Pool Slides Black
$450.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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.
Joe's
Paradigm High Rise Curvy Bootcut Jean
$52.00
Rue La La
Mother
The Lemon Twist High-Rise Flare Jeans Blue
$248.00
Anthropologie
NYDJ
Teresa Heritage Glow Wide Leg Jean
$49.99
Rue La La
Bloch
Ladies Apex Parachute Pant, Whisper White
$42.00
BLOCH
Frame Denim
Le Slim Palazzo High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans Blue
$288.00
Anthropologie
Rag & Bone
rb Miramar Terry Wide-Leg Jeans
$198.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Frame Denim
The Essential High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans Blue
$298.00
Anthropologie
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.
-50%
Dolce & Gabbana
Red Stretch High Waist Denim Hot Pants Womens Shorts
$277.00
$549.00
LUX LAIR
Hudson
Gracie Brenda Short
$38.99
Rue La La
Current Elliott
The Frolic Short After Dark Jean
$44.99
Rue La La
-50%
Rag & Bone
Vintage Cut-Off Denim Shorts
$84.00
$168.00
Neiman Marcus
Rag & Bone
Vintage Cut-Off Short White
$50.99
Rue La La
Nili Lotan
Russel Denim Shorts Blue
$370.00
Bergdorf Goodman
DL1961
Zoie Short Blue
$41.99
Rue La La
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.
Gucci
Savoy Small Toiletry Case, Beige, GG Canvas
$880.00
Gucci
Shiraleah
Lake Weekend Beach Bag Brown
$18.00
Rue La La
Thule
Aion Tote Bag Black
$159.95
REI
-30%
Jimmy Choo London
Aciel espadrille slides Beige
$455.00
$650.00
Mytheresa
Terrain
Fish Cotton Net Tote Yellow
$26.00
Anthropologie
Gianvito Rossi
Shanti embellished leather thong sandals Brown
$995.00
Mytheresa
Bloch
Bloch Water Bottle, Black
$25.00
BLOCH
-40%
Ganni
Feminine Buckle sandals Brown
$237.00
$395.00
Mytheresa
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 Cotton Blend Bucket Hat, Women, Beige, Size: L
$425.00
Moncler
-30%
Jacquemus
Le Bob Soli raffia bucket hat Beige
$315.00
$450.00
Mytheresa
Psycho Bunny
Mens Chuck Reversible Bucket Hat 335 ICEBERG GREEN / O/S
$50.00
Psycho Bunny
Anthropologie
Floppy Straw Sun Hat Gold
$37.00
Anthropologie
Jacquemus
Le Bob Bordado Hat Beige
$187.99
Rue La La
Eugenia Kim
Bailey Paper Bucket Hat White
$165.00
Bergdorf Goodman
MARCUS ADLER
Cowboy Hat Brown
$29.99
Rue La La
San Diego Hat Company
Mable Ribbon Bucket Hat Beige
$51.00
Anthropologie
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. 🛍
Carl Friedrik
Large Check-in Luggage - Hard Case Lightweight Polycarbonate - Black
€645.00
Carl Friedrik
Hurley
Suki 21in Carry-On Spinner Luggage
$89.99
Rue La La
-46%
Piquadro
Black Polycarbonate Mens Travel Mens Trolley
$259.00
$477.00
LUX LAIR
Travelers Choice
Ruma 2pc Hardside Spinner Luggage Set Purple
$139.99
Rue La La
Izod
Romeo 3pc Expandable Luggage Set Blue
$219.99
Rue La La
Kenneth Cole
Flying Axis 20in Expandable Carry-On
$85.00
Rue La La