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.
Sanctuary
Longline Bra Bikini Top Brown
$65.00
Anthropologie
AllSaints
Saph Triangle Bikini Top Brown
$79.00
AllSaints
Same Swim
Zebra-print high-rise bikini bottoms Black
$200.00
Mytheresa
-51%
Dolce & Gabbana
Multicolor Floral Halter Beachwear Bikini Top Womens Swimwear
$316.00
$647.00
LUX LAIR
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.
-64%
AllSaints
Isla Leather Sandals Silver
$90.00
$249.00
AllSaints
Marc Jacobs
The Snapshot Slide Sandals Pink
$195.00
Neiman Marcus
-55%
AllSaints
Sian EVA Buckle Sandals Silver
$64.80
$145.00
AllSaints
-60%
Dolce & Gabbana
Cutout DG Flat Slide Sandals Red
$217.99
$545.00
Neiman Marcus
Pedro Garcia
Flat strappy sandal in black leather| Biddy | Spring summer 26 |
$525.00
Pedro García
-55%
AllSaints
Sian EVA Buckle Sandals White
$64.80
$145.00
AllSaints
-61%
Bibi Lou
Sandals Pink
$80.00
$205.00
Yoox.com
AllSaints
Suki Western Leather Sandal Black
$219.00
AllSaints
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 Lemon Twist High-Rise Flare Jeans Blue
$248.00
Anthropologie
AllSaints
Haldan Slim Bootcut Stretch Denim Jeans Blue
$219.00
AllSaints
Mother
The Half-Pipe High-Rise Tapered Jeans Blue
$288.00
Anthropologie
AllSaints
Rita Relaxed Fit Snake Print T-Shirt Black
$119.00
AllSaints
AllSaints
Haldan Slim Bootcut Stretch Denim Jeans Blue
$219.00
AllSaints
AllSaints
Deri Single Breasted Leather Blazer Black
$619.00
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.
Tommy Bahama
Relaxed Jean Short
$49.99
Rue La La
Max Mara
Lavinia high-rise wide-leg jeans Blue
$535.00
Mytheresa
Tommy Bahama
Relaxed Jean Short Pink
$49.99
Rue La La
-50%
Dolce & Gabbana
Red Stretch High Waist Denim Hot Pants Womens Shorts
$281.00
$559.00
LUX LAIR
Hudson
Relaxed Unplugged Short
$39.99
Rue La La
-5%
Vaquera
Womens Denim Split Shorts Blue
$370.00
$388.00
LUX LAIR
7 For All Mankind
Cut Off Clean White Short
$41.99
Rue La La
Sportmax
Dangri wide-leg jeans Blue
$420.00
Mytheresa
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
Chloé
Chloé Isla embroidered espadrilles White
$650.00
Mytheresa
-16%
Burberry
Handbags Brown
$1,172.00
$1,396.00
Yoox.com
-40%
Ganni
Feminine Buckle sandals Brown
$237.00
$395.00
Mytheresa
-26%
Marc Jacobs
Handbags Brown
$185.00
$249.00
Yoox.com
-40%
Versace
Alia Medusa thong sandals Yellow
$303.00
$505.00
Mytheresa
Thule
Aion Tote Bag Black
$159.95
REI
Gianvito Rossi
Shanti embellished leather thong sandals Brown
$995.00
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 Reversible Bucket Hat, Men, Grey, Size: L Gray
$610.00
Moncler
Psycho Bunny
Mens Chuck Reversible Bucket Hat 335 ICEBERG GREEN / O/S
$50.00
Psycho Bunny
Moncler
Moncler Reversible Bucket Hat, Men, Blue, Size: Xl
$610.00
Moncler
-30%
Jacquemus
Le Bob Soli raffia bucket hat Beige
$315.00
$450.00
Mytheresa
Moncler
Moncler Cotton Blend Bucket Hat, Women, Beige, Size: L
$425.00
Moncler
Eugenia Kim
Bailey Paper Bucket Hat White
$165.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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
€595.00
Carl Friedrik
True Religion
Soft Sided 31 Expandable Spinner Luggage Blue
$119.99
Rue La La
-25%
Ballard Designs
Dover Luggage Rack - Navy - Ballard Designs Dark Blue
$224.25
$299.00
Ballard Designs
Bric's
Bellagio 21in Pocket Spinner Trunk Blue
$269.99
Rue La La
Carl Friedrik
Carry-on Luggage - Hard case in Polycarbonate and Aluminium - Black
€645.00
Carl Friedrik
Bric's
Bellagio Expandable Trolley Organizer
$329.99
Rue La La
-31%
Nike Jordan
Mens Jordan Tote Bag (40L) in Black | MA9016-023
$58.97
$85.00
Nike