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.
Arabia
Moomin Misabel Mug with $3 Credit
$30.99
Rue La La
Dolce & Gabbana
Floral Polka Dot Triangle Bikini Top - White
$213.14
Italist
Arabia
Moomin Snorkmaiden Bowl with $3 Credit
$32.99
Rue La La
Dolce & Gabbana
Triangle Nylon Bikini Top - White
$109.54
Italist
PQ Swim
Lace Fanned Bikini Bottoms
$80.00
Anthropologie
Dolce & Gabbana
Floral Halter Bikini Top - Multicolor
$285.10
Italist
L*Space
Presley Bikini Top
$95.00
Anthropologie
L*Space
Whimsy Bikini Top Blue
$99.00
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.
Tory Burch
Sandals - Black
$214.03
Italist
-67%
Cole Haan
Womens Go-To Estella Flat Thong Sandals - Black Size 5.5
$49.97
$150.00
Cole Haan
Tory Burch
Ines Slide - Tan Brown
$222.33
Italist
Christian Louboutin
Mens The Christian Louboutin Logo Flip-Flops
$390.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Isabel Marant
Leather Strappy Sandals - Black
$397.96
Italist
Tory Burch
Ines Sport Sandals - Brown
$356.28
Italist
Off-white
Monogram Fabric Flat Sandals - Black
$397.96
Italist
Dolce & Gabbana
Flat Slides Sandals - Red
$425.76
Italist
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.
AG - Adriano Goldschmied
AG Saige Mid-Rise Crop Wide-Leg Jeans Blue
$325.00
Anthropologie
A Gold E
Jeans - Blue
$442.83
Italist
Frame Denim
Le Slim Palazzo High-Rise Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans Blue
$298.00
Anthropologie
Haikure
Wide-Leg Denim Jeans - Blue
$461.94
Italist
Mother
The Kick It High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans Blue
$258.00
Anthropologie
Self Portrait
Strass-Embellished Straight Jeans - Blue
$576.89
Italist
Mother
The Patch Pocket Doozy Mid-Rise Flare Jeans Gray
$248.00
Anthropologie
Ami
Balloon Jeans - Blue
$331.25
Italist
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.
Our Legacy
Pigment-Coated Denim Shorts - Blue
$366.10
Italist
Veronica Beard
Timmi High-Rise Denim Shorts Blue
$198.00
Neiman Marcus
A Gold E
Prcsn Denim Shorts - Blue
$129.03
Italist
-30%
Favorite Daughter
The Caroline High-Rise Denim Shorts
$103.60
$148.00
Neiman Marcus
Rag & Bone
Tina Light Wash Short Blue
$50.99
Rue La La
-30%
Rag & Bone
Vintage Cut-Off Denim Shorts
$131.60
$188.00
Neiman Marcus
DL1961
Zoie Short Blue
$41.99
Rue La La
-60%
7 For All Mankind
Mid Roll Cuffed Hem Jean Shorts White
$67.00
$168.00
Neiman Marcus
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.
Staud
Tommy Shoulder Bag - Multicolor
$486.50
Italist
Terrain
Raffia Traveler Bag
$248.00
Anthropologie
Marc Jacobs
Tote Bag - Multicolor
$469.21
Italist
Terrain
Hana Canvas Boat Bag Green
$188.00
Anthropologie
Dsquared2
Tote Bag - White
$594.43
Italist
Clare Vivier
Beach Tote and Clutch Green
$275.00
Anthropologie
Pinko
Raffia with Fringed Details Tote Bag - Black
$240.85
Italist
Terrain
Hana Canvas Boat Bag Brown
$188.00
Anthropologie
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.
Dolce & Gabbana
HAT9699 Leopard Print Bucket Hat - Multicolor
$280.57
Italist
Janessa Leoné
Felix Large Brim Straw Hat Black
$257.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Dolce & Gabbana
HAT9954 Checked Wool-Blend Bucket Hat - Gray
$221.27
Italist
Janessa Leoné
Felix Raffia Bucket Hat Blue
$257.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Dolce & Gabbana
HAT9964 Nylon Bucket Hat - Black
$221.27
Italist
Eugenia Kim
Courtney Straw Fedora With Twisted Band Beige
$345.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Dolce & Gabbana
HAT9693 Camouflage Print Bucket Hat - Brown
$254.21
Italist
Alo
| Airlift Solar Visor Hat in Gravel
$78.00
Alo Yoga
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. 🛍
Yamazaki Home
Expandable Suitcase Rack
$179.99
Rue La La
Alo
| Sheer Cashmere Long Cardigan Top in Ivory, Size: Medium White
$398.00
Alo Yoga
Béis
Large Travel Packing Cube Brown
$20.00
Anthropologie
Alo
| Sheer Cashmere Long Cardigan Top in Black, Size: Medium
$398.00
Alo Yoga
Béis
Medium Travel Packing Cube Brown
$18.00
Anthropologie
Alo
| Dreamscape Tank Top in Black, Size: Medium
$68.00
Alo Yoga
Béis
Small Packing Cube Brown
$16.00
Anthropologie
Alo
| Sheer Cashmere Long Cardigan Top in Taupe, Size: Medium Gray
$398.00
Alo Yoga