One carry-on can hold over a week of looks, if you use my Summer Vacation Smart Suitcase guide (see here).
Smart Suitcase: Summer Vacation LOOKS
Smart Suitcase: Summer Vacation Edition
How do you fit an entire, well-prepared vacation wardrobe into one carry-on? Focus on versatility- each item you bring should have multiple uses. Keep your staples neutral and add variety with colorful accessories. This guide will help you travel light so you have plenty of room for goodies to bring home.
1 & 2. Basic Tees and Tanks take up very little room so they’re the ideal pieces to pack in multiples. Load up on neutrals and a few pop colors.
3. Another item that requires minimal space but offers lots of variety is a colorful, printed scarf. Use as a bathing suit cover-up or a wrap, or tie as a halter top (more on that to come).
4. Wear an oversized white shirt front-tucked into jean shorts, belted as a tunic over a maxi-skirt, or open over a bathing suit.
5 & 6. Bold jewelry like dangly earrings and layered bracelets are a great way of adding variety to outfits without taking up packing space- just make sure you don’t bring anything too precious or valuable.
7. A breezy maxi dress will keep you cool while walking around during the day, and is easy to dress up with some wedges and earrings for the evening.
8. Combat humidity and UV rays with a foldable sun hat.
9. A neutral belt adds polish and style to virtually any outfit. The braiding facilitates adjustability so you can wear it at your natural waist over a maxi or at your hips with jean shorts.
10 & 11. Pack one printed and one solid 2-piece swimsuit that you can mix and match for multiple combinations.
12. For dressier occasions, pack a comfortable wedge in a neutral color (the closer to your skin tone, the better)- it’ll go with every outfit.
13. Use a colorful clutch for evenings out, use it as a wallet or pouch during the day and toss into your big tote.
14. It doesn’t get more utilitarian than the jean short. Opt for a slightly slouchy fit with a longer inseam- you won’t dread putting them on or wearing them all day for multiple days.
15. Strappy metallic sandals are comfortable to walk in, coordinate with everything, and take up very little space.
16. Most of your clothing should be pretty neutral to allow for versatility, but you can add color with a big, lightweight tote for shopping and beach excursions. Make sure its sturdy fabric, like canvas, so it’s durable but packable.
17. Flip-flops.
18. The linchpin of your vacation wardrobe should be the comfortable, unwrinkled-able knit maxi skirt. Pack a darker neutral color to hide stains (you’ll be wearing this a lot). Wear with tennies and a tank for sight-seeing. Pull up and add a belt to wear as a strapless dress.
19. Since they take up so much room, make sure your sneakers are cute enough for casual outfits but functional for hiking and exercise.
20. Sure, you could wear leggings or cargo pants, but lightweight cropped pants like these in a cotton or linen are just as functional and comfortable, but a lot chicer.
Palm Wonderful
The palm tree has long been a charmingly retro, vaguely glamorous symbol of Southern California, adorning the Beverly Hills sign and In-n-Out takeout bags. Lately, the popularity of the Coachella Festival has has lent a new, slick persona to this west-coast icon; the image that emerges this season on everything from graphic tees to clutches is super-graphic, often in stark black-and-white contrast. My favorite are the little palm studs- a subtle reminder of my hometown (I am a So-Cal girl, after all)
1. Soludos
2. L’AGENCE
5. Mikoh
6. Gorjana
7. Splendid
8. Splendid
10. Steve Madden
11. Dolce Vita
12. Jimmy Choo
13. Shourouk