As many of you all may be traveling for the fourth this weekend or for a summer getaway later in the summer, I thought I would help make your packing a little easier with this packing list! While some items might vary depending on where you are going or the type of person you are..Here’s what I would be packing and some of my favorite items if you are lacking them in your wardrobe {photos below with items in same order as linked}! Make sure to costumize this list to who you are though..know what you will wear and what you won’t! I know I always have very limited packing space so don’t overpack either, not everything on this list is necessary for everyone, some things are just there to remind you not to forget them if they are something you would normally bring! Number of items may vary as well depending on how long your trip may be!
Let’s start with the basics..wherever you are going you will most defiantly need:
-All things to do with Teeth! {Toothbrush, toothpaste, retainers, whitening strips, mouthwash, floss, etc..}
–Deodorant
-ALL the appropriate Bras for clothes you are packing {everyday, strapless, push-up, backless, & sports}: I absolutely hate it when I bring something backless but cannot wear it because I have forgotten my backless bra!
–Underwear
–Hair Products: {Hairspray, Shampoo, Conditioner, all your styling products}
–Hair Straightener, Hair Dryer, and Hair Curler
–Contacts & Glasses
–Chargers for ALL your devices with your names on them!! Often when traveling with other families, I can’t be the only one who gets mine mixed up with friends or even other family members
–Hair clips, hair ties, & headbands
–Traveling Essentials! {A good book, magazines, a pillow, some headphones, puzzles..things to keep you busy on the way there!}
–Sunblock! You don’t want to come back looking like a tomato or not be able to enjoy your getaway because of a burn! My favorite sunblock is SunBum because I find it to not feel “sticky” on my skin and it smells amazing!
Okay now onto Clothes:
–A Romper: I believe at least one romper to be an essential item, because we all know, when on vacation..time always seems to escape us. Whether we get lost day dreaming on the beach, drooling over the most fabulous pair of shoes, or stuck in traffic, there are always those days where you find yourself rushed to get ready. A romper is so easy to throw on and immediately have an effortlessly chic, comfortable look in record breaking time. Right now I am loving this one ($297..just add some blue to this red and white and your set for the fourth!), this one ($148 I love this colorful casual short romper to throw on), and this one ($39.99 I absolutely adore this romper to be paired with fun accessories, it is an amazing staple piece at an incredible price!) for short rompers and this one ($248..Look familiar? Check out why I still love this jumpsuit from my blog post here!), this one (On Sale for $200 from $385! This jumpsuit is killer for any dressier summer event), and this one ($90 I adore this jumpsuit to be worn alone or with some fun accessories to make a serious statement at a great price!) for some long jumpsuits.
-Swim Suits: Wherever you may be going, more than likely I would think you would need some fun swim suits. Sun, the pool, and the beach… After all, that’s what summer is all about! For Bikinis..I love this one ($14.39 How cute and festive is this for the fourth of July?!), this one ($130..Think of it as an investment..it’s perfect for the fourth and any/every day summer day after?!), and this one ($132, umm have you seen any swim suit more unique than this one?!)
–A Swim Cover-up: A swim cover-up is obviously a necessity if you are bringing a swim suit! I love this one ($140 so fun for summer with these amazing colors!), this one ($286, love any Mara Hoffman for the beach!) , and this one ($15.90, at that price how could you not love it?!).
–Basic Tees: If you’re like me, I always recommend bringing some basic tees to throw on when you’re in a hurry for an effortless look. I pair my solid basic tees with some shorts or a skirt and some fun sandals to casually run around in when I’m in a hurry.
–Cute Casual Tees/Tanks: This is essential to bring to be able to run around casually! Whether your casual tee be a printed cotton tee, a graphic tee, detailed top, or maybe even a fun crop top..make sure you pack it with you! While some may not love graphic tees as much as me..I adore them!
–Patterned Shorts: Patterned shorts are always fun to wear so you aren’t always wearing jean shorts, I pair my patterned shorts with either a fun blouse or a basic tee depending on whether I want to dress them up or down!
–Jean Shorts: Need I say more? When do you not need jean shorts?!
–Jeans: You never know when you may need a pair of jeans. I bring my cropped and/or distressed blue jeans and some colored jeans for a different but still fun summer look! Right now I am loving these J Brand colored jeans and they’re 40% off!
–White Jeans/Shorts: I love white jeans to dress up with a cute blouse or a basic tee when being more casual! White jeans are great to wear to dinner or throughout the day and white shorts are great when you want to be a little dressier than jean shorts.
–Sun Dresses: Sun dresses are an obvious necessity, I love all kinds of silk dresses to wear around town throughout the summer or dress up and wear at night for dinner or anything else you may be doing! I absolutely adore this sun dress (Calypso St. Barth $295) to throw on or even dress up!
–Maxi Dress: Maxi dresses are made for summer, so why not wear them as much as possible?! Check out previous blog posts on summer maxis I am still loving here and here!
–A Nice Blouse: Whether your blouse be solid or printed, blouses are great to be paired with printed shorts, white jeans, colored jeans, statement jewelry, or a skirt!
–Skirts: if you’re a skirt kind of girl..make sure you don’t forget one and a top to pair with it!
Shoes:
Okay now think about what you are taking and all the shoes that would look good with your outfits..
–Heels: If you know you are not going to be doing anything dressy enough for heels or heels aren’t your thing, these might not be necessary, but if they fit any of your outfits and there is a chance you may wear them, one basic pair might be a good idea.
–Wedges: I love wedges and think they are a necessity for summer vacations. Wedges are great to dress up any outfit, I always bring one good pair of basic wedges I can wear multiple times.
–Sandals: Obviously, a couple pairs of sandals! I bring a cute comfortable pair (usually my Tory Burch Sandals), a durable pair I can wear to and from the beach or pool (usually my rainbows, they get more comfortable with every wear!), and a cute pair of strappy sandals or gladiators (I love my faithful Sam & Libby’s from Target)!
Accessories:
Okay think again..What are you taking and what jewelry would fit best? It’s very important you don’t waste room (and weight if you are flying) with pieces that don’t match anything you are taking!
–Sunglasses: Because what’s worse than sun in your eyes?! Over the summer, you always need some good sunglasses. While you could easily get away with bringing one faithful pair, I like to bring two pairs to match whatever look I am feeling that day. Right now I am totally crushing on these sunglasses for any summer vacation!
–A Fun Beach Hat: Beach hats are fabulous to keep the sun out of your eyes while at the beach. Unless you have fabulous hair that reacts wonderfully to the beach breeze and salt water resulting in you looking like a Victoria Secret Angel… beach hats can also hide your crazy embarrassing hair if you have hair like mine that frizzes and looks far from any model. Love this one ($20), this one ($388), and this one ($440..I’m drooling over this one).
–A Cute Beach Bag: Make sure this bag is durable and isn’t going to be destroyed when taking to the beach..but you must have something to put all your beach essentials in! {Sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, magazines}. Adore this one ($88, 40% off!), this one ($65) , this one (on sale for $23.99) this one ($245) and this one ($286).
–Fun Beach Towel: What’s more fun than having a bright beach towel to lay out on or dry off with? Besides..a bright beach towel could be the center of attention in your oh-so-necessary instagram picture! Loving this one right now for only $10.90?!
–Your Everyday Purse: Where will you keep your wallet when shopping?!
–A Small Clutch/Cross-body: A small bag is definitely a necessity when traveling! This is often an item I forget and am always kicking myself! A small bag can make a huge statement in an outfit and is perfect to fit all your necessities without lugging around your hobo. How festive is this one (on sale for $66), this one ($100), and this one ($199)?!
–Earrings: Bring a few pairs of casual earrings (probably studs) to wear throughout the day or as a staple at night and a couple pairs of fun statement earrings. Sometimes earrings can really make an outfit! Right now I am really loving these ($110), these (on sale! $224), and these ($85) as some statement pieces and these ($35), these ($20), and these ($195) for more causal.
–Necklaces: Okay same thing as earrings now..one or two basic pieces to wear casually and maybe one or two statement pieces you could pair with something you are wearing. My next purchase will definitely be this necklace here for a summer getaway..it’s so festive and fun for this summer season!! I have it in cobalt blue and wear it all the time!
–Bracelets: Same thing again, make sure you bring a few basics and a few big statement pieces.
–Watch: If you are one to wear watches, don’t forget it! I know I love my colorful Toy Watches for a pop of color with any outfit!
Hope your getaway is as fabulous and relaxing as I’m sure you have planned it!! Until next time..
xx, g
