Ultimate Style & Packing Guide for Warm Weather Travel
Packing List, Outfit Guide and Style Tips
During the brutal winter months, we all look forward to escaping to warmer weather in any form - from planned family vacations, to couples getaways or girls weekends. As the date of your vacation rapidly approaches you realize you are not sure what to pack, because you kind of want to take with you everything you own! But the real goal of any vacation is to unwind, so don’t let the packing phase get you stressed. We’ll show you how to keep it light and pack just the items you really need. It will make packing easier and you can relax and unwind knowing you have with you everything you need!
Your Vacation Style Refined
We love the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method as a guide to keep you on track. One of my favorite versions for warm weather travel is the five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, and one dress — plus your miscellaneous accessories. This is a rough ratio of the items you should bring and the combination is a good starting point for maximizing the number of outfits from a small amount of pieces. You can adjust based on your itinerary, but the key to succeeding at this method is to choose versatile clothes that work together and can be mixed-and-matched. That does not necessarily mean packing a boring capsule of neutral basics. Instead think about creating a single color story.
Before you start, consider the breath of your itinerary. Are you going hiking? Then on a pub crawl? Then to a black tie event? Or cocktail party? This will mean packing a wider variety amongst your capsule and more accessories than a trip with a narrow breadth of needs
I usually start the process with a baseline selection of items I want to pack or with one or two outfits that I want to wear. (And remember that Bottoms can be pants, shorts, skirts, culottes… and Tops can be tanks, tees, cardis, jackets…. ) If any of the initial pieces clash or won’t pair easily, I pull them out and make an adjustment to another piece. For example, my favorite white shorts are definitely coming, but the cute red top didn’t work with my other colors. The soft aqua on the other hand goes with the skirt above and my yellow sandals and sneakers.
With each clothing item you add to create an outfit, create two more outfits using that item, striving for a total of at least three outfits per item, all from within the same capsule. Try creating outfits of different formality: some dressed up and others dressed down to ensure you meet your needs for this trip. If you notice you’re not using an item much, consider removing it and replacing it with something more versatile. This part of the process is a bit like solving a puzzle, but is well worth the effort! And don’t forget to utilize accessories during this process. A sparkling necklace or elegant scarf can have a significant impact on a look. And shoes can quickly move a look from day to night, even shorts! Take pictures of the outfits you create and store them on your phone or in your Unfoldid App for easy dressing.
Shop This Look
Lastly, don’t over think it. This is a hard one for me, but truly is a lifesaver! You can’t pack light and have every favorite outfit with you — so even if normally you would pack you blue shoes for that one skirt or your spike heels that look great with your dress, versatility is your friend when packing. A few compromises will keep your suitcase and your stress level light as a feather!
Your Packing List
A Few Items to Consider:
Beach cover-up a necessity for a warm vacation. Think outside the box and use sundresses, scarves or oversized shirts instead of traditionally labeled “cover-ups” which can often be odd, frumpy or less versatile than clothing you already know and love.
Chic one-piece bathing suit comfortable for swimming or tanning or chasing kids. For extra ease go for a tankini that looks like a one piece but is easier…. for all the obvious reasons!
Printed bikini for the daring if you decide to get extra tanning or a surf-side date. I typically bring one suit that is more flirty or fun and one that is more practical.
Classic beach hat Sun hats make the best summer accessory, while protecting both your hair and skin for harmful UV rays. A package floppy brim is always a classic, but we also love a compact straw visor.
Cool shades you will be wearing them daily with all your outfits, so pick a pair that is neutral and works for casual to dressy
Casual Sandal if yours are messy and worn, invest in a new pair, they will be invaluable anytime sand or water is in the picture, and ideally it’s a versatile pair that works beyond the pool or beach. They are perfect for turning dressier pieces more casual instantly.
Plain white T-shirt that goes with everything pair it with your skirt or shorts, layer it under a sundress -invaluable!
Day dress can be dressed up with heels or put over your suit and paired with flats
Shorts keeps your look casual even when you pair them with heels or a silk blouse and needed on a scorching day
Beach bag think ahead and pack a great bag. Don’t risk ruining your looks by resorting to a grocery bag to hold your beach gear! Consider one that works from beach to dinner and could even be your carry-on. Or bring one of the scrunch bags that are popular and take up no room at all.
Light wide leg pant – cool and comfortable, but more coverage than shorts. A washed lighter jean, linen pant or light cotton chino are perfect for warmer weather. Pick a pair in a lighter color to keep your look light and to keep you cool
Flowy maxi skirt comfortable and pulled together. And you can pull it up and wear it as a dress!
Button down shirt buttoned up or used open like a jacket, the perfect way to cover your shoulders - light denim, linen or a clean white version works with everything
Long sleeved layer - A cashmere sweater, long sleeve top or light jacket or blazer will add to your outfit combinations and you’ll be ready for any chilly breeze or cools evenings. A nautical stripe or great neutral with go with everything
Night out piece if you have evenings out planned, bring a great pant, a shimmering or skimpy top or bold accessories to dress up your look.
Neutral color wedges your heels for summer, to dress up your look while still being practical
Black or white tank top an easy on-trend piece that can instantly make multiple outfits
Light jacket another layer that works on top of jeans, shorts or dresses— maybe with a hood if you are worried about summer showers
Statement jewelry the perfect way to completely change your look — works with dresses, and everything from shorts and tanks for an outing or lunch by the pool
Small bag keep it inside your beach bag at the ready for quick trips to the store or a night out.
Two-Piece Sets: Matching sets have become the new romper, jumpsuit or dress if you will. Wear the 2 pieces together for a dressier look then separate the pieces to create multiple new looks with each!
What to Wear to the Airport
Remember you can wear multiple items from your capsule onto the plane. I never pack a a heavy or even medium coat even when traveling from frigid to tropical temps. Instead I layer up my pieces that I plan to wear on vacation. My long pants with a favorite tank and cashmere sweater layered up with a jean jacket and cotton scarf. (and yes somedays a beanie and gloves for the ride to the airport!)
Other Ideas for On the Plane:
Carry a pair of dark glasses in your carry-on luggage or purse.
Wear comfortable stretchy or loose jeans, leggings, or a trendy pull on pant that you can repurpose when you arrive.
The right jacket can finish off an outfit and look suitably stylish for the traveling fashionista. Choose a neutral that goes with any color or style.
A patterned scarf is a must! Throw it on if you get cold, use as a sleep mask or pillow or even to catch stains as you try to sip your drink during turbulence!
A pair of flats or sneakers in a neutral color are not only stylish and comfortable, but they are practical and easy when going through airport security.
On a long flight, pack a secondary outfit in your carry-on luggage. Then you don’t need to worry about spills or wrinkles. You can save it as a back up or change into more stylish pieces before you land.
When traveling from warm to cold and back again simply layer your pieces and add and subtract as needed. A tank with a cashmere sweater topped with a light jacket and scarf will keep you warm and can then be re and deconstructed as needed and then used at your destination!
As soon as you start planning your next getaway, let the Unfoldid team help you fill the gaps in your wardrobe. Book a Closet Editing virtual or in-person appointment so we can help you create outfits and help you plan smart purchases for your upcoming trip.
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