The Wardrobe Staples You Need for Your Summer Vacation

Summer is upon us and that means vacations are on the horizon. Turquoise waters spanning miles of shoreline, scenic drives through the countryside, and traipsing around ancient Greece, are all summer vacation scenes that come to mind.

Whatever your summer vacation plans are, choosing the right pieces to pack is essential. However, if you’re like me, packing can be a somewhat daunting task. I tend to get overwhelmed and end up packing way too many options that never even get worn.

To simplify your packing endeavors, I’ve come up with a list of all the wardrobe staples you need for your summer vacation. These are the key pieces that you’ll actually wear and can mix and match throughout your vacation.

SHOP SUMMER VACATION WARDROBE STAPLES

Summer Vacation Wardrobe Staples

1. Daytime Dress

First and foremost, you’re going to need a daytime dress. You’ll want to choose a light and airy dress that you feel comfortable and put together in, for whatever daytime activities you have planned. I suggest having a long and a short option for whatever situations may arise.

SHOP DAYTIME DRESSES

2. Nighttime Dress

As well as daytime activities, you’ll probably have some nighttime ones planned, too. I always pack a dinner out dress (or two) that can be styled several ways. Sticking with a basic dress like the ones below, makes getting a few uses out of it a bit easier.

SHOP NIGHTTIME DRESSES

3. Swimsuit

For swimsuits, I like to pack a bikini and a one piece. I never know what my mood will be or what the pool or beach vibe will be, so having at least one of each is helpful.

SHOP SWIMSUITS

4. Swim Cover Up

You’ll want something to wear over your swimsuit to all those beach and poolside bars and restaurants. I personally love a coverup that can double as a dress so I feel more together and ready for anything.

SHOP SWIM COVERUPS

5. Linen Shirt

A linen shirt is a total wardrobe staple when it comes to most any summer vacation. I’ve talked at length in other blog posts about linen shirts (5 Linen Shirts Every Girl Should Have in Their Summer Wardrobe) and their attributes. Linen shirts will keep you cool, and can also be paired with most everything in your suitcase.

SHOP LINEN SHIRTS

6. Linen Pants

While we’re discussing linen, a good pair of loose linen pants is also a perfect addition for your summer vacation. They look polished and stylish, while keep you cool and comfortable.

SHOP LINEN PANTS

7. Shorts

Some days feel like dress days and some feel like shorts days. A versatile pair of shorts is easily a summer vacation wardrobe staple that you’ll want to pack. Bringing a pair of denim shorts, as well as a pair made of more comfortable fabric will be beneficial.

SHOP SHORTS

8. Walking Shoes

As much as we love a fun pair of heels, shoes that we can walk in are a must. Often times your days will include sightseeing and exploring, which can mean a lot of walking. A pair of comfortable sneakers is a summer vacation wardrobe staple that is vital to include in your packing list.

SHOP WALKING SHOES

9. Sandals

As well as walking shoes, sandals are going to be an important shoe to include. Lounging by the pool or on the beach, requires a cute pair of sandals to go with that chic swimsuit. Some of my favorites are below.

SHOP SANDALS

10. Heels

Aside from walking and lounging shoes, going out shoes are also wardrobe staples you need for your summer vacation. Make sure to pack a cute pair of heels to go with the nighttime dresses you’ll be bringing.

SHOP HEELS

11. Woven Basket Bag

You know how much I love a woven basket bag. Basket bags are the quintessential summer bag and I can’t own enough of them. No matter what your daytime travel activities are, you can be assured that a basket bag will satisfy all your needs. Size, style and function are all key attributes of the basket bag.

SHOP WOVEN BASKET BAGS

12. Evening Bag

As much as we love a woven basket bag for daytime, we’re going to want something quite different for nighttime. Make a point to bring along a sleek little clutch or a vintage frame bag to complete your evening look.

SHOP EVENING BAGS

13. Accessories

Accessories to pull your looks together should also be on your radar. Make sure to choose pieces that can be mixed and matched easily with each of your outfits. Some of my favorite classic designs are below.

SHOP ACCESSORIES

We’ve chosen the wardrobe staples you need for your summer vacation, now you just need to plan that vacation girl! I’d love to hear if you have any summer travel plans and if this article was indeed helpful in planning your packing list.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Shop my LTK it here.

Be sure to check out my other blog post: 7 Summer Investment Pieces Every Woman Should Own