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Warm-Weather Fashion Travel Essentials Checklist

Lenny green bikini

Gearing up for a week of fun and sun? These multitasking wardrobe items will work hard on vacation so you don’t have to.

Clothing

  • Lightweight dress. Pick something in a wrinkle-free fabric like silk jersey; a sleeveless, knee-length wrap style works for day or evening.
  • Cotton tunic. Choose a bright color to throw on over a swimsuit or dress up with slim pants and jewelry.
  • White ribbed tank tops and V-neck tees. Pack three of each; alternate them for day and night wear.
  • Thin cardigan sweater. Cashmere or cotton would be best.
  • Lightweight jacket. For practicality, go with cotton or nylon.
  • Long skirt. A bohemian print is colorful and fun.
  • Linen pajama bottoms. These can double as a bathing suit cover-up.
  • Cotton chino pants. As comfortable as jeans but lighter and with a bit more polish.
  • Black linen slim-cut trousers. A more sophisticated choice for evenings.
  • Cotton twill shorts. A neutral color, such as tan, khaki, or olive, will pair with everything.

Accessories

  • Beach bag. Canvas or raffia will be lightweight. Make sure it’s large enough to comfortably stash a towel, book, hat, water bottle, etc.
  • Bathing suits. Bring two—you always need a dry one!
  • Sarong. Wear it over your swimsuit during the day and as a wrap at night (also ideal for chilly plane rides).
  • Fabric hobo bag. Leather is too darn hot in the daytime. Go with a bright, tropical color (like sorbet shades).
  • Evening clutch. Satin, silk, or raffia with a bit of beading.
  • Rubber flip-flops. Wear them on the beach and instead of slippers.
  • Casual sandals. 
  • Dressy sandals. Look for a pair with beads or other embellishment.
  • Wide-brimmed hat. Make sure it’s packable.
  • Sunglasses. Your trusty favorites, plus a cheap back-up pair you can wear for water sports.
  • Jewelry. Bring a set of bangles that can be worn separately or together; a long (16-inch to 18-inch) necklace; a chunky necklace in faux semiprecious stones such as amber, turquoise, or garnet; studs or medium-size hoops for day; dangly earrings for night.

Miscellaneous

  • Nylon or zipper-seal plastic bag. For stashing wet bathing suits.

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