Of all the things there are to love about summer, and there are a lot, there’s none better than packing a bag, heading to the airport, and going on an adventure. Whether it’s traveling to New York to see all the fun summer activities the Big Apple has to offer or taking a long-haul trip to spend a week on a Greek island or Southeast Asia city, summer vacations are your chance to see some sights, spend quality time with friends and family, and all-around live your best life.
Vacations are fun no matter where you go, what you do, or what you’re wearing — but when you’re in a world-class destination looking your absolute best? Well, that’s what dreams are made of.
If you’re planning a vacation this summer, then this page is for you. We’ll run through some handy tips for packing a photo-ready wardrobe that’ll put the cherry on top of your great vacation. Let’s dive in.
Photo by Jerm Gonzalo on Pexels
Plan Your Outfits
Want to make sure that you’re always ready to have your photo taken when someone whips out their camera (and that’ll happen a lot)? Then spend some time planning your outfits before you begin packing. Understanding which of your summer clothes work together will allow you to put together outfits for all times of the day. You’ll still be able to buy some new vacation clothes, and you’ll also need to stick to some other rules, but knowing that you’ll always have a few cohesive outfits to wear will give you confidence that you’ll always look the part.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
You’re not just packing with style in mind; functionality is important, too! Some people pack a collection of showstopping outfits, only to get there and realize that none of them are appropriate for the climate. Your clothes might handle a Michigan summer just fine, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll handle the Greek island you’re visiting just as well!
Before packing, look beyond the peak temperature of the destination you’re visiting and take a deeper dive into the climate. Some places can be exceptionally hot during the day but chilly once the sun goes down, in which case you’ll need to pack a few extra layers.
Functional Yet Stylish Footwear
Footwear can be a little tricky when you’re traveling. On the one hand, you’ll want to have footwear that is stylish and elevates your outfits. On the other hand, you’ll also likely be doing a lot of walking, so it’ll need to be comfortable. Your footwear will also need to be versatile, since in many cases you might be jumping from one environment to the next without going back to the hotel — for instance, when you leave the beach and head directly to dinner.
Look at packing footwear that you don’t need to overthink. While you’ll want at least one pair of closed-toe footwear (like sneakers), you’ll likely find that sandals will be the go-to option.
Plan for Special Dinners
When daydreaming about their vacation, most people focus on the adventures, the beaches, the sights they’ll see, plus all the great food they’ll eat. In most instances, you’ll likely find that you’re eating at casual — but delicious — eateries where you can wear casual clothing. With that said, it’s worthwhile packing some slightly more sophisticated outfits so that you can eat at a couple of upscale restaurants. There are a few trendy corset styles that combine perfectly with skirts or loose pants for a great summertime al fresco dining outfit. Packing at least one dress is recommended, too, since it’s a low-effort yet highly stylish look that’ll look right at home in a rooftop cocktail bar.
Invest in Quality Essentials
As we said above, it’s worthwhile packing a few higher-quality items for those special dinners, and they’re perfect for looking your best in those golden hour photos.
But it’s also recommended to invest in some quality essentials. By that, we mean clothing items that you probably wouldn’t wear to a fancy dinner, but you will wear every day. A great pair of shorts, quality t-shirts, and swimwear might not be a showstopper, but you’ll be thankful that you packed them. They’ll likely form your outfit for the majority of the day, right up until you get changed into something more formal for dinner. You’ll be more comfortable — both literally and from a ‘confidence in your outfit’ sense — if they’re high quality.
Go Big On Accessories
Accessories can elevate an outfit at any time of the year, but even more so during the summer. After all, you’ll be wearing less fabric than you do during the other periods of the year, which means your accessories are responsible for a bigger percentage of your outfit.
A great summer hat and sunglasses are practical and stylish — and they’re also perfect for covering up any bad hair days (the ocean can cause chaos to your tassels) or bags under your eyes (we don’t always sleep as much as we should when traveling!). Add in a couple of pieces of jewelry, such as a subtle necklace and bracelet, and you’ll have gently pushed your outfit to the next level.
Buy Local
Looking to mix up your look, while also treating yourself to a souvenir that’ll turn heads once you’re back home? Then visit some local boutique clothing stores when you’re on vacation. It can be much more affordable than you think, and you’ll find pieces that you simply won’t be able to find back home.
Bring Your Confidence-Boosting Pieces
You have to be selective when packing (those airline baggage fees are getting crazy), so everything that makes it into your suitcase should be an item that you will absolutely wear. It’s better to leave some space in the suitcase for clothes you’ll buy when traveling rather than fill it up with clothes that’ll remain in the bag all vacation.
One last word of advice: take your most beloved, confidence-boosting clothes with you (provided they’re climate-appropriate). Looking your best is all about having confidence, and there’s nothing that’ll make you more confident than your favorite item!
