Nothing is more exciting than planning a vacation for spring or summer, and you probably book everything months in advance. Once you book your stay, flights, activities, or other travel logistics, you think you’re ready to go! However, packing is the elephant in the room during the last week or so before the trip. Rather than waiting until the very last second to pack your suitcase, consider these tips for planning warm-weather vacation outfits to ensure you have everything you want and need to create gorgeous vacay styles.

You Need a White Cropped Tee

No matter how much outfit planning you do when you pack your bag, there will still be that one day when you don’t want to wear any of your intricately-planned outfits. That said, a white cropped tee will be your saving grace—you can pair it with anything! Whether you wear jeans, denim shorts, a skirt, or your swimsuit, a white cropped tee will always do the job.

Extra Bonus

Wearing white will make your sunkissed skin from your vacation stand out—you’ll be glowing.

Jeans Are a Must

Even if you don’t think you’ll wear them, always pack a pair of jeans on vacation. The weather forecast may be promising, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be chilly when the sun goes down. If you plan to stay out late or go on night-time walks on the beach, jeans are an excellent option to keep you warm and stylish. Because blue jeans go with absolutely anything, these are the best choice to add to your suitcase—one pair is all you need.

Cut-Off Shorts Are Your Best Friend

Shorts are necessary for any warm-weather vacation, as they’ll be your go-to garment for almost everything. Whether you’re spending the day shopping, on the beach, or exploring the area, you can’t go wrong with cut-off shorts. Even if you prefer wearing flowy dresses or skirts on trips, it can’t hurt to pack one pair of denim shorts.

You’ll most likely have one of those mornings when you don’t want to get dressed for the day just yet, but you want to go out for coffee or breakfast. In this case, you can throw on your shorts and a graphic tank in an instant and head out.

Don’t Forget Your Favorite Sandals

Sandals are a must for warm-weather destinations, as you’ll most likely live in them for the week. Make sure they’re comfortable to walk in for several hours, as there’s nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes. If you need to bring more than one pair, feel free; sandals don’t take up too much space in your bag. Furthermore, neutral-colored sandals are the perfect addition to any outfit, whether formal or casual.

You Might Need To Dress Up

You may think your entire vacation will consist of lounging on the beach, but that’s not always the case. Dressing up is always a possibility, and you don’t have to let it catch you off guard. Even if you don’t love wearing dresses, you should pack something outside of denim shorts to wear for a nice dinner or outing. If you’re not into wearing dresses, consider boutique rompers and jumpsuits for your dressy attire, as they’re often more comfortable to move and walk in.

Dressing up doesn’t have to be uncomfortable; in fact, dressing up on vacation usually involves wearing sun dresses and other loose-fitting attire.

Less Is Always More

You’ve probably heard that less is always more, and it’s very true. When it comes to packing for vacations, most people overpack to the max. Although you can fill your suitcase to the brim, that’s not always the best idea. Rather than packing various well-planned outfits, consider packing items that you can put together in different ways. There’s nothing wrong with packing a little more than you need, but you want to avoid going overboard. After all, you don’t need 14 outfits for a five-day adventure.

Choose a Versatile Pair of Sunnies

Sunglasses are one of the most forgotten things when it comes to traveling, and you’ll regret it if you forget to bring them. Although you can probably buy a new pair wherever you go, choosing a versatile pair of sunnies is key. Many people have multiple pairs to choose from, but you don’t need to bring them all. Consider choosing one neutral pair to go with any of your outfits and leaving it at that. However, if you want to bring another pair, make sure you won’t crush or damage them during your travels.

A Light Jacket Is Always a Good Idea

One of the joys of going somewhere warm is that you don’t usually have to worry about what you wear; however, packing a light jacket is always a good idea. As previously mentioned, many warm areas often get chilly at night, and a light jacket is a great way to stay warm without taking away from the rest of your outfit. Bring a cute white or light-colored jacket with you—you never know when you’ll need another layer.

Comfy Clothes Are a Necessity

Even if you enjoy dressing up for every occasion, forgetting to pack loungewear is one of the biggest travel mistakes you can make. You may not wear them at your destination, but you also have to travel back home at some point—comfy clothes are a necessity for travel days. Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, you’ll regret not having leggings or another comfortable option to wear on the way home.

Travel Tip

When traveling, wear the items that take up the most space to avoid taking up room in your suitcase. Sneakers or athletic shoes take up a significant amount of space—wear them on your travel days instead of trying to shove them into your suitcase.

With a few tips for planning warm-weather vacation outfits, you’ll be ready to set sail on your tropical trip. No matter where you go, a warm climate calls for a specific vacay wardrobe—be sure to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen if you’ll be lounging on white sandy beaches!

Tips for Planning Warm-Weather Vacation Outfits
March 20, 2023 — Monica Spruiell