What I Pack for a Beach Vacation

The pieces that always make it into my suitcase—from fabulous caftans and swimsuits to the accessories that do most of the work.

I love a beach vacation, but I don't love overpacking for one.

Over the years, I've learned that I wear the same kinds of pieces again and again: a few swimsuits I feel great in, beautiful caftans, easy dresses, flat sandals and plenty of accessories.

The secret, for me, isn't packing more. It's packing pieces that can take me from the beach to lunch, cocktails and dinner without requiring an entirely different wardrobe.

Start With the Caftans

If there is one thing I probably pack too many of, it's caftans.

I love them because they're glamorous without requiring much effort. I can throw one over a swimsuit for the pool, wear it to lunch with a beautiful sandal, or dress it up with jewelry for cocktails.

Color, print and embellishment are all welcome. A beach vacation is not where I suddenly become a minimalist.

A Few Great Swimsuits

I'd rather bring a few swimsuits I know I feel good in than a suitcase full of options.

Fit and comfort matter most, but I also like swimwear that feels like part of an outfit—something that looks just as good underneath a caftan as it does by the pool.

Dresses That Do Double Duty

I always pack a few easy dresses that can change personality depending on what I wear with them.

Flat sandals and a straw bag for daytime. Gold jewelry, a different shoe and a small evening bag for dinner.

Those are the pieces that earn their place in my suitcase.

Accessories Do the Work

This is where I have fun.

Oversized sunglasses, a great hat, scarves, gold jewelry, a fabulous beach bag and a few pairs of sandals can completely change otherwise simple clothes.

A scarf is particularly useful. I can wear it around my neck, over my hair, around my waist or tied onto a bag.

What I Don't Pack Anymore

Anything that needs too much thought.

Uncomfortable shoes, clothes that only work for one very specific occasion, and too many “just in case” outfits usually come home unworn.

I'd rather leave a little room in the suitcase—for something I find along the way.

The MBellished Beach Edit

The Swimsuit · The Caftan · The Easy Dress · The Scarf · The Hat · The Sunglasses · The Gold Jewelry · The Sandal · The Beach Bag