Lifestyle

The Essential Carry-On Packing List for a Beach Vacation

LifestylePublished Mar 31, 2016
By Elaine Yu
beach trip packing list

Remember when a spring getaway meant heading down to Mexico with your college friends to party for an entire week? You had plenty of time to pack and think about what to wear on vacation. Now, as a busy mom, those days are long gone, and honestly, who has time to think about what to pack? 

If you're lucky enough to be getting away on a beach vacation, with or without the kids, all the details have been planned. But your mind is still busy thinking about what to pack for the little ones (even if it's just for Grandma's house), loading up enough diapers and clean clothes, and not forgetting to throw in your toddler's favorite blanket on the way out to catch your flight. So let me take care of your wardrobe planning for you!

I’ve created a beach trip capsule wardrobe for when you’re only packing a carry-on. The best part: no extra luggage fees!

These 20 pieces will take you from the beach to lunch to an evening out. Have a great time!

Images (clockwise from the left) via shopbop.com; nordstrom.com; bananarepublic.com; zappos.com; nordstrom.com; zara.com; athleta.com

1/20
Bikini-placeholder
Bikini
nordstrom.com

Bikini

Every beach vacation starts with a beautiful swimsuit, and this bikini is the foundation of our capsule wardrobe.

Shown: Rhythm Bikini Top and Bottom in Indigo ($40 and $38, nordstrom.com).

2/20
Beach Cover-Up-placeholder
Beach Cover-Up
shopbop.com

Beach Cover-Up

This colorful cover-up will keep you looking stylish as you lounge by the pool or sit at the beach watching over the kids. The best part? You can also wear it to lunch!

Shown: Mediterranean Vacation Mini Tunic Dress ($149, shopbop.com).

3/20
Packable Straw Hat-placeholder
Packable Straw Hat
nordstrom.com

Packable Straw Hat

A sun hat is a must-have travel accessory, and this packable straw hat by Madewell is perfect for the beach and sightseeing.

Shown: Packable Straw Hat in Dark Natural Mix ($42, nordstrom.com).

More from The Stir: 14 Go-To #MomUniforms So Easy & Chic, We're Swooning

4/20
Flip-Flops-placeholder
Flip-Flops
zappos.com

Flip-Flops

A pair of nude flip-flops goes with everything!

Shown: Yosi Samra Roee Flip Flops in Nude ($55, zappos.com).

5/20
Beach Bag-placeholder
Beach Bag
zara.com

Beach Bag

Classic canvas beach tote for sunscreen, snacks, and all your necessities.

Shown: Fabric Beach Tote ($39.90, zara.com).

6/20
Rashguard-placeholder
Rashguard
athleta.com

Rashguard

When you've had enough sun and your skin is tingling from the heat, throw on this rashguard. Pair with shorts and flip flops when you're heading to lunch.

Shown: Kailua Rashguard in Caspian Blue Print ($79, athleta.com).

More from The Stir: 16 Pretty Spring Scenes to Happify Your Nails

7/20
Denim Jacket-placeholder
Denim Jacket
loft.com

Denim Jacket

You always need a jacket for those just-in-case moments. Wear it over your dresses for a night out or with shorts and a tee shirt for indoor daytime activities with strong A/C.

Shown: Denim Jacket in White ($79.50, loft.com).

8/20
Sneakers-placeholder
Sneakers
zappos.com

Sneakers

Canvas sneakers with a palm tree motif. So cute! Wear with jeans or shorts and tank top. Add jewelry if you're in the mood.

Shown: Superga by Jennifer Meyer ($149, zappos.com).

9/20
Dressy Top-placeholder
Dressy Top
bananarepublic.com

Dressy Top

For those lunches or dinners when you want to feel casual but not look sloppy. Wear with shorts and wedges, and add any of your accessories.

Shown: Pleated Crepe Blouse in Violet ($78, bananarepublic.com).

More from The Stir: 13 Gorgeous Shoes That Show Off All the Spring Trends (PHOTOS)

10/20
Bracelet-placeholder
Bracelet
nordstrom.com

Bracelet

A simple statement bracelet when you want to dress up just a little bit!

Shown: Taner Dagger Double Strand Bead Bracelet in Dark Coral ($38, nordstrom.com).

11/20
White Shorts-placeholder
White Shorts
loft.com

White Shorts

Everyone needs a pair of white shorts in their wardrobe for a beach vacation. Nothing shows off a tan better! Wear with cotton tank for a casual look or off-the-shoulder top for a dressy boho vibe.

Shown: Riviera Shorts in White ($39.50, loft.com).

12/20
Cami Dress-placeholder
Cami Dress
asos.com

Cami Dress

This sweet print dress can be worn as a cover-up over your bathing suit or out to dinner with your wedges.

Shown: Tropical Print Cami Dress ($43, asos.com).

More from The Stir: The 14 Most Stylish Moms on Instagram

13/20
Drop Earrings-placeholder
Drop Earrings
anthropologie.com

Drop Earrings

These beaded hoop earrings can be worn with any of your outfits in this capsule wardrobe collection!

Shown: Lorica Hoops ($78, anthropologie.com).

14/20
Wedges-placeholder
Wedges
bloomingdales.com

Wedges

These gorgeous wedges are your dressy shoes and can be worn with either the dress, white shorts, or jeans in this collection.

Shown: Harbie Cork Wedge Platform Sandals in Chic White ($120, bloomingdales.com).

15/20
Off-the-Shoulder Top-placeholder
Off-the-Shoulder Top
asos.com

Off-the-Shoulder Top

Off-the-shoulder tops are big this season. Show off your tan in this top by Free People worn with your jeans or white shorts and wedge heels.

Shown: All I Need Embroidered Top ($251, asos.com).

More from The Stir: 10 Super-Cute & Affordable Off-the-Shoulder Dresses

16/20
Jeans-placeholder
Jeans
bloomingdales.com

Jeans

Every capsule wardrobe needs a great pair of jeans. These are broken in and perfect for a relaxing vacation! Can be worn with any of the tops or shoes in our 20-piece collection.

Shown: 7 for all Mankind Josefina Jeans in Royal Broken Twill ($189, bloomingdales.com).

17/20
Cotton Tank-placeholder
Cotton Tank
jcrew.com

Cotton Tank

Just like your trusted tee shirt but sleeveless instead. Wear with shorts or jeans, flip-flops, or canvas sneakers.

Shown: Vintage Cotton Tank in Soft Aquamarine ($24.50, jcrew.com).

18/20
Necklace-placeholder
Necklace
baublebar.com

Necklace

A beautiful layered gold necklace with mint quartz goes with the tank top and palm trees in the canvas sneakers. Perfect for dressing up the tank with jeans.

Shown: Aries Layered Necklace ($48, baublebar.com).

More from The Stir: 16 Fresh-Picked Spring Jewelry Trends

19/20
Mid-Length Dress-placeholder
Mid-Length Dress
anthropologie.com

Mid-Length Dress

This colorful mid-length dress by Plenty by Tracy Reese will be your dressiest piece. Wear it to dinner with your wedges or flip-flops, depending on your mood. 

Shown: Magali Midi Dress ($248, anthropologie.com).

20/20
Thread Earrings-placeholder
Thread Earrings
vivandingrid.com

Thread Earrings

What could be easier than threading these beauties into your ears? So simple and low fuss. Wear with your pink crepe blouse and jeans for a casual night out.

Shown: Athena Threads in Gold Amethyst ($118, vivandingrid.com).

More from The Stir: How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe & Simplify Your Life

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