As I write this, it’s 39 degrees in New York City and I’m sitting at my desk dressed in a cashmere sweater and a pair of wide-leg jeans. But mentally, I’m somewhere else, feeling the sun sizzle on my skin and listening to the melody of crashing waves along the shore. Yes, I’m dreaming of my next seaside getaway, and as such, I’m also thinking about all the vacation essentials I plan to pack for said trip.
For starters, I wouldn’t be able to board any flight without my tried-and-true linen staples—including my breezy Veronica Beard dress, crisp J.Crew button-up, and lightweight Uniqlo shorts. These are just a few of my warm-weather must-haves that keep me cool and stylish. And of course, I can’t forget about the accessories that anchor every look, from my raffia beach bag to my leather sandals.
While my assortment of vacation outfits is pretty well-rounded, there are a few items that I plan to snag before my next sunny escape. Most notably, I’m looking for a sumptuous satin dress that will effortlessly transition from an al fresco dinner to a late-night excursion on the town. I’m also eying a set of comfortable mesh flats that blend function and fashion.
Scroll on to discover all the pieces that I already own, plus the styles that are begging for a spot in my travel capsule wardrobe. Hopefully, this handpicked list will help you to manifest your next vacay, too.
Pictured in my St. Lucia hotel room, I’m wearing one of my favorite vacation dresses.
(Image credit: Lauren K. Tappan)
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
Take a peak inside my closet, and you’ll find around a dozen button-down shirts. This one from J.Crew just so happens to be one of my favorites. I’m obsessed with the oversized silhouette, structured collars, and cool blue color. Whether worn over or a bathing suit or styled alongside trousers, this top has proven itself to be extremely versatile.
Veronica Beard
Georges Linen Midi Dress
The Veronica Beard dress that I’m wearing in the photo above is sold out. However, lucky for you, I found a similar one on the brand’s website. Cut with a timeless silhouette, it’s the type of streamlined white dress that you’ll hold onto for years to come.
Madewell
Pull-On Pants in 100% Linen
No travel wardrobe is complete without gauzy linen pants. I’d recommend this pair from Madewell, designed with a drawstring closure for an adjustable fit.
Reformation
Jillian Silk Dress
During any vacation, I try to fill my itinerary with a few late-night dinners. I’ll often slip into a satin dress for the occasion—and this butter yellow option from Reformation is calling my name.
Adorned with an adorable bow, these Everlane sandals are guaranteed to add a charming touch to any vacation outfit. The brand also offers shades of gold and black, but I’m drawn to this deep amber hue.
Gap
Poplin Drop-Waist Maxi Skirt
Nothing says coastal quite like blue and white stripes. I’m embracing a nautical vibe with this gorgeous drop-waist skirt from Gap.
Staud
Mini Shirley Raffia Bucket Bag
Staud puts a contemporary twist on the traditional raffia bag with a leather trim and a sculptural silhouette. Now that I’ve found this statement-making accessory, it’s time to bid farewell to my tired old beach bag.
Nordstrom
Rib Scoop Neck Cotton Tank
Searching for a simple black tank top that will cycle seamlessly through your outfit rotation? Nordstrom has exactly what you need.
Uniqlo
Linen Blend Easy Shorts (striped)
Uniqlo’s airy linen shorts are stitched with a long inseam, so you won’t have to deal with bunched-up fabric or chafing around the thighs. Priced at $30, I’ll go ahead and buy two.
Jenny Bird
Estelle Rope Necklace
It’s official—‘90s-inspired cord necklaces are taking over the It-girl crowd. Play into the vintage accessory trend with this beachy rope necklace from Jenny Bird.
Retrofete
Dania Crochet Dress
As a minimalist, I’m not really partial toward patterns. But I’m making an exception for this intricately woven crochet dress from Retrofete.
ZARA
Contrast Strap Bikini Top
This swimwear top from Zara isn’t your typical black bikini. It’s anchored in contrasting straps that make it stand apart from the rest.
ZARA
Contrasting Straps Bikini Bottoms
For those interested in the bikini top above, make sure to snag the matching bottoms here.
Cuyana’s Paloma crossbody bag is the perfect travel purse. It’s large enough for all my in-flight essentials, yet not at all cumbersome.
Lele Sadoughi
Coquille Stud Earrings
If you’d like to try fashion’s seashell jewelry trend without making too much of a splash, consider Lele Sadoughi’s Coquille earrings. Tiny and subtle, these studs are great for pared-down dressers.
Banana Republic
Linen Tie-Front V-Neck Top
For touristy excursions, I’ll usually stick with my trusty tee-and-shorts combo. This time around though, I’m swapping my plain white T-shirt for this front-tie top from Banana Republic.
Ask me about my favorite pair of Bermuda bottoms, and I’ll wax poetic about Agolde’s Indra shorts. They’re crafted with soft denim fabric, so I can wear them all day long without a hint of discomfort.
MANGO
Ballet Flats With Mesh Bracelet
With a woven construction, mesh flats are ideal for sweat-inducing temperatures. Consider these breathable Mango shoes for your upcoming coastal vacation.
SNDYS’s Terra cover-up will take you straight from the beach to a poolside lunch. Complete the look with the label’s matching top, a pair of flip-flops, and a crochet tote bag,