Hello, hello, sweet friends! How is your week going so far? We’re still figuring out a Summer Break schedule, and balancing work with family time is proving tricky for me! Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you want to look at it!), I’m fully aware of how fleeting the high school years are… so I’m more inclined to grab every opportunity to hang out with Little Miss!
Which doesn’t always jive well with deadlines, ha! Either way, it’s all worth it, and I’m savoring these Summer days!
I posted a Trip Report for our recent getaway to Turks & Caicos HERE, so today I thought I’d share my easy formula when it comes to packing for beach trips. I always overpack a little simply because I love sharing outfits with you, but truly… as long as I have a handful of essentials, I’m good to go!
Regardless of the beach, it’s sure to be hot, hot, hot!! So next to a swimsuit, the top items I pack are gauzy, breezy tops and tees. I like a mix of not-so-basic tees (like THIS ONE), and flirtier tops that jazz up cut-offs a bit.
This floaty top is as lightweight as it is cute! With flutter sleeves, it’s made of a super soft textured cotton that packs easily and feels great on.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Square Neck Top | Jean Shorts | Similar Flip Flops | Similar Hat | Similar Aviators | Similar KS Necklace
I’ve had these shorts for a few years, and while they’re definitely an investment, they truly are an incredible fit! I always throw a pair in my suitcase for pairing with tops & tees and over my swimsuits. Nordstrom has a great selection of styles HERE.
Fit Tip: I find them true to size, I wear a 26.
Square Neck Top | Jean Shorts | Similar Hat | Similar Aviators | Similar KS Necklace
Of course swimsuits are a must, and I lean towards one-pieces these days. Not only for more coverage, but they’re also great for doubling as a bodysuit with jean shorts or skirts. I love the bold red and flirty ruffles of this one.
This stretchy knit maxi is literally like the sisterhood of traveling dresses… it looks amazing on everyone, and works for just about any vacation need. I’ve had it for years and wear it as everything from a cover-up to an outfit for dinner. Plus it packs like a dream and easily changes based on accessories.
One Piece Ruffle Swimsuit | Maxi Dress | Similar Hat
I love cover-ups that double as dresses, for easy beach to lunch wear, and black is always chic. This cover-up is gauzy and light, with fun straps and a flowy shape.
Cover-Up Dress | Similar Flip Flops | Similar Hat
Essential for everyday is good sunscreen, and Supergoop is my go-to! I love both the Unseen (matte finish) and Glow Screen (dewy finish) for face, and the Glow Stick is perfect for noses, lips, and easy touch-ups. I recently added the Glow Oil for beach trips because not only does it hydrate so well, but it’s water-resistant to 80 minutes and reef safe!
Sugarplum Travel Tip: I keep this small bottle of Glow Oil and just refill it from the larger one for travel. That way I can bring good sunscreen, and still carry on my bag!
Square Sunglasses | Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen | Supergoop! Glow Stick | Supergoop! Glow Oil
Hats and big sunglasses are a must, both for protecting your face from the sun and for covering up crazy beach hair! I never wear makeup on beach vacations, but with sunglasses and lipstick I still feel pulled together.
One Piece Ruffle Swimsuit | Similar KS Necklace | Similar Hat | Similar Aviators
Square Neck Top | Jean Shorts | Similar Flip Flops | Similar Hat | Similar Aviators | Similar KS Necklace
This top is super cute with shorts, but easily dressed up a bit, too. It comes in several colors and has comfy, elastic straps. And I love how the Miller sandals go with everything from cut-offs to dresses, and make everything look a little more elevated.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS top, and sandals are true-to-size.
Ruffle Button Top | Jean Shorts | Soft Miller Sandals | Similar Hat | Similar Aviators | Similar KS Necklace | Similar Gold Hoops
Ruffle Button Top | Jean Shorts | Similar Hat | Similar Aviators | Similar KS Necklace | Similar Gold Hoops
One Piece Ruffle Swimsuit | Cover-Up Dress | Similar Hat | Similar Aviators
Square Neck Top | Jean Shorts | Soft Miller Sandals | Similar Rattan Bag HERE & HERE
Trimmed Tee | Jean Shorts | Soft Miller Sandals | Similar Hat | Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen | Supergoop! Glow Stick | Supergoop! Glow Oil
One Piece Ruffle Swimsuit | Cover-Up Dress | Similar Hat | Square Sunglasses | Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen | Supergoop! Glow Stick
My goal is usually to make it work in a carry-on bag… after all, less time waiting at the airport means more time on the beach! I always slip in a few extras, but the basis of my packing revolves around these key elements. Here’s an easy check list for your next beach trip with links to get you started.
Swim Suit | Hat | Sunglasses | T-Shirt
Cover-Up | Dress | Bag | Shorts
Sandals | Flip Flops | SPF | Lounge Set
The greatest thing about most beach vacations, is anything goes! As long as you have a swimsuit and SPF, the rest is bonus, right?! What essentials are always in your vacation suitcase? Better yet, what beach locations are on your travel agenda this summer?!
*Photos taken and edited on my iPhone. This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective, but all product selections, opinions, and salty hair are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
I bought the white Caslon top when I saw it on your T&C IG story and absolutely LOVE it. I’ve worn it so much already in a few weeks. What sets it apart for me is the square neckline. I have been desperately searching for a similar one in black. Have you seen anything?
I’ll keep my eyes peeled!! I checked out Gibsonlook real quick and here are all of their square neck tops: https://shopstyle.it/l/bH92E
They usually have a good selection!! Hope this helps!