Packing List: Spring Break
A breakdown of what I pack for a warm weather beach vacation - from my favorite one-piece swimsuits and linen pants to chic dresses for dinner and more.
It is that time of year where it feels like everyone is headed to the beach or some sort of warm weather vacation!
I thought it might be fun to round up some of my go-to favorite things that I always pack when I am headed somewhere warm - from my favorite swimsuits and beach coverups to cotton sweaters and skincare.
You can find detailed thoughts on all my favorite items below or simply CLICK HERE to shop all the items right away.
Safe travels! xo
NAN’S BEACH VACATION PACKING LIST
SWIMSUITS
I am strictly a one piece gal and have found that dark solid colors are usually the most flattering on me.
One Piece from Stylest — this is probably the most flattering suit that I own. It has a compression technology that really sucks you in (it feels like Spanx - so I would not say it is the most comfortable but it is certainly the style I feel most confident in.
Sizing: if you are between sizes, I would size up, because the compression element makes these TIGHT!
One Piece from Eres - this is a splurge but as soon as you own it, you will understand why everyone raves about Eres suits. I love this simple square neck cut. In contrast to the Stylest suits, I find Eres suits beyond comfortable due to the super soft and stretchy material. Note, this style is unlined, so I usually wear these with it.
Sizing: I take my bigger dress size (16) in this Eres suit.
BEACH COVERUPS
There is nothing easier than a simple beach sarong or pareo!
A short dress with short sleeves is also a go-to beach coverup for me!
I wore this short block print dress from MIRTH easily from the beach to lunch and beyond.
Sizing: true to size, I wear XL
Promo: use code NAN15 for 15% off!
I also always love the Flores Short Dresses from Mi Golondrina, I own a few and they are perfect for vacation or warm summer days.
Sizing: I take my true size (XL) or sometimes size up to 1x just for extra length. It is a boxy cut, so the sizing is flexible.
I also like some long sleeve options!
I recently bought a Fiore Maxi by Natalie Martin after admiring them for what felt like years. This is truly a mumu dress; it is oversized and baggy but also beyond comfortable and easy to wear!
Sizing: I took my true size, XL
If you are looking for more long sleeve beach coverups, this solid linen one or this block printed one look great.
LINEN PANTS
I never was much of a linen pant gal but have been leaning into them more in the past year, they are just so easy to throw on. I think it is key to just embrace that you really can’t control the wrinkle situation once you are wearing them.
I own this pair from J.Crew in black.
Sizing: I wear my true size, XL
And this pair from Reformation in white.
Sizing: I originally ordered both my true size (XL) and the 1XL (I appreciate that they make this pant style in plus size.) While both sizes technically fit, I ended up keeping the larger size because I think a relaxed fit looks better in this style of pant.
EASY LAYERS
I always pack a few white t-shirts whenever I travel anywhere. You all know my go-to white t-shirts are either:
this well priced option from Uniqlo (I size up to a XXL)
or this classic style from SoldOut (I take my true size, XL. Promo: NAN15)
I like to pack one or two light sweaters that I can wear out to dinner or if its chilly in the morning.
I recently brought this cotton cardigan from KULE to the Bahamas.
Sizing: I took my true size, XL. Maybe size up if you want it not to be too fitted.
But I also own this cardigan from Donni and I could see it being a great style for vacation.
Sizing: This sweater is cut to be oversized, so I would not size up. I have my true size, XL, and it is a bit big.
Or maybe you would want to pack this cotton pullover.
DRESSES FOR DINNER
My go-to for a great vacation dress is anything from Coco Shop, I just love all their beautiful floral patterns. They sort of have an old school Lilly vibe in the best way!
Sizing: I find their dresses true to size, I take a XL.
I also have worn their dresses to many a wedding - so consider them great for vacation or warm weather weddings!
This pink linen dress or this navy smocked dress could also be great for dinner during a beach vacation.
I also always seem to find great maxi dresses from Hill House that work for vacation. I brought this white dress to the Bahamas but could have just as easily packed this floral dress that I also own and love!
Sizing: I wear my true size, XL, in both these styles
SIMPLE SANDALS
All I ever pack for a beach vacation are one or two flat sandals, I am not much of a heels gal and certainly don’t feel the need to wear them when I am simply walking to the resort’s restaurant.
These are my go-to plastic flip flops.
And then we know that I love a Hermes Oran sandal and I have also been really happy with my new pair of sandals from from Manolo.
STRAW OR RATTAN BAGS
A few years back I splurged on this raffia tote bag, I surely spent more than I should on it but at the same time, I can say that it has served me really well!
This is another great raffia tote that I own and love (and it is a much better price) and then this leather trimmed woven tote looks very chic.
I also like to have a small clutch that I can use for dinner - this is my favorite woven clutch. I have had this for YEARS and sadly, my little dog Fitz, ruined it during his puppy teething stage..but I just went ahead and ordered another one because I missed having it on my last beach vacation.
BEAUTY
When it comes to a beach vacation, I find that I never want to wear heavy makeup. I don’t like to wear makeup at the beach and then by dinner time, I just want to feel fresh and clean.
I like to bring my favorite lotions and potions from home; I pack them in these travel containers.
I use have used this TSA approved cosmetic bag for years and I love it, but this option seems similar for a better price.
While I skip foundation and heavy makeup, I will still usually fill in my eyebrows and apply a simple pink lipstick (I like shade millennial.)
I always pack this mini hairbrush (it is the best on wet hair and great for blow drying) and usually this mini one as well (what I use on dry hair.)
*sorry, both of these are a bit bougie / annoyingly expensive but they are the type of thing I hope to buy once and have forever!
And then of course, I always have a lot of European/International SPF, right now this classic version is my go-to.
*I found the shipping for my last order took a while, about 3-4 weeks, soI would suggest you order in advance and in bulk!
SUNGLASSES
I am always worried I am going to loose or break my sunglasses when traveling, so I typically always pack at least two pairs.
SUNHATS
My favorite sun hat right now is this style from Janessa Leone. It is softer than many straw sun hats, so I find it really comfortable to wear all day at the beach. Additionally, I love that they offer their hats in a range of sizes so you can be sure to get one that fits. They say it is packable but candidly, I love it too much to squish it in my suitcase so I have always worn it while traveling or attached it to my tote bag with this hat clip.
I think Sarah Bray also makes great hats and I’ve also always been tempted to try some styles from Freya or Hat Attack.
JEWELRY
I almost never travel with my nice jewelry when I am on vacation, I get to anxious that I will loose or forget it in the hotel.
On my most recent vacation to the Bahamas last month I brought these silver earrings for daytime (size medium), these pearl drop earrings at night, this heart necklace and this more simple necklace. I think I approach my jewelry for a beach vacation almost the same way I approach my makeup (or lack there of) its easier to just keep it simple.
PAJAMAS & ROBE
Of course, I always pack pajamas, and as we know these are my go-to favorite pajamas. (I think I own four sets of these?!)
Sizing: I take my true size, XL.
I also like to pack my own bathrobe if I have room in my suitcase - call me crazy, but I never really like to wear hotel robes, I would rather just wear my own.
Sizing: I take my true size, XL.
Okay, I think that is it. You can shop all these items (and more) HERE.
Did I forget anything? I hope not. If I am feeling ambitious I might pack workout clothes, but lets be honest, I will happily skip a workout or two during vacation ;)
Let me know what your favorite beach vacation items are in the comments section.
I’ve been looking for a great pair of linen pants! And I clicked on this hoping you had included a pair! Fantastic! Thank you.