While the seemingly endless cold weather and gray days make it feel like there’s no end in sight, don’t be too discouraged — it’s officially vacation season! Look out warm beaches, pool-side Margaritas, and cut-off shorts, we’re ready for you. Whether you’re jetting off for a spring break or heading nearby for a weekend getaway, planning what you’re wearing is half the battle. So, because what you wear should be the least of your worries, three of our editors shared what they’re packing in their carry-on.
Packing can be stressful (we need a vacation from packing for the vacation!), so we always head to Nordstrom as our one-stop-shop for everything we need from fashion pieces, swimsuits, travel accessories, and TSA-approved beauty products. Because the only thing you should have to worry about is reapplying your sunscreen.
I am #blessed to have a sister who lives in West Palm Beach and lets me come and stay with her whenever I need a break from this Chicago cold – which is every possible weekend I can get away these days. And obviously, the best part of any warm-weather getaway (besides the so-necessary vitamin D dose and constantly having a mojito in hand) is the cute outfits you get to bring. Does anyone else think they’ll be the best version of themselves when they’re on vacation and wear like 12,328 shirts in one day? After some struggle, I curated a wardrobe with some truly iconic and versatile pieces that will actually fit in my carry-on.
A glimpse at my everyday wear will show you that I take everything a liiiittle too seriously (I’ve literally never left my home in sweatpants) and I love classics – give me your Parisian stripes, your boyfriend blazer, your cherry red lipstick. My vacation capsule has the same tailored-yet-comfy vibe. For my swimsuits, I needed something with a lil’ (read: so much) bust support, so picked one that I could play volleyball with my sister in, and another that’s just for soaking up the sun. Wear-anywhere lip stain and some statement earrings add some flair to my easy outfits, which I love.
Tank Bodysuit, Reformation
Wrap Blouse, Madewell
Striped Tee, Madewell
Striped Dress, Caslon
Chambray Button Down, J.Crew
Wrap-Front Romper, Elan
Leather Backpack, Madewell
Soft Joggers, Caslon
Tank One Piece, Lively
Slip-On Espadrille, Soludos
Cut Off Shorts, 7 For All Mankind
Wedge Sandals, Steve Madden
Straw Crossbody, Nordstrom
Bright Lip Stain, YSL
Canvas Ball Cap, Treasure & Bond
SPF Moisturizer, Clinique
Classic Sunnies, Ray-Ban
Minimal Necklace, Sequin
One of my best friends from college and I are going on a trip for our college graduation this spring. After spending months deciding where to go, how we’d get there, and what we’d be doing, we’ve finally settled, and I’m in outfit-planning mode. (Let’s be real. I’ve had a Pinterest board for this since November.) We don’t have too many plans other than relaxing on the beach and going out to eat (because food and the beach are really all you need in life!), so I’m strategically packing as many breezy, comfortable, casual options as possible. I never travel without a white tee, but I opted for something with a graphic to add some color to my vacay capsule and to try something a bit different.
Also, after years of hating my body and fearing swimsuit season, I’ve really come into my own and embraced my body. While I want to pack every swimsuit possible, I’m packing light to make room for giant makeup bag I’ll inevitably pack. (I cannot be without five different lip options ever!) I went for a simple cut-out one piece in a neutral color palette (because obviously), but I went for something a little more fun for the two-piece. I’ve only recently discovered the magic that is a high-waisted bathing suit bottom, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. The stripes on this suit are also placed in a way that won’t make your body look wider, so #winning.
Lace-Trim Camisole, Gibson
Tie-Front Button Down, Madewell
Graphic Tee, Sub_Urban Riot
Floral Maxi Dress, BP.
Knotted One Piece, Leith
Breezy Cover Up, Chelsea28
Wide Leg Crop Pants, Halogen
Cut Off Denim Skirt, City Chic
Printed Mini Dress, Socialite
Leather Sandal, Steve Madden
Patterned Clip, Tasha
Classic Sneaker, Topshop
Oversize Sunnies, Quay
Minimal Necklace, Baublebar
Ark Handbag, Cult Gaia
Light Primer, Charlotte Tilbury
Statement Earrings, Baublebar
Facial Sunscreen, Kiehl’s
As my first Chicago winter after a very long and happy four years spent in Florida, I am ready to GET THE HE** OUT OF HERE!!! Not to be dramatic, or anything. So while I’m buried under a literal pile of snow boats and puffer coats (at least they’re on trend!), I’m dreaming of the warm weather vacay I’m rewarding myself with in spring. I like to call it my post-grad makeshift spring break (but with a lot more sleep than college spring breaks), complete with poolside jalapeño margaritas and maybe a sightseeing excursion or two. While I am indeed dramatic, I’m sensible when it comes to packing, and everything I possibly need can fit into an FDA-approved carry-on if I pack the right pieces.
For my warm-weather getaway, I’m bringing a few basics I can mix and match, like a pair of denim shorts (to wear to the pool or out sightseeing), and a couple cute blouses that can be dressed down for the day with shorts or dressed up for night with a skirt. Don’t forget a go-to sun dress (also good for daytime or not nighttime, with the switch of shoes), and a carry-all bag (I prefer mine to be in warm-weather appropriate straw. When in Rome, right?). But let’s be honest, the real MVPs are my beauty products, which feel luxurious, beachy, and oh-so summery. I want a natural glow, beachy waves, and nourishing ingredients for all the damage my skin will likely go through between sun, chlorine, and drying sea salt. I’m just a perfectly packed carry-on away from warm, sunny weather!
Short Sleeve Tee, Madewell
Button Down, Madewell
Breezy Cover-Up, Free People
Printed Midi Skirt, Reformation
Light Cardigan, Halogen
Slinky Dress, Reformation
Distressed Denim Shorts, Treasure & Bond
Cut-Out One Piece, Bleu
Woven Straw Bag, Clare V.
Classic Sneakers, Topshop
Sunless Tanning Oil, Tan-Luxe
Slide Sandals, Treasure & Bond
Beach Wave Spray, OUAI
Straw Hat, Brixton
Trendy Sunnies, Quay
This post was in partnership with Nordstrom, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
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