Vacation packing: Dress | Sandals | Bag, similar (and a new tote I’m eyeing)
Your Guide to the Perfectly Packed Vacation
The Perfectly Packed Vacation — What to Bring & Wear was created exclusively for So Susie subscribers. I’m very excited to share it with you! This is a collection of my best tips, tricks and packing lists for everything from sunny beaches to exciting cities and everywhere in between. So if you’re getting ready for a little getaway, I hope this will help you pack like a pro for your next trip!
As a former Nordstrom Buyer and Personal Stylist for over 25 years, I was lucky enough to travel extensively for work. I’ve taken many trips over the years to visit family in fun places like Italy, England and Brazil. The more I travel, the more I learn the pros and cons of exactly what to pack. So, I put my top recs in this guide so you’ll have everything you need. The goal? To look and feel great on every single trip you take! I hope you enjoy it and find it to be helpful. Happy travels xx
ICYMI: other recent travel posts
My NYFW Packing List: Fall Outfits That Always Work!
10 Days in Paris: Here’s What to Pack
The London Outfit Everyone Was Wearing: Get the Look
Things I Bring on Every Single Trip
Clothes: Rag & Bone blazer | White button-up | Denim sweatshirt jacket | Travel set 1/2 zip & pant | Denim sweatpant
Accessories: Ritz bb hat | Sunglasses | Travel jewelry | Suitcase | Beis weekender | Flat | Sneaker | Scarf | Straw tote
Susie’s Pro-Tips:
#1 Go-With-Everything Shoes: We all need a good flat, and these new ones by Veronica Beard are amazing! And of course, you need a sneaker. This splurge Chloe one is super cute
#2 Weekender bag: The Beis Weekender Bag is incredible, but I recently switched to the mini version, which I actually prefer. The Convertible Mini Weekender bag has a padded laptop sleeve for a computer and several zip pockets. It’s really ideal for shorter trips; it’s easier to carry by hand, and the pass-through trolley sleeve (like the original) makes it easy to wheel through the airport. Love.
#3 Scarf: A neutral scarf is a non-negotiable, and depending on the time of year, I typically bring a cashmere wrap like this Quince one, or a lighterweight silk like this Toteme one. So chic, and they also keep you warm on cold airplanes and cool evenings.
#4 Speaker: Bringing along this little speaker feels like a luxury when staying in a hotel room! Music gets you going in the morning and helps you relax at night. It’s a must. #5 Blazer: This Rag & Bone blazer is another travel item that is essential for every trip. It’s super comfy, and it elevates every outfit. Runs TTS. #6 Denim: Get the viral sweatpant jean that everyone’s talking about — you’ll never look back. Check out this jacket, along with the matching pant and these new flare pants. See the whole collection here.
4 Vacation Outfits That Work Every Time
#1 Daytime Dresses for Lunches and Shopping
Left: Crochet dress | Lady Dior bag | Sandals | Right: Cardigan | Denim shirt dress | Tote bag | Bracelet | Sandals | Sunnies
Comfortable dresses are a go-to on any trip you take. They look great with denim jackets, cardigans over your shoulders, flat or heeled sandals … the list goes on. They can be dressed up or down, and you’ll always feel polished and put together.
#2 Pool or Beach Day
Left: Frank and Eileen shirt dress | Right: White swimsuit | Pink swimsuit | Wrap | Earrings | Sunnies | Sandals | Raffia tote | Necklace
If you’re going somewhere warm, a stylish coverup is one of the most important pieces to bring — since most of us don’t go wandering around in a swimsuit! Make sure to also get a hat and glamorous sunnies. That way, you’ll feel a little extra around the pool or strolling the beach.
#3 Stylish Dinner Outfits
Left: Slip dress, similar | Cashmere sweater | Lady Dior bag | Sandals | Right: Green cardigan | Printed dress | Raffia tote | Sandals | Earrings
It’s always a good idea to pack one black dress, just in case. I guarantee you’ll end up wearing it! It hardly takes up any space, and is an easy go-to piece for dinner. I can never decide which one though, so I usually bring this Norma Kamali one. Dress them up or down depending on the event using the accessories you brought along. For undergarments, this Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless bra is hands down a favorite.
# 4 Travel Outfit
Travel outfit: Tank | Navy fleece jacket | Rag & Bone Miramar jeans | Loafers | Passport holder | Scarf
Don’t Leave Home Without This One Essential!
Tank | Sweater | Skirt | Nike sneakers | Tote
My #1 essential: A lightweight, crewneck cashmere sweater! My favorite is the $50 Quince one. or this one from Sezane which is a bit fluffier. wear it over your shoulders or layered over a classic white tee. Whether you’re in Palm Beach or St Tropez, it can get a little chilly — even in the summer. This wardrobe essential is super versatile, and no matter where you’re going, it deserves a spot in your suitcase. Wear it alone, over a tank top, or tied around your shoulders (adding extra warmth like a scarf). You’ll be glad you brought it, trust me.
A Packing Tip That Works For Every Trip
You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner …
Left: Navy shirt dress, similar here & here | Right: Blue stripe dress | Green stripe dress, more sizes here | Denim skirt | White button-up | Earrings | Bracelet | Tote | Sandal
Stylist Pro-Tip: Lay out your clothes by activity. This is the easiest way to make sure you have everything you need, and it also helps you make outfits as you pack. This is my # 1 packing tip — you’ll be covered for every occasion if you pack this way.
Travel Gear That Actually Works
Left: Cashmere wrap | Eileen Fisher black pant | Gucci bucket bag | YSL sandals | Beis Weekender
Essentials top row: Jewelry travel case | Bagsmart luggage | Scarf | Middle row: Bagsmart toiletry bag | Apple AirTag & case | Beis Weekender | Bottom row: Packing cubes | Passport case | Luggage tag
#1 – These packing cubes – when you’re getting ready to do your vacation packing, these are essential for staying organized. They are my top must-have while traveling! I thought these pink ones were a nice change from basic black.
#2 – Beis Weekender Bags sell out almost instantly and for good reason … they’re amazing! I use mine as a carry-on (it has a special trolley strap to slide on top of your suitcase), or for a quick weekend getaway.#3 – This is my favorite makeup organizer. I take it on every trip because it’s easy to carry, and it keeps all your makeup and skincare products in one place and easy to see.
#4 – You’ll love these monogrammed jewelry cases and travel tags by Mark & Graham. They come in many different colors, and you can customize them to your liking. (They’re great for hostess gifts, too.) And these days, everyone should get an Apple AirTag. When you’re doing your vacation packing, throw it in your suitcase. You never know when you might need it!
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