Pack Once, Wear Everywhere: The Smart Traveler’s Summer Wardrobe
You’ve locked in the flights, booked the hotel, and snagged those dinner reservations. Now comes the part that trips up even seasoned travelers: figuring out what to pack. The good news? You don’t need to drop a fortune on a whole new closet for your vacation. Instead of stuffing your suitcase with one-hit-wonder outfits, focus on versatile staples that mix and match effortlessly—pieces you’ll actually reach for all summer long. Whether you’re lounging on a beach in Turks and Caicos or cruising the Amalfi Coast, the right basics will take you from morning coffee to evening cocktails without a second thought.
Start with a few simple tanks in neutral colors. A white tank from Gap is my go-to; it works under anything, from denim shorts by the pool to a midi skirt at lunch. Linen pants are another must: lightweight, breathable, and surprisingly chic. Madewell’s drawstring cotton-linen pair looks like denim but feels like sweatpants. For shorts, skip anything too tight. A high-waisted linen cut avoids chafing and slips easily over a wet swimsuit. And never leave home without a button-down shirt—linen if you can find it. It doubles as a cover-up, a layer over a slip dress, or a quick fix when you’re stuck on what to wear.
Matching sets take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Throw on a monochrome pair with a raffia bag and kitten heels, and you look polished with zero effort. The pieces work together or separately, stretching your suitcase space. Summer dresses? Pack at least two. Madewell’s ruched style is breezy enough for humid days but sharp enough for dinner. The viral nap dress from Hill House Home is my secret weapon for those “I have nothing to wear” moments.
A midi skirt rolls up tight in the corner of your bag and dresses up or down with sneakers or sandals. Speaking of sandals: find a pair that can handle miles of walking without blistering. Rothy’s Weekend Slide has been on my feet for three summers straight, from Montauk to Florence. And don’t forget a supportive one-piece or high-waisted bikini—Hunza G and Left on Friday make styles that last. A roomy leather shoulder bag from Cuyana fits sunglasses, phone, wallet, and a small water bottle. Finish with one pair of oval tortoiseshell sunglasses, and you’re ready to live la dolce vita.