So you've decided to flee the chilly temperatures and head to sunnier horizons for the holidays? Good for you (she says with just a hint of jealousy). Whether you're heading to St. Barths, Mexico, Miami, or Australia, you'll need to mentally switch gears from your current location and pack for the complete opposite weather. This can be surprisingly difficult to do, after all it's hard to remember what it feels like to be in a swimsuit when you're currently trekking to work in the snow.
Well that's where we come in—after spending countless hours interviewing experts and putting together travel stories, we here at Who What Wear know how to pack for warm-weather destinations. For tropical getaways, it's easiest to streamline your packing into the four main categories you'll be wearing: dresses, swimsuits, cover-ups, and accessories. Sure you'll also need the standard pajamas, underwear, etc., but these four categories are the bulk of what you'll be wearing on your trip. So to help you put your packing list together, below I'm highlighting the chicest options for each category that 100% deserve a spot in your suitcase.
DRESSES
Pretty, beachy dresses are no brainers when it comes to packing for a tropical vacation. Sure you could pack separate tops, skirts, and shorts, but why not streamline your outfits and pack one-and-done dresses? I like to bring dresses that are versatile and can be worn everywhere—from over a swimsuit at the beach to dinner with a pair of heels.
SWIMSUITS
This one is pretty self-explanatory: if you're going to be near the water you're going to need a swimsuit (or five). I personally like to pack a few to be safe, and since they're tiny you're not monopolizing too much suitcase space by giving yourself options. My biggest tip is to mix it up in terms of silhouettes—one pieces, bikinis, strapless—so that you have a suit that lends itself to whatever activities you choose.
+ matching Risa Bottoms ($88)
+ matching Glitter Mid-Waist Bottoms ($48)
+ matching Bikini Bottoms ($90)
+ matching Vacay Bikini Bottom ($88)
COVER-UPS
The logical next step after packing swimsuits is their coordinating cover-ups. From crochet mini dresses to oversize linen shirts and silky separates, cover-ups are key to a chic beach day.
+ matching Eva Top ($119)
+ matching Zaelia Trousers ($110)
ACCESSORIES
We all know accessories make an outfit, and on a sunny holiday it's all about hats, sandals, and fun jewelry. Transition from a beach day straight to dinner with the simple swap of a few key accessories—add a bold earring and some layered necklaces and suddenly you have yourself an outfit.
Next up: We're fashion designers—here's what we always take with us on flights.
