Packing for a vacation can be a daunting task, especially when trying to find the balance between comfort and style while adhering to airlines’ strict baggage restrictions.
It’s tempting to want to pack all your best fancy clothes and matching accessories for the perfect ‘Instagrammable’ picture on your trip, but that is not always practical or sustainable.
Overpacking can be stressful, expensive, and can weigh you down. Instead, focus on travel fashion essentials and vacation wardrobe must-haves to streamline your packing and ensure you look stylish without the extra baggage.
Capsule Wardrobe for Summer 2024
Investing in a Capsule Wardrobe this summer can ensure that you look chic in all your vacation pictures while still packing light.
This Summer 2024 Travel Fashion Essentials guide will give you all your must-haves for a short summer trip.
Whether you plan on a relaxing staycation on a Greek island or exploring the historic streets of Rome, these versatile travel fashion essentials will help you look in vogue and also feel comfortable in the scorching summer heat.
Starting point for Overwhelmed Packers…
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed about packing for your next vacation, use this guide as a starting point! It consists of all the staples that you must have in your suitcase on your next vacation.
These versatile clothing items and statement jewellery pieces can be used to style many different outfits. For more outfit inspiration, check out our Vacation Outfit Guide for the cutest summer outfits.
1. The Plain White Tee
There are many advantages to the basic t-shirt. Not only does a white t-shirt look timeless with jeans, trousers and skirts but it can also strategically work as something to sleep in at nights.
It is also neutral enough to balance out most colours and patterns.White will also always be THE Summer colour.
Thus, Investing in a good quality plain white tee will never disappoint you. It will make you look effortlessly chic and you can make many different outfit combinations with it on your trip.
Something that isn’t flimsy and lasts many washes is ideal. I love the one I bought from Wera because it is crisp, bright and comfortable and I’d definitely recommend it. Check out High-Quality Clothing Brands for Lasting Style for more options.
2. The Essential Travel Purse
Finding the perfect travel purse for your vacation is an important fashion choice. Purses can elevate an outfit and make it instantly more put-together.
The ideal travel purse is:
- Small enough to fit in your suitcase
- Neutral-coloured to go with most outfits
- Spacious enough to carry your phone, power bank, lip gloss, cash, etc.
- Comfortable for walking around all day
When selecting your travel fashion essentials, it’s crucial to determine which of your purses is perfect for travelling.
I prefer sling bags to avoid theft in crowded areas. Tote bags are an economical and stylish choice, but it can be tiring lugging them around all day.
3. A Light Packable Jacket
Even though you are going on a Summer Trip, the weather can be unreliable. And sometimes while returning to the hotel late after a night out, it might get a little chilly.
Hence, it is always advisable to pack a light summer jacket.
Perhaps a beige or a denim jacket which usually pairs well with summer outfits.
4. A Reliable Pair of Jeans
Jeans are the most versatile, durable, travel-friendly and fashionable pair of bottoms to exist.
Don’t refrain from taking your favourite pair of jeans on your next vacation. Whether you’re sightseeing during the day or clubbing at night, jeans will be your friend.
5. And a Second Fashionable Pair of Bottoms
However, only a pair of jeans might make you feel a little restricted.
This is why it is important to also have an extra “fun” pair of bottoms to carry with you such as:
- A floral skirt
- Linen pants
- Patterned trousers
- Denim Skirt
I feel like Linen pants are the look of the summer and look like understated luxury and old money aesthetic which is quite sought after now.
6. Comfy Shoes!
I can understand the temptation to bring more than one pair of shoes on a trip to have some variety. But that’s very impractical especially since The White Sneaker is an ultimate game changer.
The White Sneaker is the most travel-friendly shoe because it is so versatile and goes with evening dresses as well as day outfits.
My favourite thing about my Nike Air Force 1s is that I can wear them for a long flight, light workout, day of walking and with a cute summer dress!
It is definitely a travel fashion essential that you don’t even have to pack it since you can just wear it!
7. Minimalist Travel Jewellery Essentials
The best travel accessories are minimalist and practical and complement your style and skin tone.
It can be arduous to carry your whole jewellery box on your next trip but you should consider packing a Travel Essentials kit of your favourite earrings and necklaces.
Some Fashion Jewellery Essentials consist of:
- Gold/Silver hoops (because hoops go with everything!)
- Dainty Earrings (For days you are going to be active!)
- A dainty everyday necklace
- Your everyday rings
- A Pearl Necklace for a little something special
- A pair of Statement Earrings
8. A Handy Scarf
Sometimes you may have to visit a church or another religious establishment and they have strict dress codes.
Having a scarf on you lets you quickly wrap it around to hide your knees or shoulders.
Plus you can also wear it around your head/neck for a chic look!
It is a statement piece to make any outfit cute and quirky.
9. A Simple Chic Dress
Sometimes on vacation, one just gets bored of pairing jeans and tops. Carrying one dress with you is the best choice you can make for that one day of the trip when you want to feel a little special.
You can wear it on a fancy dinner or a special night and dresses instantly make you feel and look elegant.
10. A classic button-down
Button-downs also have that timeless and old-money aesthetic that is tending. It is a travel fashion essential because it can be worn in many different ways.
A little chilly in just a tank top? Add a shirt!
Want to cover yourself up after a swim at the beach? Wear a shirt!
Want to look fancy for dinner? Shirt!
Shirts are so versatile and you must pack at least one for your next vacation.
