Taking a summer vacation is relaxing—but packing for one is anything but. For about a week before I even step on the plane for a big getaway, I am tormented by thoughts of organizing my suitcase. What shoes do I bring? How many pairs of pants is too many? And what about bathing suits? What if I forget something crucial? I (often) overpack as a result, inevitably bringing 20 pairs of socks for a six-day trip. (Just me?)
But this past month, when I embarked on a much-needed trip to Barcelona and Mallorca, I challenged myself to rethink my hoarder tendencies. Could I pack only the essentials for Spain, and still look cute and Instagram fit-pic-worthy? It was worth a try.
The key to a successful vacation wardrobe, I soon learned, is zeroing in on staples that can be mix and matched with abandon. You want items that pull double duty—nothing hyper-specific that you can only really wear once. Think: easy polo shirts and button-ups that can be paired with just about any bottoms; a sleek sandal that can last you from day to night; fun, printed bathing suits to add pizazz to your beach look; whimsical accessories to amp up a nighttime outfit.
Ultimately, I zeroed in on six such hero pieces—and I made use of every single one of them during the trip. Turns out, you only need a handful of items to complete a chic vacation wardrobe. Besides, that way there’s plenty of luggage space for tchotchkes and souvenirs. See my recommended vacation-wardrobe edit below:
Solid polo or button-up
A solid (but colorful!) polo shirt or button-up is something that can be paired with virtually any bottom—from jorts to dress pants or skirts. I recently bought this pink Ralph Lauren polo to live out my country club fantasy, and found myself wearing it many times during my trip. In Mallorca, I wore it to brunch at the (very chic) Grand Hotel Son Net and fit in with the ritzy clientele. It’s a no-brainer item that you can throw on at any point in a vacation, and can be dressed up or down.
Sleek sandals
Picking the right shoe is always my greatest vacation dilemma—but in the summer, a sleek sandal is a no-brainer. You can wear it to the beach, to sightsee during the day, or for a fancier dinner at night. I landed on these black Hereu fisherman sandals (made in Spain!) for my trip because I liked how comfortable but dressy they were. Although I also packed a comfortable pair of sneakers, I ended up virtually never taking these sandals off. I wore them to go see the Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona, by the pool in Mallorca, and everywhere in between.
Fun swimsuits
Packing a bathing suit (fine, several) is a must for a summer trip. But rather than packing a copious number of styles, try picking three to four statement-making ones. For instance: I packed a striped Solid Striped short, as well as the tie-dyed Prada ones above. Pairing them with my aforementioned solid shirts, I instantly had a stylish outfit—without having to put much thought into it. Your swimsuits should be there for fun factor.
Versatile beach bag
Packing a beach bag is always tricky: You want a carry-all that will fit everything (a book! sunscreen! hat!) without taking up the entirety of your suitcase. My colleague Madeline Fass recommended I try this Lemaire netted bag, and it ended up being just the thing. It takes up almost no room on its own, yet it’s roomy enough to fit all your day-in-the-sun essentials—and it’s chic enough for a night out. It was the only bag I brought.
Upbeat jewelry
Nobody wants to travel with mounds of jewelry (a pickpocket’s dream!) and hefty sunglasses, so editing accessories down by picking statement pieces that will take your outfit from good to great is crucial. I leaned into colorful vacation jewelry, packing pieces like a multicolor Rudy Coriz necklace or beaded cuff by Molina Parker—both of which made even my simpler outfits feel impactful. I also allowed myself only two pairs of sunglasses: a classic Celine tortoise style and a more trendy style—a very Y2K, blue-tinted Tiffany pair.
White denim
Pants are often a struggle when I’m going through my vacation checklist, but I found that a nice, crisp pair of white jeans worked in multiple ways. On an abnormally chilly day in Barcelona I wore them during the day, to grab a late lunch with a friend, and at night I paired them with a navy polo for drinks on the roof at the Majestic Hotel. Compared to your standard jeans (too casual) or black dress pants (too formal), the white jeans felt just right—existing somewhere between both worlds.
Now, are these six items foolproof for absolutely everyone? Certainly not. Your essentials will differ from my essentials. But the point is: You can edit down a vacation wardrobe. The next challenge: figuring out how to avoid checking a bag. But that is another story entirely.
