Everything You Should Pack for a Warm-Weather Vacation

A light sweater you can throw on when the sun goes down is essential for a beach trip. This one is light and breezy and comes with matching shorts for an effortless vacation look. You can wear the shorts over your bathing suit during the day and the sweater with denim shorts at night. Endless options. ($88, Free People)

I just went to Mexico for the first time, and this top felt especially appropriate. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to fold, how much coverage it offered, and that it stayed tied. It’s comfortable and looks cute with anything on the bottom. But I’ll be dreaming about these red pants until further notice. ($79, For Love & Lemons)

It’s hard not to be obsessed with the Polo Bear’s laidback vibe. Embody his chill mood by pairing this bucket hat with your swimsuit. The tan color will match any outfit, and the wide brim will shade your face from the sun. ($69.50, Polo Ralph Lauren)

I tried out Montce swimwear last year and have been obsessed with the brand ever since. This top is so supportive and offers more coverage than other bikinis. The floral print is festive, and you can pair it with shorts or a skirt for dinner. Plus, you can grab a lot of matching options, like this stretchy skirt. ($142, Free People)

Whether you’re walking down the hall to get ice or going casual for the pool, you’re going to need an easily accessible oversized tee. This one is the perfect shade of blue and has a retro feel that makes it look vintage. While you’re at it, stock up on the brand’s delicious-smelling sunscreen. ($34, Vacation)

We love a standout one-piece. This one comes in a subtle zebra print we can’t stop thinking about. It has removable straps, flattering high-cut legs, and a medium-coverage bottom. Grab the matching skirt for a beach ’fit that’ll get you endless compliments. ($128, J.Crew)

If you’re going on vacation to escape the cold, you’re going to need a little linen dress for the heat. This one has a roomy fit that ensures you won’t be sweating at an outdoor lunch. The straps are adjustable, and it pairs well with sandals or sneakers. Get the pale pink, a trending color for spring. ($98, Reformation)

Bubble skirts and dresses aren’t going anywhere. This midi dress has a tank-style top and a bubble skirt bottom. We love that the top is thick enough to wear without a bra, and the poplin fabric stays cool. Wear it to the office with a cardigan once the trip is over. ($100, Abercrombie & Fitch)

Between the flutter sleeves, the V-neck, and the lightweight fabric, this dress has all the details to become your new favorite. It comes in several vacation-worthy prints, including gingham, which is also trending for spring. Pair it with fun slides for an easy throw-on-and-go outfit. ($28, Target)

If you’re headed somewhere warm, a slinky Going Out Top is a necessity. This one is made of a lightweight jersey fabric that won’t stick to your skin in the humidity. The cowl neck is flattering, and the material is thick enough to wear without a bra. It looks chic when paired with a long skirt. ($45, Aritzia)

I love this brand for its extremely convenient magnetic clasps that stay put, whether you’re splashing in the ocean or snorkeling (trust me). I’m a huge proponent that a beach ’fit is never complete without a few fun accessories, and this bright, layerable necklace fits the bill. Colorful jewelry is a trend for spring, so you’ll be one step ahead. ($90, Mon Été)

When we think of vacation dressing, we can’t help but think of Farm Rio. The brand’s bright, tropical prints are so fun, and this dress is no exception. It features toucans and palm trees in a colorful, sunny pattern. The shirt dress style is classic, and the included belt creates a sleek shape. FYI, if you need a dress to attend a beach wedding, get this one before it’s gone. ($260, Nordstrom)

If you want to feel put together for your travel day, wear cashmere. This hoodie can be worn zipped all the way up as a top (chic) or layered over a T-shirt for a look that screams quiet luxury. It doesn’t matter what you pair it with — leggings, sweatpants, the jeans we actually travel in — you’ll be giving off-duty model vibes. ($99.90, Quince)

Staud always knocks it out of the park. Once you slip on this gingham beauty, you won’t want to wear anything else all spring and summer long. It has a scoop neckline and a good amount of nylon in the fabric, so it’ll move with you. Pair it with a matching bag, and you’re virtually unstoppable. ($225, Saks Fifth Avenue)

One time I saw Dua Lipa at a pool wearing thong kitten heels with her swimsuit, so I bought thong kitten heels to go with my swimsuit. These are so comfortable I barely remember I’m making a slightly impractical shoe choice. Once you’ve slipped into evening wear, they’ll go with that, too. ($100, Anthropologie)

This stretchy, sweater-like midi skirt has a tropical flower print and comes in two bright colors. It has a mid-to-high-rise fit and a matching crop top for easy pairing. The side slit will let you show off the tan you’ve been working on all day. ($98, Anthropologie)

Now this is a vacation dress. From the citrus-colored floral print to the allover mesh, this is a stunner. It has a lining, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through. Pair it with a slicked-back hairstyle and gold hoops and you’ll feel like the goddess you are. ($109.95, Eloquii)