These 10 Items Are the Key to Easy Packing

It’s that time of year again—summer travel season is upon us. Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start to summer, and if you’re anything like me, you already have your calendar planned. I have three trips booked for this summer, which I’m beyond grateful and excited for, but that means I have a ton of strategic packing in my near future. I’ll be heading to Europe (specifically the UK), the Caribbean, and then back to Europe all before August. They’re all amazing trips and all drastically different climates.

Trying to pack a suitcase that’s both stylish and practical is always a process. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that there are a handful of staple items that always end up in my suitcase, which act as the backbone of my vacation wardrobe, and then I add a few key items specifically tailored to that particular trip. To get a head start on prepping for my summer travels, I’m making sure I have those items covered. Below are the 10 items I’m buying now to guarantee an easy packing experience, from linen pants to easy dresses and crochet bags.

1. LINEN

Linen is synonymous with summer—it’s breathable, looks polished, and is ideal for travel. An oversize linen shirt can go everywhere from the beach to dinner, while linen pants make for an ideal airplane outfit. The versatile fabric has a guaranteed spot in my suitcase, regardless of the destination, so I’m stocking up now.

H&M

Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pants

vitamin A

Playa Boyfriend Shirt

2. LIGHT KNITS

Lightweight knits (or beach sweaters as I call them) are a summer essential. For chilly nights by the water and overzealous air conditioning, I know I’ll want one to throw on throughout my travels and wrap around my shoulders as a styling piece.

Jenni Kayne

Alpaca Cocoon Crewneck

J.Crew

Relaxed Crewneck Beach Sweater

everlane

The Organic Cotton Open-Stitch Crew

3. RAFFIA ACCESSORIES

Nothing says summer like raffia, and I like this texture adorning everything from hats to handbags to beach totes. There are so many chic raffia options out there right now, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for no matter your price point.

STAUD

Large Raffia Moon Tote Bag

Jenni Kayne

Crochet Raffia Sun Hat

mango

Natural Fiber Shopper Bag

4. EASY DRESSES

Summer style is all about looking effortless, especially when you’re on vacation. The last thing I want to be doing is fidgeting with my outfit while I’m wandering the streets of a new city, so I opt for easy dresses only.

Reformation

Phillipa Linen Dress

Camila Coelho

Linda Midi Dress

mango

Floral Crochet Dress

5. COMFORTABLE SHOES

This one is a no-brainer, but comfortable shoes are a vacation essential. Flat sandals and versatile sneakers are typically the only shoes I bring, so I’m making sure to order my favorite pairs before they sell out.

everlane

The Double Strap Sandals

mango

Leather Thong Sandals

6. SWIMSUITS

Another vacation staple is a chic swimsuit. Whether you’re heading on a proper beach vacation or just plan to stop by the hotel pool, a swimsuit you feel great in is essential. I personally love pops of color and prints on my swimwear, so that’s what I have my eye on right now.

Reformation

Soleil Bikini Top

Camila Coelho

Odara One Piece

7. SHORTS

Shorts are to summer what jeans are to fall: a wardrobe basic. I’m partial to linen shorts for added texture and breathability, and I’ll be packing multiple colors.

H&M

Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts

mango

Linen Shorts With Belt

Reformation

Mila Linen Short

8. TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

This might sound obvious, but if you haven’t pulled out your travel gear in a while, now is a good time to check that everything is in tact. I’ve made the mistake of waiting until the day before, only to realize that my suitcase is cracked from a previous trip. To avoid a repeat of that, I’m nailing down my luggage, cosmetic bags, and pouches for all my miscellaneous items now.

BÉIS

Hanging Cosmetics Case

BÉIS

The Carry-On Roller

9. LIGHTWEIGHT OUTERWEAR

Depending on where you’re headed, a sweater may suffice, but I tend to run cold (especially when a place is blasting their AC), so I like to travel with a lightweight jacket just in case. Whether it’s the airplane, a chilly hotel, or a particularly breezy night, I’m always glad I brought one with me.

Reformation

Brooks Oversized Denim Jacket

Good American

Committed to Fit Jacket

Nour Hammour

Harriet Canvas

10. SUN PROTECTION

One non-fashion item I’m stocking up on now is sun protection. This is another thing I’ve mistakenly waited until the night before to think about and ended up dashing to Sephora at 8 p.m. in a frenzy. I know I’ll want to protect my skin from the summer heat, so I’m adding SPF of all forms to my cart immediately.