Cute Summer Outfit Ideas for Vacation Packing
Pulling together summer outfit ideas for warm weather takes a little bit of thought. Some women are prone to packing last minute, which only leads to the overwhelm. If you ask me, it shouldn't take a lifetime to pull together warmer weather outfits. So how do you efficiently and effectively pack and put together summer outfit ideas for vacation? Here are some tips for you to create a great vacation wardrobe for warm weather.
photography | elizabeth in love
Summer Outfit Ideas for Vacation Packing
The weather has warmed up and it's time to get those summer outfit ideas for vacation ready. I'm heading to Paris for the month of July! And the idea of heading to Paris makes me dream about sitting cafe-side, sipping on lattes, and people watching. But, packing for a month in one bag had me thinking about summer outfit ideas for vacation and non-vacation reasons. It's going to be warm in July. So the idea is that the outfits need to be cute but also functional for warmer weather.
If struggling with packing for a warm weather vacation gets you overwhelmed, here are a few helpful tips to get you on the right track!
Tips for Packing
1 || Make a List of Activities You'll be Doing
When I help clients with vacation packing, one of the things I have them do is to make a list of activities that they'll be doing while vacationing. If you're laying on the beach 90% of the time, then there isn't a whole plethora of wardrobe changes you will have to make. However, if you'll be zip-lining, then kayaking, then bike riding, going to casual dinners, fancy dinners, etc...your wardrobe for vacation packing gets a bit wider in range. So, to best prep for all the activities you'll be doing, make a list!
2 || Check the Weather at Your Destination
As much as we can plan for the weather, there are obviously game-changers that are not within our control. But in order to narrow down summer outfit ideas for vacation packing, be sure to check the weather 48 hours ahead of time!
3 || Create a Outfit Chart for Each Day
If you are one that is truly overwhelmed when it comes to packing,
4 || Lay Your Outfits Out a Few Days Ahead of Time
To ensure that you can make the most of your wardrobe, lay all the pieces out that you're thinking of taking with you. This way, you visualize what you're packing so you don't pack 52 pieces for 4 days! Think about a few of the pieces that can be mixed/matched to save space. By doing this, you'll bring more summer outfit ideas for vacation with less clothing in your suitcase.
5 || Use a Packing List (or me!) to help you pack
Similarly to creating a list of activities, using a packing list for larger vacations or weekend trips might just be the useful resource you need. If you are in the San Diego area, you can also use my styling services to help you pack! We'll take pictures, make that packing list, and document your pieces so you leave for vacation with the perfect warm weather suitcase!
Basics You Need to Create a Variety Summer Outfit Ideas for Vacation
Summer wardrobe basics might be a bit different from the next gal, so here are some basic pieces you need to create a broad variety of summer outfit ideas for vacation. They are also pieces that won't take up a whole lot of space in your suitcase (which is the bonus to warm weather packing!)
1 | Shorts ||
In my case my summer wardrobe essentials are shorts and plenty of them, striped shorts, jean shorts, and lace shorts top my list. Shorts can easily be mixed in with a variety of tops and worn over and over again.
[show_shopthepost_widget id="3141113"]
2 | Sleeveless tops ||
When traveling in warmer weather, sleeveless tops come in handy.
[show_shopthepost_widget id="3141111"]
3 | Dresses ||
Drop waist dresses, fit & flare dresses, maxi dresses, you name it, dresses are the one piece that are easiest to pack in your suitcase. Dresses work well when it comes to mixing and matching, creating a bunch of cute summer outfit ideas for vacation.
[show_shopthepost_widget id="3141107"]
4 | Sandals ||
Comfortable shoes for vacation are a must. I tend recommend taking a great pair of sandals (versus flip flops) because you'll get more wear out of them from day to night. Colors that work well? Neutrals, such as camel, white, and black, are the most versatile. I'd recommend packing two different sandals (that are already a little worn in, not brand new, to avoid blisters!).
[show_shopthepost_widget id="3141106"]
5 | Cross body bags ||
Cross body bags are convenient little gems that leave you hands free to carry around necessities like your coffee. These fabulous summer bags are delightfully roomie and are perfect for packing a beach picnic, loading up on your market veggies, or even great as a weekender bag.
[show_shopthepost_widget id="3141114"]
6 | Light Layers ||
A light cardigan or shawl/scarf will do wonders when day turns to night. A light cardigan can be thrown over your maxi dresses or paired with the shorts and tops if you're heading indoors.
Some other really wonderful resources for prepping some great warm weather outfits are my Summer Style Pinterest board, my Style Tips Pinterest board, and the Travel Essentials Packing List here. Download a printable PDF below to have this handy list of basics for packing your next bag for vacation.
