With March around the corner, Spring Break is in the air and many of us are packing our bags for a holiday in the sun. Packing can cause quite the conundrum (for me, it’s narrowing down shoes), but to beat the heat, the old adage ‘less is more’ applies. The key is versatility: your items have to work double time to take you from the beach to cocktail hour. I’ve narrowed it down to twelve holiday essentials to make packing a breeze:
A dress that will take you from day to night: As an LA based label, PJK makes great pieces for the sun, and this dress is no exception. Part of the exclusive collaboration with the Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine, this cream frock is a poly silk blend to flatter your figure and maintain your cool.
Sunglasses: A great pair of shades are a must-have for anyone (fashion oriented, or not) and Karen Walker’s shades are as glam as you can go. A favourite of Atlantic-Pacific’s Blair Eadie, these gems take basic beach attire to the next level.
Beach Cover Up: Tunics are an essential piece to pack. They can stand-alone and still look good.
A Floppy Hat: SPF is only one way to protect your skin from the sun, so a wide brimmed hat is both functional and fashionable.
A Good Beach Tote: Club Monaco’s preppy resort collection offered a plethora of great items this season, and the balance of Breton stripes and paisley print on this tote, is equal parts bohemian and nautical.
A lightweight blouse: Finding a versatile shirt that works in humid climates is hard to come by. This piece by Zara will match with shorts or high-waisted skirts, and pair well under a denim jacket.
A cozy wrap: Even hot climates can get chilly, but this Community Ionic Cape has got you covered for chilly evenings and air-conditioned plane rides.
Denim Jacket: Jackets can take up a lot of room in your suitcase; so if you need to narrow it down, choose a cropped denim piece. They pair well over dresses or shorts for sightseeing or evening cocktails.
A printed scarf: Accessories are easy ways to transform your outfit (especially if you are re-wearing the same pieces).
A Bikini: Presumably, you won’t narrow it down to just one, but if you do, opt for a strapless piece to save you from bad tan lines. This season, ruffles are big, and coming in around $100, this suit tops the trend at a reasonable price.
A pair of cuffed shorts: While cutoffs are an easy piece to pack, opt for durability when packing shorts. The Dillon style from T. Babaton will take you to the city, the beach or the bar.
A pair of wedges or espadrilles: Essential to take you to cocktail hour. Wedges are easy and they match well with almost everything, plus they offer comfort too.
1. Man Repeller X Patterson J Kincaid DVaress, $295 CAD, available at Shopbop
2. Karen Walker Sunglasses, $234 CAD, available at Shopbop
3. J. Crew Teddy Tunic, $282 CAD
4. J. Crew Summer Straw Floppy Beach Hat, $48
5. Club Monaco Susie Tote, $150
6. Zara Blouse, $46
7. Community Ionic Cape, $75 CAD, available at Aritzia
8. Free People Denim Jacket, $151 CAD
9. Club Monaco Ivy Silk Scarf, $80 CAD
10. Basta Surf Reversible Bikini, $105 CAD, available at Shopbop
11. T. Babaton Dillon Short, $60 CAD, available at Aritzia
12. ALDO Ohar Wedges, $90 CAD
By: Ali Leier, Vancouver
You should follow me on Twitter @alileier.
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