Remember when a spring getaway meant heading down to Mexico with your college friends to party for an entire week? You had plenty of time to pack and think about what to wear on vacation. Now, as a busy mom, those days are long gone, and honestly, who has time to think about what to pack?
If you're lucky enough to be getting away on a beach vacation, with or without the kids, all the details have been planned. But your mind is still busy thinking about what to pack for the little ones (even if it's just for Grandma's house), loading up enough diapers and clean clothes, and not forgetting to throw in your toddler's favorite blanket on the way out to catch your flight. So let me take care of your wardrobe planning for you!
I’ve created a beach trip capsule wardrobe for when you’re only packing a carry-on. The best part: no extra luggage fees!
These 20 pieces will take you from the beach to lunch to an evening out. Have a great time!
Images (clockwise from the left) via shopbop.com; nordstrom.com; bananarepublic.com; zappos.com; nordstrom.com; zara.com; athleta.com
Bikini
Every beach vacation starts with a beautiful swimsuit, and this bikini is the foundation of our capsule wardrobe.
Shown: Rhythm Bikini Top and Bottom in Indigo ($40 and $38, nordstrom.com).
Beach Cover-Up
This colorful cover-up will keep you looking stylish as you lounge by the pool or sit at the beach watching over the kids. The best part? You can also wear it to lunch!
Shown: Mediterranean Vacation Mini Tunic Dress ($149, shopbop.com).
Packable Straw Hat
A sun hat is a must-have travel accessory, and this packable straw hat by Madewell is perfect for the beach and sightseeing.
Shown: Packable Straw Hat in Dark Natural Mix ($42, nordstrom.com).
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Flip-Flops
A pair of nude flip-flops goes with everything!
Shown: Yosi Samra Roee Flip Flops in Nude ($55, zappos.com).
Beach Bag
Classic canvas beach tote for sunscreen, snacks, and all your necessities.
Shown: Fabric Beach Tote ($39.90, zara.com).
Rashguard
When you've had enough sun and your skin is tingling from the heat, throw on this rashguard. Pair with shorts and flip flops when you're heading to lunch.
Shown: Kailua Rashguard in Caspian Blue Print ($79, athleta.com).
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Denim Jacket
You always need a jacket for those just-in-case moments. Wear it over your dresses for a night out or with shorts and a tee shirt for indoor daytime activities with strong A/C.
Shown: Denim Jacket in White ($79.50, loft.com).
Sneakers
Canvas sneakers with a palm tree motif. So cute! Wear with jeans or shorts and tank top. Add jewelry if you're in the mood.
Shown: Superga by Jennifer Meyer ($149, zappos.com).
Dressy Top
For those lunches or dinners when you want to feel casual but not look sloppy. Wear with shorts and wedges, and add any of your accessories.
Shown: Pleated Crepe Blouse in Violet ($78, bananarepublic.com).
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Bracelet
A simple statement bracelet when you want to dress up just a little bit!
Shown: Taner Dagger Double Strand Bead Bracelet in Dark Coral ($38, nordstrom.com).
White Shorts
Everyone needs a pair of white shorts in their wardrobe for a beach vacation. Nothing shows off a tan better! Wear with cotton tank for a casual look or off-the-shoulder top for a dressy boho vibe.
Shown: Riviera Shorts in White ($39.50, loft.com).
Cami Dress
This sweet print dress can be worn as a cover-up over your bathing suit or out to dinner with your wedges.
Shown: Tropical Print Cami Dress ($43, asos.com).
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Drop Earrings
These beaded hoop earrings can be worn with any of your outfits in this capsule wardrobe collection!
Shown: Lorica Hoops ($78, anthropologie.com).
Wedges
These gorgeous wedges are your dressy shoes and can be worn with either the dress, white shorts, or jeans in this collection.
Shown: Harbie Cork Wedge Platform Sandals in Chic White ($120, bloomingdales.com).
Off-the-Shoulder Top
Off-the-shoulder tops are big this season. Show off your tan in this top by Free People worn with your jeans or white shorts and wedge heels.
Shown: All I Need Embroidered Top ($251, asos.com).
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Jeans
Every capsule wardrobe needs a great pair of jeans. These are broken in and perfect for a relaxing vacation! Can be worn with any of the tops or shoes in our 20-piece collection.
Shown: 7 for all Mankind Josefina Jeans in Royal Broken Twill ($189, bloomingdales.com).
Cotton Tank
Just like your trusted tee shirt but sleeveless instead. Wear with shorts or jeans, flip-flops, or canvas sneakers.
Shown: Vintage Cotton Tank in Soft Aquamarine ($24.50, jcrew.com).
Necklace
A beautiful layered gold necklace with mint quartz goes with the tank top and palm trees in the canvas sneakers. Perfect for dressing up the tank with jeans.
Shown: Aries Layered Necklace ($48, baublebar.com).
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Mid-Length Dress
This colorful mid-length dress by Plenty by Tracy Reese will be your dressiest piece. Wear it to dinner with your wedges or flip-flops, depending on your mood.
Shown: Magali Midi Dress ($248, anthropologie.com).
Thread Earrings
What could be easier than threading these beauties into your ears? So simple and low fuss. Wear with your pink crepe blouse and jeans for a casual night out.
Shown: Athena Threads in Gold Amethyst ($118, vivandingrid.com).
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