
Beach bound? I’ve found everything you need, right here. The key to packing right, and packing light, lies in selecting multi-functional pieces in a coordinated palette of colors. Here I’ve chosen classic blue and white with gold and an occasional pop of color for a palette that’s as fresh and pretty as your destination.
This 22 piece beach edit includes: 2 swimsuits (a sleek white one piece and a blue and white bikini), a coverup, 2 tunics, a tee, a beach skirt, shorts, a pair of flowy beach pants, a dress, a hat, a pair of sunglasses and a sleek pair of eyeglasses, 3 bags (beach bag, tote, and crossbody, though you could certainly lose the tote if you wanted to), a cardigan, a kimono, a pair of flip flops, sandals, colorful flats and a necklace.
I’ve started from scratch here to create a fantasy beach vacation wardrobe, but in real life, we would just start with what we have and add what’s missing. Happy vacation-ing!
A Maillot
This sleek style doubles as a halter top when worn with the shorts or skirt. Look for a piece that does double duty, so you don’t have to change to go from beach to bar.
2. A Beach Skirt
This skirt features a stretchy waist and an easy shape. I chose a conventional pull on style, and not a sarong, because of its coverage and versatility.
3. Tunics
Tunics offer an easy way to inject color into your vacation wardrobe. This one from Tory Burch is gorgeous. Try it as a coverup, or pair it with the beach pants or the shorts. I’me also obsessed with the fun tunic from J. Crew, which doubles as a dress.

Tory Burch Tory Embellished Sheer Poplin Tunic, $275, Nordstrom
4. A Coverup
The best coverups can be worn as tops or even dresses, but are still cool enough to wear over your suit.
5. A Bikini
This classic style is flattering and supportive, and the blue and white stripes make it an easy match for the separates shown here.
6. Beach Pants
Choose long flowy pull on pants in a neutral that coordinates with your pieces.
7. A Necklace
A go with everything necklace is a must for adding glamour to your easy, breezy beach looks.
8. Shorts
Choose an easy, pull on style in a lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric.
9. A Dress
A lightweight dress is a perfect beach vacation look. Choose a style that can stand alone or be worn over a bathing suit. Add pretty sandals and the necklace for a night out.
10. A Sun Hat
Your best pick is a floppy, packable style that shields your skin from the sun while making a style statement.
11. Sleek Sunglasses
A sharp pair of shades is the finishing touch for every beach-friendly look, and these from Warby Parker are beautiful and affordable.
12. A tote
A sleek leather carryall doubles as a purse, a shopper or even a carry-on.
13. A Crossbody
This smart, summery bag goes from day to night with ease.
14. A kimono
The easiest coverup around, this also doubles as a cardigan and adds color and pattern to your beach wardrobe.
15. A cardigan
A neutral cardigan is helpful for cool evenings and for travel.
16. Chic eyeglasses
These cool blue specs are a summery update to your everyday pair.
17. A beach bag
I spotted this beach bag on a friend of a friend, and instantly fell in love with its preppy style and its practicality. It comes in a range of colors and easily doubles as a carryon. It’s large, however, so if you don’t plan on carrying it aboard, a more packable straw beach bag might work better.
18. Sandals
Nothing says summer like a pretty pair of colorful, strappy sandals, and these are polished enough to wear out at night.
19. Flip flops
Sure, a rubber pair would work just as well, but these are more chic and more versatile.
20, Colorful flats
A bright pair of flats adds the perfect pop of color, and this PVC pair from Melissa is eco-friendly and waterproof.
21. A tee
You’ll need a tee to pair with all your bottoms, so keep it neutral and solid or subtly striped.
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