Ok I get it… It’s still January and here on the east coast we are still in our winter jackets. But our inbox has been flooded with winter getaway recommendations. So luckily I am headed somewhere warm today and will be showing you a sneak peak of what is in my bag. I like to make sure that I take a few basic items that can be mixed and matched for easy outfitting and then add in some extra fun items like statement earrings and a printed kimono. I tend to stick to a similar color palette and make sure everything can be easily rolled up to pack (meaning little to no steaming required). With that said, here is what to pack for a beach vacation – my top 20 items!

1 Easy Tee// I love this t-shirt because its a basic with a twist. Pair with linen cargos and beach hat for a super chic look.

2 Easy Tank// Seeing a trend here? Simple tops that can be paired with a variety of bottoms make outfitting on vacation easy. Which means more time for fun.

3 Day to Night Blouse// This top is casual enough for daytime with denim shorts but has all the right details to transition to a night time look. Pair with white denim and some espadrilles for a night of fun.

4 Casual Sweatshirt// Is it just me or is there something about wearing a light sweatshirt on the beach as the sun goes down just magical? Ok maybe just me. But I always pack something super comfortable whether it be for travel or downtime.

5 Sunglasses// I don’t really think these need an explanation. I will say I like how the shape is a bit oversized and feminine but is mixed with the metal bridge for modern twist.

6 Statement Earrings// This stunners will dress up any outfit! I try not to bring too much jewelry with me on vacation so I try to find one or two pieces that can really take an outfit up a notch!

7 Cover-up// This gauzy long sleeve cover up seems like it can really work with any bathing suit. I try to keep cover ups to a minimum or pack something that can be worn a few ways.

8 One Piece Suit// I saw this suit at Target (you know when I was getting Lysol wipes) and couldn’t resist. And Yes! it is lightly padded.

9 Bikini// I like to think of this suit as sporty nautical. I like a bikini that stays in place and I don’t have to worry about one of my kids untying it. This one fits the bill!

10 Linen Cargos// It’s true, sometimes I don’t wear denim. I love the ease of these cargos and especially that they are black and (once again) can be easily dressed up or down.

11 White Distressed Denim// Of course I can’t go anywhere without at least one pair of distressed jeans.

12 Cutoff Jeans// These are another no-brainer for me. This will be my first time trying this specific style so more feedback to come!

13 Sun Hat// I mean… HELLO BEAUTIFUL! I’ll be poolside sipping my margarita (once the kids are asleep).

14 Flat Espadrille// So back to sporty nautical.. this may be my new obsession. I love the mix of the athletic feel on these espadrilles and a great alternative to sneakers!

15 Comfortable Sandal// These a reader favorite and introduced to me by my sister. They are a wonderful (and much less expensive) version of these, but just as good!

16 Wedge Espadrille// If I were traveling sans children another heel may make its way into my bag, but this espadrille was the perfect heel for this trip.

17 Beach Bag// While I love a straw bag I need a little bit something more to hold all the shovels, sunscreen, super heros, diapers, wipes… the list goes on.

18 LBD// I know I am cheating on my favorite LBD. But I just needed to try this one out. I love the high low hem and soft sleeve. Pair with the statement earrings and espadrilles for a night of dancing!

19 Printed Kimono// Not really a dress, but this style makes a statement. Wear it over a swim suit as a cover up or as shown on the model (white tee and cut off jeans) for an easy daytime look. Brunch anyone?

20 Floral Midi Dress// Last item and probably my favorite. I hope to be a little sun kissed with salty hair and wearing this dress at the end of vacation…

What would a beach getaway post be without a round up of some of our favorite swim suits… starting with some of my personal favorites and most highly recommended… and finishing with a few I just can’t stop thinking about!

That’s all we’ve got! Now tell us where you are going and what you are bringing!