I used to be one of those people who would pack all my unworn clothes on vacation. I had dreams of wearing the items that never made it into my daily life. It’s like I thought I would become a different person as soon as my feet hit a new locale.
But, over the years of multiple trips a month, I’ve realized that the way to pack is actually to focus on the items that I actually wear — even when I’m home. That doesn’t necessarily mean a capsule wardrobe, but it does mean turning to the same dress over and over again.
My Go-To Summer Outfit
I’ve worn a variation on this dress on nearly every trip I’ve been on this summer. The Frank & Eileen Rory Maxi Shirtdress in white, which is so crisp and chic, paired with simple sandals — either gold Jack Rogers or tan Sarah Flint block heel sandals. I’ll add a hat, nearly always my trusty Tuckernuck packable hat. Then I’ll carry my L.L.Bean Boat and Tote bag, because there’s nothing better on vacation than being able to easily fit a camera, water bottle, sunscreen, and whatever else I might need to carry.
If I’m feeling like dressing it up, I might add hoop earrings or a belt, but I can also dress it down over a bathing suit if that’s what the itinerary demands. This is all about ease, and that’s why it’s been my go-to summer outfit everywhere from the mountains of North Carolina to the coast of Virginia (which, to be honest, doesn’t sound like far — it’s been a busy, but close-to-home summer!).
