Vacation essentials

It’s -40 degrees and I’m counting down the days until I make a break for a tropical destination. Living in Canada (the prairies specifically) means taking a trip down south is necessary for one’s sanity at some point during the winter season.

It goes without saying the warmer temperatures are a huge motivation, but tropical vacations also get me really excited because: outfit planning. In January, the notion of wearing something other than a sweater and boots is just so thrilling (spare me from the monotony!).

Be under no illusion: if you’re looking for tips to help you pack 30 outfits with only 4 items, I am not your girl (I mean I could but why?!). I wouldn’t say I’m a victim of over-packing but I would definitely say I take strategic advantage of every square inch of my suitcase.

Here’s how I tackle packing vacation essentials by focusing on three categories:

Clothing

First, I consider the activities I’ll be engaging in on my trip (for me that’s typically pool, cocktails, dinner and repeat). This way I’ll know what I need. Then I focus on three key variables for my clothing:

colour pallet:

I try to stick to three-four colours for all my pieces. This way I’m not locked into outfits, but instead enjoy the freedom to mix it up in the moment based on my mood, knowing everything “matches” (I hate matching as a concept, but I’ll set that aside for now in favour of the general understanding of the word). For this trip it’s black, nude, camel and white.

balance of items:

I always plan for an equal number of tops and bottoms with variety factored in (varying sleeve lengths, textures or materials; skirts, shorts and pants). But always an equal number to avoid nonchalantly throwing in an extra shirt for the sake of it (but then not wearing it). I also add a few one-piece outfits (dresses or jumpsuits) to round out the selection.

versatility:

With the exception of one or two elevated (read: fancier) items, I try to pack items that I can dress up or down with accessories. For example, instead of bringing a cotton top for day and a satin top for night, I’ll bring a staple silk tank that can pull double duty. And I can do this because everything plays together in the same colour pallet (there is a method to my madness).

Shoes

Unlike with clothing, I try to show (some) restraint when it comes to footwear. What can I say? I’ll pay to check a bag, but under absolutely no circumstance will I accept an overweight fee.

Since shoes are heavy I keep it simple: two pairs for day - flats or slides, and two pairs for night - heels or mules. They usually end up being two black and two white/nude pairs because they’re the most versatile (don’t @ me). I’m also debating sneaking in a pair of leopard print, heeled sandals…we’ll see how much space is left (do as I say, not as I do).

Accessories

This is where I (generously) afford myself the opportunity to go wild and have fun. By sticking to basics with clothing and shoes, you can inject pizazz to your vacay style by packing a few key accessories:

Hats:

In the case of a beach vacation, a great hat (or three) is essential. I like to stack them one on top of another, stuff them with small items like bathing suits, and put them at the bottom of my suitcase so I can pack around them. This avoids having them smushed in transit.

Jewellery:

In addition to my regular repertoire of dainty pieces, I love incorporating a statement piece of jewellery on vacation. This time it’s a mixed-media statement necklace.

Bags:

Always one for day to tote the beach necessities (sunscreen, novel, sunglasses, air pods) and one smaller crossbody option for evening. On vacation you don’t want your everyday, heavy bag so consider materials that a more lightweight (my go-tos are natural woven or vegan leather).

I hope this list of vacation essentials inspires a new found enjoyment of packing ahead of your next journey!