Beach Vacation Style Guide

We are full-on in summer mode right now and for many, this means you will be planning to take a trip to the beach!  I just went to my favorite summer location with my family which is Hilton Head Island.  For us, it's a short 4-hour drive to paradise!  Whether your beach vacation is traveling to a tropical location or an adults-only resort or a trip with the kiddos to the beach, there are a few things you want to plan to pack.  I also have a few style tips for you to make sure you are beaching in-style.

When it comes to packing for a beach vacation, you want to keep things light.  Most of the time beach vacations are meant for lazy days.  You want to try to make the most of what you bring and keep your bags as light as possible.  However, you also don't want to leave your vacation in pain from sunburns, so it's all about packing smart.  The key is going to be versatility.

Here are some key items you will want to pack:

• Sunscreen for both your body and your face
• Aloe gel just in case you do get a burn
• One swimsuit per day of vacation.  At a minimum, pack one for every other day so your suit has a chance to dry out before you need to wear it again
• Swim coverups for getting to and from your beach or pool chair or when you do have lunch at a restaurant at a resort
• Sun hat to shade your beautiful face from the sun
• Sunglasses because it not only protects your eyes, but help keep you from squinting which leads to wrinkles!
• Sandals or flip-flops for beach/pool time
• Beach Bag - something waterproof and big enough to hold all of your stuff.
• A small personal fan
• Towels if you aren't staying at a resort that provides them
• Towel Clips for making sure your Towels don't blow off of your chairs
• Dry Bag for your phone, keys, etcetera

When it comes to your beach style, this may depend upon what your dinner plans look like.  If you are keeping things pretty casual, pack lightweight airy clothes that you can wear during the day, and then you can simply "dress up" with some statement accessories.

If you are planning for dressier dinner nights, here are a couple of tips:

• Choose bright and fun colored dresses or skirts with tops that are in breathable fabrics
• Make sure to pack a lightweight topper because even though it's warm outside, the air inside a restaurant will feel chilly, especially after a day in the sun
• For your shoes, an open-toe sandal, whether flat or heeled depending on your outfit will be perfect
• Dress up your look with either a bold lucite statement necklace which is nice and lightweight, OR a statement earring with no necklace.  Have a bold lucite bracelet, a small arm party of lightweight bracelets, or a beautiful statement ring to top off the look.
• Carry a light, beachy clutch with you for your phone, identification, and credit cards

When it comes to your hair, try not to worry too much.  Do a simply dressed-up ponytail or top knot or add a scarf to your hair for a beachy vibe.  A minimal makeup look is beautiful on a beach vacation: think a natural eye with beautiful bold lashes and a blush that gives you just a flush of color (almost so it looks like you are blushing).  With a minimal makeup look, I love a bold pink lip with a glossy sheen to add a little drama to your more natural look.

Another important thing to pack with you is PATIENCE.  Nothing can ruin a laidback beach vacation vibe faster than getting upset over having to wait for a table at a restaurant or not being able to get the perfect spot by the pool.  Plan ahead if you have a very specific time you want to eat out or specific chairs you want by the beach or pool.  If you are in a location that is right by the water, many times they will not accept reservations or maybe you don't want to feel restricted by a time constraint.  If you CAN make a reservation, maybe choose a later time so that you can fully enjoy the beach and the day's activities before you have to head back to your room to get dressed and ready.  This time of year is THE time of year to be at the beach, so you will be vacationing alongside many, many others.

Now, go forth and enjoy your summer vacation because before you know it, the school will be back in session, work demands will call and you will be dreaming of the NEXT Beach Vacay!

Stylishly Yours,

PS - Interested in my formula for putting together the perfectly styled outfit?!  If your answer is HECK YEAH, head on over here and get my Free Guide which will give you the exact steps.  Easy Dressing is on the way!