What to Pack for Every Type of Destination

If you have vacation plans on the books, we think you should spend less time thinking about what to wear and more time basking in the excitement of getting out of here. Ahead, we’ve put together a few outfit formulas to take the guesswork out of packing. Whether you’re going to the beach, the mountains, or a far-flung city, here’s how to dress for a successful (and stress-free) trip. 

Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, playing, and expecting.

Tropical Getaway

Heading to a beach vacation? Pack this floral-print maxi in a tropical color palette. You can wear it over your swimsuit during the day, then with some statement earrings and metallic lace-up sandals for sunset cocktails. Layer on the glowy highlighter to complement your tan. 

The outfit:

• Beautiful Soul Floral Print Twist-Front Maxi Dress ($79, Lulus)

• Seychelles Lilac Sandal ($79, Revolve)

• Como Woven Straw Tote ($118, J.Crew)

• Mango Beaded Tassel Drop Earrings ($35.99, Nordstrom)

• Aviator Gradient Sunglasses ($195, Ray-Ban)

• Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm ($32, Sephora)

European City

When you’re gallivanting around Europe, keep it simple and sophisticated. A pair of booties are a little more elevated than sneakers, but they won’t stop you from clocking your 10,000 steps. Finish it off with a classic wool coat, an expensive-looking (but not flashy) watch, and a designer-inspired saddle bag with subtle gold hardware. Trés chic.

The outfit:

• The ‘90s Straight Jean ($128, Madewell)

• The Taylor Boot ($275, Tecovas)

• Gotham Plaid Long Wool Coat ($159, Bernardo)

• Gabine Saddle Bag ($66, Charles & Keith)

• Baby Alpaca-Wool Turtleneck ($69.90, Quince) 

• Gold Kensington Link 40 Watch ($155, Abbott Lyon)

Outdoor Adventure

Just because you’re hiking doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish. We like this insulated, padded jacket and convertible pants (you can zip off the bottom if things start to get sweaty). Finish it off with some pro-level hiking boots that would survive the apocalypse, but wouldn’t look out of place at a café for a celebratory post-hike drink. Fashion 🤝 function.  

The outfit:

• Lapwing Insulated Jacket ($210, Finisterre)

• Convertible High-Rise Hiking Pant ($149, Lululemon)

• Sorel Kinetic Impact Conquest Waterproof Boots ($76.65, Zappos)

• Capilene® Cool Daily Graphic Hoody ($75, Patagonia)

• All About Crossbody Belt Bag ($35, Athleta)

Aprés-Ski

Even if you’ve never touched a ski in your life, you can still have a great time with the aprés-ski crowd. Keep cozy in a fuzzy Fair Isle turtleneck, knit leggings, and our favorite beanie of all time. Then throw your Kindle into a sherpa tote and head to the spa. Spiked hot chocolate in the jacuzzi, anyone?

The outfit:

• Fair Isle Loch Sweater ($134, Tuckernuck)

• Cozy Knit Legging ($78, Skims)

• Rag & Bone Blake Logo Patch Beanie ($95, Nordstrom)

• San Diego Hat Co. Toasty Tote ($68, Anthropologie)

• Laced Padded Boots ($54.99, H&M)

• Sculptural Hoops ($158, Mejuri)

• Temptress Sunglasses ($95, Le Specs)