How I Pack For A One Week Summer Trip

This is how I pack for a one week summer trip, whether it’s our anniversary celebration in Maine, a family vacation to Vermont, or my daughter’s dance competition in Florida. I follow the same formula and adapt it to the weather and our activities…

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1. Pick A Color Palette

I start by choosing a handful of colors that I can mix and match. Usually, my color palette includes:

1-2 neutral colors + white or ivory + 1-2 bright or pastel colors

The only exception is dresses and jumpsuits, which can be any color or print, as long as I have neutral shoes to wear with them. For my recent trip to Florida, I chose chocolate brown, navy, white, and light blue.

2. Choose Shoes First

I’ve found that it’s easy to handwash clothes (I always take a travel-sized bottle of detergent) or buy something if I ever find that I’ve underpacked. It’s much more challenging to buy comfortable shoes, so I tend to take too many rather than too few. On my trip to Florida, where I walked for most of the day (indoors), went out to dinners and spent time by the pool, I took:

1-2 pairs of sneakers + 1-2 pairs of flat sandals + 1 pair of dress sandals + 1 pair of flip-flops (mine were a gift from Oka-B)

Birkenstocks / Kitten Heels (Similar) / Ballet Flats / Flip Flops / White & Cork Flat Sandals / Sneakers (Newer Version)

3. Shorts, Pants And Skirts

For a one week summer trip, I pack 3-5 bottoms. For my most recent summer trip, I took 3 pairs of shorts, my linen pants, and a skirt. I did wear the skirt, but since I took a few dresses, I probably didn’t need it.

Brown Linen Shorts / Light Blue Shorts / Navy Shorts / Light Blue Linen Blend Pants / Maxi Skirt (New Prints)

4. Tops

For tops, I pack a combination of tank tops, T-shirts, blouses, button-down shirts, and cardigans or jackets. For my Florida trip, I spent a considerable amount of time inside where it was chilly, so I took more long-sleeved options than I normally would.

Most of my tops are old, except this Scallop Trim Ramie Top, which I bought in navy blue. My long sleeve linen shirt is this Everday Linen Shirt. I’ve had it for several years and have thrown it in the wash many times.

5. Dresses

Usually, I would pack one or two dresses for a one week summer trip, but when I was in Florida, I saw the same group of people for dinner most nights, so I wanted to have a few more options. My green shift dress (and old LOFT style) did not fit into my color palette, but as a stand-alone piece with white in the print, I could wear it with my white cardigan and sandals.

My brown and white printed midi dresses are still available.

I’m wearing a size S in the Poplin Gingko Print Dress (also available in solid colors). Unlike other tiered dresses, this one skims the body, so if you don’t like a lot of volume, this is the dress for you! I also appreciate the shallow V-neck (most come down too low on me) and the pockets!

I’m wearing a size XS in the Lobster And Seashell Dress. It’s made in a lightweight, unlined poplin, so the skirt is quite full.

6. Handbags

I almost always take two handbags with me on trips, a crossbody and a small clutch for dinners out. On my Florida trip, I ended up with two bags and probably didn’t need both. My chocolate handbag is the Mircro Luna Raffia Shoulder Bag – I added a crossbody strap from another handbag. And my light tan handbag has sold out at Coach Outlet but the smaller Gingham Raffia crossbody is still available.

6. Jewelry & Accessories

I’ve been taking this Beaded Collar Necklace and this Turquoise Triple Strand Necklace on all my recent trips, to add a pop of color my neutral outfits.

I also take my Coach sunglasses (which are similar to these) and my Quay sunglasses (an older version of these).

7. Swimsuit & Cover-up

I bought this cute J.Crew Scalloped One-piece Swimsuit this year, but it ended up feeling a little snug (too much vacation dessert?) so I ended up wearing my old Athleta swimsuit and coverup. For a one week trip, I usually take two swimsuits and a coverup, but I didn’t spend as much time in the pool as I expected so one was enough.

8. Pajamas

I usually pack two sets of pajamas for a one week summer trip. I almost always take this Cozy Earth Shorts Set because it is just so soft and comfortable. On my latest trip I took a very old Soma Cool Nights pajama set, but going forward I’m going to take my Nordstrom Moonlight Eco Crop Pajamas which are soft stretchy and cool.

9. My Travel Outfit

My travel outfit is usually heavier than what I wear on the trip, and I usually just save it for the way back too. I always wear my heaviest sneakers, pull on pants, a short or long sleeved t-shirt and one of my cotton jackets. If I think that it mighgt rain I wear my rain jacket or take a packable one with me.

The Packing List

Here’s what I usually pack when I go on a one week summer trip (clothing, accessories and other essentials). If I’m driving to my desitination, I often take a small cutting board and knife for cutting fruit or making sandwiches on days when three meals at a restaurant just feel like too much! My favorite water bottle for trips is my Epic water bottle with a built in filter. They no longer make the stainless steel one that I have, but they do have these artsy Nalgene bottles. It will save you having to buy bottles of water when you travel!

Let me know if there are things that you never travel without!

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