The Essential Beach Trip Packing List

Do you have a beach trip planned this summer? If so, you are in the right place because this essential beach trip packing list is going to make your life so much easier! Packing and deciding what to take on a beach trip can be stressful…especially if you are trying to pack light. Today I’m going to take all the work out of packing for your trip with all the essential pieces that you really need for your beach getaway.

I will link all the products in today’s post; however, you may just want to use this as a guide to shop your closet. Sometimes it just helps to have an example…a sort of capsule beach wardrobe to use as a guide and then your closet starts to open up to you with ideas.

Key Strategy For Packing Smart:

When you are thinking about the perfect beach capsule wardrobe, you want pieces that are multi-tasking. Meaning you can wear them for different purposes and dress them up or down. Also you want neutrals that can be worn many ways.

Think about pieces that can double as a swim cover up and an outfit that can be worn out to dinner or sight seeing. Denim shorts, and sundresses are great ideas for this type of multi-tasker.

In my experience, I don’t dress up nearly as much as I think I will on a beach trip. Beach destinations are laid back and casual, so don’t waste a lot of valuable packing space with formal clothes. Instead, think comfort and practicality.

Swimwear

Any beach destination will require swimwear. I recommend at least three swimsuits so you can have plenty of options. Here I am showing a couple of one-piece options from J. Crew Factory, and a two-piece from Amazon that I personally love. The crochet swim cover up is very on trend and could also be worn over a tank as an outer layer.

For more swimwear ideas, check out this post.

Shorts

I am very picky about shorts…they must be flattering and comfortable. I chose two styles for this beach packing list from Aerie. First, my all time favorite crossover flowy shorts in black. These are available in multiple colors, but you can’t go wrong with black! I think I own about every color.

aerie pool to party collection: beach trip packing list

I chose the pool to party shorts in pink because they are so light and breezy, and you will also see the matching button down. This would make a great outer layer for the evening, or the oversized shirt can be a swim cover-up.

No beach trip would be complete without one pair of denim shorts. Again, this is a piece that can function for beachwear, poolside, or sightseeing. I chose a quality pair from Loft that will be long enough and has a stylish raw hemline.

The drawstring black and white striped shorts from J. Crew Factory are another wardrobe essential. This is a classic style that will serve you well on vacation and all summer long.

Tops

A neutral colored tank top, such as this black one is another piece that will be essential for a beach trip. Worn alone or as a base layer, this is a must. I like to buy high quality tanks that are nice an thick and hold up after being washed several times. This one from J. Crew Factory is a high neck style.

Are you surprised to see a sweater on this list of essentials? Well, despite the heat of a beach trip I always pack at least one or two long sleeve options for when I am indoors. Air conditioning can give you quite a chill and this crewneck beach sweater is so soft and lightweight. I have this pink one, and I highly recommend it!

Lastly, I always include one dressier top when packing for the beach. Family photos, or dinner at a nice restaurant are part of vacation, so pack at least one cute top. This white one from Loft can be worn with any of the shorts in this collection.

Dresses

I’ve included three casual dresses in this beach trip packing list; however if you are not a shorts girl you could always substitute a couple of extra dresses in place of the shorts! Dresses are so easy to wear in summer, and are usually cooler and more comfortable.

You may remember the blue shirtdress in the photo above from my J. Crew Factory post a while back. I like this for a beach trip because it has long sleeves that can be worn down or rolled up depending on your preference.

For an affordable option, the navy eyelet dress by Time and Tru from Walmart is so pretty!

Athletic dresses are the perfect blend of shorts and a dress. This one from Aerie is a personal favorite!

Shoes & Accessories

Another important beach packing tip is to really narrow down your shoes. All you really need is a pair of flat sandals, a pair of pool/beach shoes, and some sneakers. Trust me…you will be so glad you didn’t pack all those shoes!

A straw tote is the perfect beach bag and handbag dual purpose accessory. The only other thing I might add is a belt bag which takes up very little space in your luggage. My favorite belt bag is the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, but you can really find a suitable one just about anywhere.

Sunglasses are a very high priority, and you can go affordable or high end. My favorite pair of high end sunnies are the Maui Jim Baby Beach aviator style sunglasses. If you have a small face like I do, you will love these! These from J. Crew Factory are affordable and stylish!

If you need reading glasses, you will love these bifocal reading sunglasses from Amazon. I recently purchased these and they are a must-have if you like to read on the beach or by the pool.

Additional Ideas:

Like I said earlier, some women do not like to wear shorts and I understand that completely. Here are some additional ideas for skorts, dresses, and pants that you can substitute.

I nice pair of linen wide leg pants can easily take the place of shorts and they are just as comfortable, yet not so revealing.

The Essential Beach Trip Packing List