How to Pack For Your Next Beach Vacation
© Jannis Werner / AlamyThe Cape and Islands, Massachusetts
Whether you’re headed to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket, the New England preppy style is easy to emulate. The classically American look is typically dominated by hues of red, white, and blue, as well as classic stripes and preppy prints (gingham, anchors). There’s no need for much fuss at these locations—an iconic Breton shirt will carry you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Pair that with a well-loved pair of jean shorts and Converse sneakers, grab a bottle of beer, and meet your friends for lobster rolls on the beach.
Get the Look: Cape & Islands
Tory Burch Clemente Top (toryburch.com; $95)
Tory Burch Hipster (toryburch.com; $95)
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Sneakers (net-a-porter.com; $50)
Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Classic (ray-ban.com; $155)
Saint James for J.Crew Slouchy Tee (jcrew.com; $90)
Kiel James Patrick Mariner and Cape Poge Bay (kieljamespatrick.com; $40)
J.Crew Denim Short in Dark Von Wash (jcrew.com; $80)
L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote Bag (llbean.com; starting at $25)
© Ian G Dagnall / AlamyPalm Beach, Florida
When in Palm Beach, embrace the retro vibe the area is known for—it's a throwback to the summers of the 1960s, when the town was in its heyday, and the best way to dress the part while you're there. Though there is plenty of time to lounge poolside in a pastel bikini, the social culture of the town is certainly alive and well. As such, make sure to pack for the eccentric glamour of the nightlife with a feminine sundress and statement necklace.
Get the Look: Palm Beach
Gucci Wide-Brim Woven Paper Yarn Hat (net-a-porter.com; $435)
Oscar de la Renta Golden Coral Branch Necklace (neimanmarcus.com; $595)
Charlotte Olympia Kitty Raffia & Patent Leather Slipper (bergdorfgoodman.com; $645)
Illesteva Palm Beach Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses (net-a-porter.com; $240)
Zara Guipure Stars Dress (zara.com; $100)
Chloé Envelope Crossbody Bag (farfetch.com; $606)
Marysia Antibes Bikini ([marysiaswim.com](http://marysiaswim.com/product/antibes/); $130 per piece)
© LJSphotography / AlamySantorini, Greece
There are few places in the world like Santorini. The combination of bright blue waters and narrow streets packed with the most exquisite shops encourage afternoons of pleasant wandering. Since you may be going from the beach to lunch to town and back to the beach again, pack pieces that you'll be comfortable in, and can transition from day to night. A French bikini and a colorful sundress are easy and lightweight—and, of course, don’t forget your gladiator sandals. (No matter what you choose to pack from home, we suggest you pick up a pair handmade on the island as well.)
Get the Look: Santorini
J.Crew Henley Tank Dress in Faded Adire (jcrew.com; $85)
Ancient Greek Sandals Niove Sandal (ancient-greek-sandals.com; $143)
Loeffler Randall Lock Clutch (loefflerrandall.com; $295)
Warby Parker Batten Sunglasses (warbyparker.com; $145)
Ileana Makri Evil Eye 18-Karat Rose Gold, Diamond, and Sapphire Ring (net-a-porter.com; $1,285)
J.Crew Scalloped French Bikini Top (jcrew.com; $44)
J.Crew Low Hipster Bikini Bottom (jcrew.com; $40)
Tulum, Mexico
In Tulum, have fun with color, patterns, and textures—the Mexican city is a vibrant, beautiful place, and you can style your vacation wardrobe with a similarly colorful vibe. Bring along espadrilles, shorts, and bathing suits in saturated tones; on top, reach for an embellished shirt or tunic. Even better? Buy a traditionally hand-embroidered style once you’re there.
Get the Look: Tulum
Kiini Ro Crochet-Trim Bikini (matchesfashion.com; $327)
Soludos Sandal (soludos.com; $55)
Sea Embroidered Short-Sleeved Blouse (farfetch.com; $340)
Mango Ethnic Tassel Clutch (mango.com; $30)
Ray Ban Aviator Large Metal Mirror Sunglasses (lanecrawford.com; $200)
J.Crew Panama Hat (jcrew.com; $58)
J.Brand 1046 Low-Rose Cut-Off Short (jbrandjeans.com; $47)
M.M. Sweet/Getty ImagesHawaii
Hawaiian style is the perfect mix of active and laid-back: Catch some waves in the morning, work on your tan come lunchtime, and hike to some of the most beautiful views in the world as the sun sets over the islands. In keeping with that versatility, everything you pack should have a transitional feel. Go for a sporty swimsuit that doesn’t hinder your ability to hop on a surfboard, but also has a flirty feel for when you want to lounge on the beach. Opt for shorts and a tank with the same fluid vibe for effortless movement through every activity your day may hold—from hiking to a candlelit beachside dinner.
Get the Look: Hawaii
Lisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve Zip High-Waist Bikini (shop.lisamariefernandez.com; $385)
Ray-Ban Aviator Light Ray II (ray-ban.com; $220)
Marni Flower Print Shorts (farfetch.com; $490)
Tory Burch Leather Ankle-Strap Flat Jelly Sandal (toryburch.com; $125)
Bop Basics Rafia Striped Sling Backpack (shopbop.com; $75)
Melissa Odabash Jemima Wide-Brimmed Hat (matchesfashion.com; $149)
H&M Jersey Tank Top (hm.com; $10)
Bali, Indonesia
Equally known for its quiet temples and pristine beaches, Bali is ideal destination for quiet contemplation and relaxing. It's also the perfect place to sport the bohemian jewelry and fringe-embellished dress you've been dying to wear all winter. Use your wardrobe to mirror the island's jewel-toned scenery and vibrant resorts—especially the ones voted among the top beach resorts in the world.
Get the Look: Bali
Mar Y Sol Caracas Tote (jcrew.com; $115)
Aurélie Bidermann Sioux Soft Bracelet (aureliebidermann.com; $212 each)
Tory Burch Issy Printed Triangle Bikini (net-a-porter.com; $235)
Aurélie Bidermann Sioux Gold-Plated, Turquoise and Coral Bracelet (net-a-porter.com; $330)
Aurélie Turquoise and Bamboo Bracelet (net-a-porter.com; $330)
Rag & Bone Summer Fedora (barneys.com; $195)
K. Jacques Saratoga Sandals (madisonlosangeles.com; $320)
Saloni Ashley Dress (farfetch.com; $355)