Packing for Mexico
Our end of May trip to Mexico seems like ages ago, but I finally put together my beach packing list a few weeks back so I could share. There are still plenty of days left to enjoy surf and sunshine this summer, but if you’re not lucky enough to have a beach vacation on the near horizon, bookmark these tips for streamlined packing for a future escape! Keep reading for details on what I packed for Tulum and Playa del Carmen, and be sure to scroll through all the photos above to see what I wore in Mexico (lots of outfit inspiration here if you feel stuck next time you start packing).
My packing motto for beachy locations? Edit, edit, edit. Even what you see pictured here (everything I packed) was way more than I needed, because at the beach your days are spent wearing a swimsuit and evenings require little more than a quick change into a dress and sandals. Restricting myself to packing in my Lo & Sons Catalina bag helps streamline things too.
My number one tip for packing is to start a few days before you leave, lay all the pieces on your bed, and try everything on. You’ll figure out what you can mix and match and avoid over packing–and have the perfect outfits pre-planned so you don’t waste precious relaxation time deciding what to wear each day!
Here are my beach-packing tips:
Swimsuits: Pack two swimsuits (I scooped up the same suit in two colors because I loved the fit–and price–so much) and alternate them each day. It’s an effortless way to spice things up.
*Target crochet swimsuit tops and bottoms
Shoes: Choose comfortable, lightweight shoes and only bring flats. Slim flip flops are a must for the beach and espadrilles are a summer essential (choose a flat version for walking in airports and exploring towns). I also take my go-to summer sandal of the moment and one metallic pair for coupling with dresses in the evening. I never take heels on vacation.
*K.Jacques sandals, Rag & Bone espadrilles, Havaianas slim flip flops, Guess gold sandals (old)
Dresses: Dresses are your best friend for warm-weather destinations. Select a few that can easily fold up and take little space (and that will lose any wrinkles once hung). A colorful tunic is great, plus a few longer options that can be worn for day or dressed up at night.
*H&M red dress, H&M olive dress, Enza Costa black tank dress, Tolani printed tunic
Tops: These should be basic and breathable to withstand hot days. I favor solid neutrals and stripes because they can pair in so many ways with shorts and simple flats. I keep things fresh by adding a straw fedora or a long necklace.
*J.Crew white and gray pocket tees, Velvet stripe tee (similar), James Perse black tank, J.Crew linen popover, H&M open-weave white tee, Urban Outfitters tunic (old)
Bottoms: Super simple–one white pair, one denim short. Nothing that sand and sunscreen can ruin!
*H&M white shorts, Target distressed boyfriends shorts
Jewelry & Accessories: Keep it minimal. Vacation isn’t the time for expensive or excessive jewelry and bags. I always swap my wedding ring out for a simple gold band and take one or two necklaces that I can mix and match with my outfits. I like to bring along a little clutch–in a vibrant color–that goes with anything. And a straw fedora has been my go-to accessory all summer, whether at home or away.
*J.Crew fedora, Love Quotes scarf, Ray-Ban sunglasses, H&M horn necklace (old), red wristlet from a previous trip to Mexico