On this Signature Style- What you need for a getaway or resort trip! Some cute dresses, outfit ideas and packing tips.
It’s hard to believe it’s that time again for Signature Style with Cindy. Sorry for the delay in this post. The storm left me without internet. I hope you all have been faring okay. Given our never ending bad weather here in California, any of us are trying to plan an escape to the sun!
I was lucky last week to get a little escape with a three day trip to the desert to see the BNP Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells. Flying into Palm Spring looked like we were landing in Siberia, but on the ground it was a balmy 76 ! It felt great to be in the sun.
One of my biggest issues on these resort trips or quick getaways is how to pack smarter. I want so to not be burdened by a heavy case and too many choices.
How to pack smarter:
- Think outfits not pieces. Only pack outfits for each day. If you’re going out at night that could be two outfits a day. That way you won’t pack extra random things.
- Use items for more than one thing. For example-have at least one dress that can work as a coverup, and use a scarf for sun as well as warmth on the plane, have a light jacket that can work over a dress as well as with shorts and on the plane..
- Wear shorts/pants more than once and just change up tops.
- Bring sandals and sneakers that work for dresses as well with shorts for treks out..i.e. not your beat up jogging shoes.. (Unless you plan on running on your trip.)
- Wear a dress on repeat and just change up the look with accessories or scarves or a jacket.
- Stick to a color palette. If you pack all blues for example, or black and white, you can mix things easier and shoes and accessories work with everything.
You do not need more than one sweatshirt, leggings, tank, white T. Just re-wear and make your life easier. Get creative. My friend Bari and I were laughing on this trip because we were saying why did we feel the need to bring multiple sweatshirts? Like who was going to notice we wore something twice? Don’t do it. Minimal is freeing and gives you less to manage . I promise you will thank me.
My Resort/ Getaway Packing List
We don’t need much on warm holidays away. Remember you don’t even need a day outfit on days by the pool or beach. You will likely live in a swimsuit and a coverup, which you can even wear to breakfast, so make sure you have at least one good swimsuit you feel great in! That is the most essential on these trips.
- Swimsuit or two that flatters, fits and feels good to be active in.
- A cute coverup. If you bring multiples make sure at least one can double as a dress too.
- A hat that travels well. I love this hat and also a baseball cap for hikes/walks. I like this one.
- Sandal or flip flop (I love these Ola Kai) for the beach/pool, sneakers, and a fancier flat sandal.
- Bag for the pool/beach ( can also be a basket you use for carry-on), crossbody for night and days out.
- Sunglasses and possibly sunglass readers (cute ones here.)
- Light jacket – my favorite here I adore.
- Shorts for days
- Cute tops in light fabrics
- Dresses for hot days or nights out.
- White pants. ( I rarely wear these, but nice to have options if they weather turns cool.)
- Sunscreens. I love this, and this.
- I wear a light pant or jean on flight with my sneakers and light jacket.
Key Pieces
This linen jacket is one hardworking piece I have taken all over the place and is my first go-to on a warm weather trip. I just took it to the desert and it’s great for the plane too. I find the linen to be soft and a few wrinkles never make this look bad. I wear it over dresses as well as with shorts and pants. Cindy also has this.. You need something like this in your closet. Love the raw edges.
Blazer with shorts
I started pairing a linen blazer I have with shorts, and wore that during our tennis tournament with sneakers. It’s a look I am seeing all over and a fresh look for spring and summer too. Look for a light jacket. I wore it on the plane with jeans and a sweater wrapped around my neck for warmth. Some easy linen blazers here , here, and here and here. Some cute shorts in new lengths here and here and here.
This cute short and jacket look has a lot of possibilities day to night..
Sandals
I love these Birkenstocks to go with shorts to dresses..and these Roxanne flats are nice for evenings and come in many colors, but I love this teal.. and the classic TB flip flop in black ( or gold) is fancy enough for evenings and will look good for years.
Dresses/coverups..
I love having a few dresses on a getaway. I will use them for both coverups and to go out in.
I bought this Juliet Dunn dress I had my eye since last year on from My Theresa (first time ordering from them.) This dress is an eternal best seller as it works on a lot of body types. It comes with a nice slip that you can wear or not if you use as a coverup. I think this will be great for dinners or a warm weather trip and summer – if it ever happens!
They also have an option in this darker color and these darling dresses. Especially love the ones with ric rac trim! These aren’t inexpensive, but are special pieces. I saw a gal with one of the coverups in Hawaii and I fell in love with it. You could also search for them on sale and that is how I found mine.
The dress on the left is a Faherty cotton dress. It’s a small American made brand that I love and their dresses are excellent quality. I have two and this blue one I bought last year. I do see it now on sale in a pretty peach. The pink is a dress by dBa and it’s a shirt dress that I will use by the pool, also sold out in this print- but similar are here. ( Sorry for the indoor photos because well non-stop rain here!)
Elan makes the cutest coverups and prices are good. I have this black one, which I wear so much from a prior season.
Elan has more coverups here . I especially like this blue one, this one in white , and the yellow
Other long ones I like -this beauty by Johnny Was, and this cool Missoni looking stripe…
This gauze option by Anthro is perfect in a pretty green and a black. You could pair this dress with a mid length cotton slip and wear it to dinner too, double duty and less to bring!
I need another coverup like a hole in the head, but I just ordered this floral coverup at J. Crew I had my eye on. They also have it in solids and gingham. Super cute styling with the side ties. Both 25% off now.
Swimsuits
Swimsuits can be a challenge. I have found J. Crew ones to be excellent quality for the price and love the half shoulder versions. This suit flatters, and is still sexy and not frumpy. I have this in Safari and and love the stripe and other solid colors. I also have this version with a shoulder bow too. The half shoulder is super cute with a long skirt or long pants or cute shorts.
This is also adorbs in the floral .. If you need one, I love this rash guard with the tassel in black or navy..
Beach totes/ evening bags
The other thing you need is a good tote, that you can take on a trip and use by the pool/beach. I love the look of this bronze braided one .
You can’t beat this for $58 and it’s a classic you can tie a scarf on or a tassel.
I also have this honey pot from Claire V..I use it at night and added a strap from another bag to make it a crossbody for day. J Crew now has a cute similar bag too.
I have the medium Market tote by Mersea that I LOVE. It’s a bit stiffer to travel with but good for a weekend away you drive to- or perhaps get the larger size and use as a carry-on, or the extra small for evenings. They also have this adorable Ciao version now. See them all here
Another option is a small bag for evenings… a small crossbody or perhaps a woven clutch like this cute option. My original one is (also J. Crew 10 years old), and I still use it! Get a decent one and it’s a good addition to the closet.
Don’t forget sunglass readers. Those are so nice to have if you are sitting reading buy the pool or beach. I love these by Caddis. The pink is darling. They also have more here and here.
I hope this has given you a few ideas and inspiration. Great places for resort clothes are Tuckernuck, and Tommy Bahama, as well as Mersea which has a new travel collection. Play around with last summer’s coverups and shorts and see what still works and what you need before you shop. You may be surprised what you have in the closet after this long winter. I had forgotten about a few things.
I hope you have some sunshine in your future!
If you missed February’s Signature Style, I shared how French women wear red and how you can adding to your wardrobe can give you a little bit of chic and brighten up your darks this time of year.
Please pop by Cindy’s blog to see what she is sharing…
Thanks for being here!
Kim
I also have posts on what to pack for Hawaii , what to bring to Bora Bora, the BNP Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, and Carmel/Monterey.
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Hi Kim … Brilliant post! I’m now ready to pack my case ( lightly and efficiently ) and head for some time by a pool and on the beach! With the occasional stroll to an early morning market and a beach bar for lunch 😊 Unfortunately no resort style break on my horizon at the moment but I’m happy to dream. I love all your dress suggestions and absolutely adore your Juliet Dunn dress and your Elan black cover up. I have a white linen Jigsaw dress in a very similar style to your Juliet Dunn one but it’s more midi in length. I bought it for our trip to a family wedding in Ibiza last Autumn . Such a perfect style, neckline, sleeves etc and pretty timeless I think.
I have more Summer totes and clutch bags than I can reasonably use lol but as we’ve said before … there’s never been a basket we can’t find a use for 😂 Such a great idea to add a cross body strap to your bucket bag … makes it’s so much more versatile.
I always feel my belongings are safer in a crossbody than a clutch as well … no need to pop it down anywhere in a shop or a restaurant.
I’m glad you had such a good trip to Indian Wells … your choice of outfits sound perfect … appropriate and stylish! I’m definitely going to look for a new loose style linen jacket … plus I’m going to try one that I have with shorts. Great suggestion!
Have a lovely week Kim … I hope your weather improves soon. Very wet and windy here too but I guess that’s more normal for us!
Rosemary xxx
Rosemary, You are the consummate traveler ! I bet you have a lot of cool pieces . That white Jigsaw dress sounds like a great piece. Pretty and timeless is so good isn’t it?
Oh you and I love our baskets! I can never resist getting a new one every year.. You are so right about the crossbody feeling more secure for an evening out.. Especially if you are at a bar or want to dance having the crossbody is nice.
I hope your weather gets better soon too! We are waiting for another two storms. Sigh. xo
Fun post, Kim. Love all the dresses. Perfect for where I am now!
Hey Kim – Love it since I am leaving tomorrow morning for South Carolina. (Unfortunately weather is very cold, rainy and windy, so packing wintry things.) I did not know about dBa and always forget about Mersea and Faherty – so thanks for the cute items and reminder. You look so great in everything!
I have a hard time packing light – when I go with the ladies, we always have nice dinners that we dress for, so have to pack for that.
When I go with Chip, we have beach/poolside, walking, possible afternoon activities and nice dinners. I do my best!!! Good luck with your wonky weather – we have gone from spring back to winter, if it makes you feel any better! :/
Gray I hope you have a fantastic trip! Isn’t it hard to pack all the options?? Oh dear the weather all over! I hope you get some sunshine and I look forward to reading about it. xo
cute cute cute cute! after all this (much needed) rain, atmospheric rivers and cool temps I am so ready for a getaway.
Joyfully, renting a house in Carmel for the month of April – that should help my wanderlust a bit.
email me if you come into town
Cheers,
Dianne, Thanks! I know I think we all are. How wonderful to rent a home in Carmel. I hope it is wonderful and by then we are back to our beautiful weather. Aw I will. xo
Kim
This was a fabulous post! So many great ideas! I just love my jacket that you introduced me to from Tommy Bahama. We are on the same wavelength with the swimsuit! I love mine. You are so lucky that you still look fabulous in short dresses as there are so many cute ones now. My short skirt days have long passed!! I too love the olukai ho opio flip flop. I have worn them for years!!
Cindy loved yours and I added you in our jacket to this! The swimsuits with the half shoulder still look chic I think! Well not sure how fab I am in shirt dresses, but wearing them anyway! Those flip-flops are so good right? xo
Fantastic post thank you Kim just what l need thinking about vacations and getting away. Lovely dresses! I bought the Tommy Bahama linen jacket after your recommendation last year and it’s such a winner great suggestion. Happy weekend 🙂
Francesca thank you so much. Isn’t that a great jacket? I don’t think I have ever worn a piece so much. Def worth it! Glad to hear you feel the same. Happy weekend to you too! x
That blue dress on you is adorable. You look like a teenager!
Sounds like you nailed the packing just right, so happy you had sunshine!
I am patiently waiting for the sun to shine, but I hear we have another atmospheric disaster headed our way and what is Gray doing? Going back to South Carolina she was just there!!
Good thing, I can chair, travel, arm, travel, whatever you call it between you and her!
Xoxo
Thanks Elizabeth. I love that dress! I was so happy getting some sun. I am not a dark weather person.. What is up with this other river coming? We need to get our boats ready.. Gray is always going fun spots. xo
This is such a great post! Your fashion posts are always so well thought out and detailed. What I find especially helpful are your practical tips and thought process. Thank you!
Thanks so much Caroline! So nice of you.
Love your posts as always, as you have such great style! I’m looking at the Tommy Bahama linen jacket now and debating on the size. Does this run small, or you found more true to size? Linen shirts always run small for me so I need to size up, so not sure if you think the same on your jacket. I’m reading the reviews on their website, and not seeing to many comments on the fit. Thank you!
Ann runs a bit big and I have small which is roomy! I hope that helps! I am usually a size 8 or medium.
Fantastic post Kim! Thank you for the lists and suggestions and the links for some wonderful pieces! Just what I need!
Thanks so much Sally! So nice of you. Glad they are helpful!
Kim, I enjoyed this so much … how fun to be in the desert in 70+ degree temps, surrounded by a ring of snowy mountains … watching tennis! Alway look forward to your vacation posts and seeing how you pack for trips. We’re going to Mexico next month and you’ve inspired me to get it together with a well thought out packing plan. I adore your Juliet Dunn dress, and not just because of the name. And I’ve been eying your Clare V honey pot bag. Also adore those one shoulder bathing suits … the olive green is a beauty. You look so cute in all our resort outfits. Makes me want to pack a bag and head to the airport right now! xo
Hi Juliet, A trip to Mexico sounds like the antidote to this dark winter. So excited for you and I hope you’ll share all about it. Yess you need a Juliet dress! xo
Hi Kim, Thanks for putting together all of the cute looks. Like Cindy, my days of wearing short dresses are over but you can still pull it off. You deserve kickback from Tommy Bahama for helping promote that jacket! I get their promotions all the time but doubt I would have ordered the jacket had I not seen you wearing it in a post. I got it last year in white and had the sleeves shortened so I could wear cuff-down if I wanted and show the fringed edge. I thought the photos you took indoors were in the lobby of a hotel someplace tropical with your rattan chair, big ficus and other decor!
Hi Wren that is so great you have the jacket and love it! LOL. I wish ! That is so nice of you to say that. Smart idea getting it shortened. I wear the cuffs long and unbuttoned too. Oh thank you about the house! I was desperate to find a decent place to take a pic with this horrid weather. xo
Hi Kim-
Love the post. So many great ideas for beach wear. I plan to pick up the Tommy Bahama linen jacket. What size do you recommend?
Aimee, I bought it in small and it is slightly large which is nice. Not a tight jacket. I think you would be a small! x
Great post! Love all the packing tips – I try so hard to pack less (still haven’t learned) I’m definitely a work in progress. Anxiously awaiting spring and looking forward to shopping for the warm weather. Stay safe!
Love all the pieces but the Juliet Dunn dress is a stunner. Thanks for all the tips.
Aw thanks so much! I adore her things.
So many cute ideas! I was wondering how tall you are? I am trying to figure out how short the shorter dresses would be on me.
On my last trip to Hawaii, I realized how worn out my 2 swimsuits are, One I left there, it was so bad ..I would love a post on swimsuits for real woman’s bodies! 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth! Thanks so much! I am 5’3 ish and around 138 so I hope that helps! I do think these one shoulder swimsuits are supportive and flattering. have you ordered one yet? I recommend them! xo
Thanks, that is helpful. I am 5’7″ , now I can guess how short the dresses will be on me. 🙂
Kim,
You always look beautiful. I love your effortless style! There are so many great tips here! I am much the same when traveling. I take a tote with a book and kindle, smaller bag, usually cross body, sun glasses, chargers, camera and snacks.
I find when I travel I do not want to worry about loosing or having things stolen so the less I bring the better.
A midi dress is my dress of choice, I love long flowing looks. Sort of like caftans like Elizabeth wears, because they are versatile, and comfy. You can wear them at the pool, to dinner as a coverup too.
Love that cover-up you picked out! It looks like a liberty print!
I am off to check out all of your links to see if there is anything I cannot live without!
Have a wonderful day Kim!