Retro Vacation Style Guide

The short version of what to pack for a beach vacation: two or three swimsuits, light clothes that mix together, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a cover-up), flat shoes you can walk in, one outfit for evenings, toiletries, and your documents and chargers. Everything below is sorted by category so you can check items off as you go.

I've given the list a retro lean, because a high-waisted swimsuit, a printed cover-up and cat-eye sunglasses pack small and mix easily. Skip that part if it isn't your style; the checklist works either way.

Section 01

Clothes to pack for a beach vacation

Pick one color family and build around it. Two neutrals plus one or two accent colors means almost every top works with every bottom, so you pack fewer pieces and still get plenty of outfits.

• 3-4 tops: breezy shirts, tanks or a knit polo
• 2-3 bottoms: linen or cotton shorts, a pair of wide-leg pants, a skirt
• 1-2 dresses: a sundress or a swing dress packs flat and works day to night
• 1 light layer: a cropped cardigan, an overshirt or a wrap for cool evenings and air conditioning
• Sleepwear and enough underwear for the trip, plus a spare set

Fabric matters more at the beach than at home. Linen, lightweight cotton and viscose blends feel cooler on warm skin and dry fast. If you plan to hike or walk a lot, a moisture-wicking layer closest to the skin helps: Texas A&M's Howdy Health notes that the layer next to your skin should draw sweat away. The same page advises avoiding cotton for that purpose because it holds moisture, which is mainly a cold-weather concern, but worth remembering for breezy evenings after a sweaty day.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd choose a matte linen over a shiny synthetic for daytime. Texture changes how a color reads in strong sun, and matte surfaces look calmer and less washed out in bright light.

Section 02

Swimsuits, cover-ups and sun protection

Bring at least two swimsuits so one can dry while you wear the other. A high-waisted bottom with a simple top gives you a retro look and stays put when you are in the water.

• 2-3 swimsuits, plus a rash guard if you'll be out for long stretches
• A cover-up or kaftan, and a sarong that doubles as a beach wrap
• A wide-brim hat
• Sunglasses (a retro cat-eye or round frame is fine, as long as the lenses are UV-rated)
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

On hats, the dermatologist Anna L. Chien, MD, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says in The Skin Cancer Foundation's sun protection Q&A: "A hat with a 3-inch brim protects the top of your scalp, ears and face." So a floppy sun hat is worth the suitcase space.

If you buy sun-protective clothing, check the UPF label. The same Skin Cancer Foundation page explains that a UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ offers excellent protection.

Cloud cover and car windows don't make you safe. The Skin Cancer Foundation points out that window glass blocks almost all UVB rays but UVA light can pass right through, so reapply sunscreen on long drives too. For questions about your own skin, check with a dermatologist.

Section 03

Beach vacation packing list: clothes and shoes in one glance

Shoes take up the most room, so limit yourself to three pairs.

• Flat sandals for walking
• Waterproof slides or flip-flops for the sand and pool
• One dressier pair, such as espadrilles or a low wedge, for dinners

Add water shoes if the shoreline is rocky. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane.

Section 04

What to pack for a 7-day beach vacation

A week needs fewer clothes than you think, because swimwear covers much of the day. A workable count:

If you want a pared-down approach, our capsule wardrobe for vacations shows how to make a few pieces repeat. For a vintage twist on the same idea, see the vintage vacation style guide.

Section 05

Toiletries to pack

• Sunscreen, after-sun lotion or aloe
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash in travel sizes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Hair ties, a comb and a leave-in conditioner for salt and chlorine
• Any prescriptions, plus basic first-aid items

If you plan a manicure before you go, these vacation nail ideas may help. Ask a professional about nail or skin care for salt water and sun.

Section 06

Beach gear to pack

• A large tote that handles sand and wet towels
• Quick-dry beach towel
• A waterproof phone pouch
• Reusable water bottle
• Compact umbrella or pop-up shade if the beach has little cover
• A book, a deck of cards or a speaker for downtime

Families should add snacks, toys and extra swim gear for each child, and a spare set of dry clothes in the tote. Most rental shops lend chairs and umbrellas, so check before you pack your own.

Section 07

Documents and extras

• ID or passport, boarding passes and hotel confirmation
• Travel insurance details and a payment card or cash
• Phone, charger and a portable battery
• Resealable bags for wet swimsuits

Section 08

Beach packing list for flying

Liquids over carry-on limits go in checked luggage, so decide early. Put one swimsuit, sunscreen in a travel size, your documents and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your bag is delayed. Pack heavy items like shoes on the outside of the suitcase and roll softer fabrics to avoid creases.

Section 09

Retro touches that pack small

A silk scarf works as a headband, a bag accent or a hair wrap. A pair of retro-inspired sunglasses gives a simple outfit a clear point of view. If you like swingy shapes, a circle skirt rolls up small. Choose colors that flatter your skin in bright daylight; mustard, teal and soft coral are easy to mix with white and navy.

Backstage Q&A

Frequently asked questions

Filed under Outfit Ideas