Of all the vacations you can have with the exception of staycays, a beach vacation is probably the easiest one to pack for. All the bulky jackets, jeans, sweaters and boots are left behind in favour of sunglasses, shorts, sandals and swimsuits. Gotta get that tan in, get what I’m saying? Packing should be a breeze, even if you decide to bring more than a few bikinis and have one designated look per day with several evening looks to spare for dinner by the ocean. Still, no one is immune to packer’s block. If you ever find yourself stuck in a packing rut with only hours to spare before catching that flight to paradise, allow us to intervene.

Don’t limit yourself to kaftans and smocked sundresses. Try a bralet with matching trousers or shorts. That way, your top doubles as a bikini top, so you get two looks in one. You’ll have more to mix and match with, too, should you ever run out of options. The same goes for shoes: bring the rubber sandals, but throw in espadrilles and mules to keep things interesting. You flew all the way to that beach, you’ll want to get proper #ootds against that ocean of blue.

Mara Hoffman Basketweave Bandeau & Trousers

Jimmy Choo Portia Wedge Sandals

Miguelina Cotton Printed Bra Top & Flared Trousers

Michael Kors Collection Gingham Poplin Wrap Blouse

Sensi Studio Off-The-Shoulder Embroidered Dress

We’re officially packed up and moved on from triangle bikinis. Swimwear isn’t just swimwear anymore, you’ll want one with enough pizzazz to power that Instagram. Even better if that bikini top doubles as a going-out top. You see what we’re doing here? Don’t forget the accessories. Contrary to what your mom said when you were kid and you wanted to earrings to the pool, you CAN wear earrings to swim if you want to and you should get as loud and cray-cray as you want with them. If you’re worried about painful wardrobe malfunctions, go for clip-ons. Also, you can’t not have some measure of straw in your packing list. We are trying to stay away from beach holiday cliches here, but straw hats and bags? That, we cannot give up. It’s a beach!

Tory Burch Smocked Embroidered Bikini

Oscar de la Renta Resin Clip-On Earrings

Lisa Marie Fernandez Ruffled-Trimmed Seersucker Bikini

Gucci Beaded Gold Tone & Faux Pearl Earrings

Filu Hats Hemp Straw Hat

Nannacay Straw & Pom Pom Raffia Tote

When you’re stuck on an island, chances are you will have dinner by the sea. Of course, you can opt for something casual because #islandlyfe. But, if all that candlelight is putting you in the mood for something a little fancier, prep a couple of dresses, trousers or skirts that inch toward the dramatic. If you’ve had enough of festival fringe thanks (or no thanks) to all the recent Coachella coverage, try laser-cuts. Heels are obviously not the wisest option, but if you think that espadrilles are too daytime, consider the fancy sneaker. Seriously. You’ll be walking like a gazelle on that fine sand.

Rosie Assoulin Ruffled One-Shoulder Poplin Top

Isa Arfen Striped Tie-Front Midi Dress

Rosie Assoulin Striped Appliqued Linen Dress

Pictured Above: Jimmy Choo espadrilles, Reformation matching cropped top and pants and ruffled mini dress, Jil Sander straw hat, Oscar de la Renta earrings, Lisa Marie Fernandez checked off-the-shoulder bikini, Jimmy Choo denim sneakers and mini cross body chain bag, Gucci straw hat, Exhibit earrings, Dion Lee laser-cut bustier dress | Photos: YOYOKULALA.com