What I'm Packing for Beach Trips This Spring and Summer

Dispatch from Palm Beach

An assignment for Southern Living has brought me to Palm Beach, Florida, for the next 48 hours. It had been a few years since I’d been here, and I’m very much appreciating the sun, the heat, and the lounge chairs by what I’ve always said is my favorite hotel pool. Tucked at the back of the Brazilian Court Hotel, it’s quiet, lush, and the perfect place to write, read, and nap.

Since this was my first beach-adjacent trip of 2026, I had to dig through my clothes to find the warm-weather staples that I’ll pair with a few recently aquired pieces, including my new favorite linen drawstring pants and the under-$30 dress I became obsessed with while in India. I packed everything in just my Louis Vuitton duffel (a treat/investment purchase I made in Milan a couple years back) and my trusty Tom Beckbe tote—the latter of which I keep organized with a couple of these summery Vera Bradley pouches.

A beach trip is the easiest time to pack lightly; you really only need a few key pieces. I went with a beige, black, and white palette for Palm Beach—a combination I’ll likely stick with until fall.

Dress that doubles as a cover-up

You may have seen I wore the blue striped version of this button-down dress in India. Well, when I got back from that trip, I immediately grabbled the khaki/beige striped colorway, too. I purposefully bought it for a trip to Zimbabwe in a couple weeks, but I also decided it would work for a boat day down here in Palm Beach. It’s also on sale this weekend, and I’m tempted to get another color…

Linen pants

I don’t think I’ll ever own enough pairs of linen drawstring pants. They’re my go-to travel-day bottoms (always with the same sold-out oversized Ralph Lauren button-down I mention in every packing list), but I also wear them as a bathing suit cover-up, with a nicer tank top or dinner, or a T-shirt for more casual daytime activities. This year, I’ll be rotating between this pair from Madewell (they do run a little small), these I snagged on Amazon last year, and a beloved J.Crew pair.

Linen shorts

I also picked up these drawstring shorts from Quince for Africa next month—I am very excited to write that packing list—and I think they’re going to become essential on all my coastal travels this spring and summer.

Basic tanktops

I’m fully in the camp that a quality tank top is worth a little extra money. I bring my Tank Air tank top and Good American bodysuits (I have it in black and white) on nearly every trip. Both are honestly great purchases, and I wear them with my Sticky Cakes.

Oversized button-downs

I am devastated that Ralph Lauren no longer sells my favorite oversized button-down—thankfully, I had the foresight to buy three—so I had to do some digging to find similar ones. This type of shirt is just so versatile and breathable, and I like to wear it at the airport, to dinner, or over a bathing suit. This poplin one from Frank & Eileen is probably the most similar silhouette-wise, and this J.Crew version is on sale.

Swimsuit

My black Andie one-piece has lasted at least three summers now, and I have no plans to replace it (unless I decide to buy it in other colors). It’s flattering, supportive, and comfortable; no bathing suit I’ve tried since can beat it.

Sandals and sneakers

I brought two pairs of shoes to Palm Beach: sneakers, similar to these New Balance ones, and an older pair of Gucci slides. While my sandals have been sold out for a while, I think these from Madewell have a similar vibe (and can be worn with most outfits).

Beach bag, earrings, straw hat

If your personal item doesn’t double as a beach bag, grab a canvas tote you can fold into your suitcase. Other essentials: cheap earrings (read: ones you wouldn’t mind losing in the pool or ocean) and a straw hat, which I highly recommend carrying through the airport via a magnetic hat clip. It’s a game-changer.

Recently published work:

Town & Country: A Snob’s Guide to the Georgia Coast

Travel + Leisure: Away CEO Jessica Schinazi’s Perfect 24-hour Guide to NYC—Including Her Favorite Coffee Shops, Restaurants, and Hotels

Southern Living: This Is The Right Way To Board A Plane, According To Etiquette Experts

Travel + Leisure: North America’s Largest Ski Resort Has 8,000 Acres of Terrain, a 2.7-mile Gondola, and Some of the Best Spring Skiing in the World

Southern Living: This Storybook Virginia Inn Is Tucked Inside One Of The Oldest Buildings In Horse Country