Planning A Beach Trip? Here's What Kind Of Clothes You Need To Pack

Packing for a beach getaway involves so much more than just a few bathing suits and a coverup. All that fun in the sun comes with plenty of challenges, like planning for hot days that melt into chilly oceanside evenings. You also need to take into account the uniqueness of beaching; plan for wet, sandy scenarios. And on top of that, the ultimate goal is to look cute and be comfortable — even when it's sizzling hot and humid.

Seaside vacations are a blast, and with a little bit of planning, you'll be ready for everything from lounging in your beach chair to late-night toasts under the tiki torches. So, here's a collection of beach vacation packing essentials that will let you embrace the beach all summer long. Grab that reef-friendly sunscreen; it's the season for sandy soirees, seaside campfires, searching for seashells, and all the summery joy of beach vacations.

TikToker @nenaevans_ is giving effortless summer elegance in this beach vacation outfits video. She leads with a classic beach fit — white shorts and a casual chambray button-down. The beauty of chambray is that it's basically denim's cousin — but thinner. Generally, chambray achieves the look of denim but with a softer, lighter vibe. It's popular for the beach scene because the light blue hue feels a bit nautical and is neutral enough to pair with most colors and patterns. Tie it at the waist or leave it open.

Everything about this look is perfect for a seaside romp. The cute orange romper channels sunset vibes and is as comfortable as it is attractive. Of course, a romper always gets bonus points for being a one-and-done look, but this glam utility really won us over. Paired with the black platform slides, @zodiacshoes made this a chill daytime look, perfect for checking out the shops along the boardwalk. By night, this romper with a gladiator heel would be a gamer changer.

Of course, reading a book on the beach is a perfect way to spend the day, but sometimes you get the itch for something more adventurous. Whether kayaking, boating, or a little stand up paddleboarding time, water sports are best in clothes designed for the task at hand. Find this ready-for-action look at Free Fly Apparel: this Bamboo Shade Hoodie is odor resistant and boasts a 50+ UPF rating. Plus, it's temperature regulating, which makes it a go-to for all kinds of travel scenarios. And that teal color just screams summer.

As if torn from the pages of the official coastal grandmother style guide, here's a gorgeous gauzy beach-ready look from @shop_crescent. The key to this look is to pick pieces that are made with fabric that is very breathable and light. Of course, this is airy and appropriate in summer's heat and humidity, but it gives casually chic vibes. This look seamlessly goes from barefoot while looking for seashells to metallic Birkenstocks and Mai Tais.

Is there anything better than an all-white look on a dreamy summer night? Of course, you can wear white all year round, but bright white from head to toe is quintessentially summertime. And when you walk into the room — or onto a patio — in a look like this, all eyes are on you, guaranteed. This stunner from @mareathebrand is monochromatic at its best. We'd start with the pants, a silky white camisole tank, and that cute sweater over the shoulders. Then, once the sun goes down, it's sweater time.

It's not just the clothes you pack but what you pack them into. Regardless of whether you're flying, driving, or taking the train, you want to avoid lugging a bunch of overpacked bags. The key is to be strategic. For example, pack your smaller clothing items — like swimsuits, socks, and underwear, in a beach tote. Once you arrive and unpack, your beach tote is there, at the ready. We couldn't resist taking efficiency to the next level with this ingenious beach tote by @sunshinetiendashop, which is designed to hold your sun hat.