(Image credit: Original Illustration by Audrey Hedlund)
It's that time of year when I feel a strong pull to a tropical climate. Between my nostalgia for spring break and the persistence of NYC winter, my motivation to get out of town is at an all-time high. Hopefully, by the time you're reading this, I'll be laying on a beach with a book in hand—and here's exactly what will be in my suitcase.
Whenever I'm packing for a beach vacation, I gravitate toward bold colors. I don't typically incorporate royal blue, Kelly green, and pink into my everyday wardrobe, but on vacation, it's a different story. Below, you'll find my favorite bathing suits, matching sets, and sand-friendly accessories of the season.
Free People
Coastal Classy Set
Easy, cute, and comfortable.
Adidas
Tokyo Shoes
Like I said, I like to wear more color in a tropical climate.
Lack of Color
Raffia Cowboy
Kylie Jenner's go-to vacation hat.
Banana Republic
Viscose-Linen Mini Dress
My kind of LBD.
Lilly Pulitzer
Layered Ruffle Scrunchie Set
Aniyah Morinia wore a scrunchie at the beach, so I must also wear a scrunchie at the beach.
Hunza G
Pamela Contrast One Piece
Huza G makes the most comfortable bathing suits on the market.
Free People
My Little Micro Mini Knit Skort
We are entering a skort era. Watch this space.
Havaianas
Brazil Flip Flops
It's not a vacation without a pair of Havaianas.
Jimmy Choo
Beach Diamond Hobo L
I'll take one luxury beach bag, please.
Free People
Sierra Bralette
For the days when it's too hot to wear a shirt.
Free People
Citizens of Humanity Brynn Drawstring Shorts
Historically speaking, jean shorts aren't the most comfortable. These, however, are the exception.
Jenni Kayne
Crochet Raffia Sun Hat
A black hat is a necessity too.
Miu Miu
Squared Metal Sunglasses
The next It sunglasses, I presume?
Triangl
Vinca Swimsuit
There's something so nostalgic about this bikini print.
Free People
Gesibelle Set
Cute separate and cute together.
BYDEEAU
Cyprus Top in Violetta
I've never seen a more gorgeous shade of purple.
Lilly Pulitzer
31-Inch Brawley Linen Pant
My beach cover-up of choice.
Banana Republic
Italian Leather Strappy Kitten-Heel Sandal
Footwear that's approved for dinner on the beach.
Staud
Tommy Beaded Bag
Oh, Staud, you've done it again.
Clinique
SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face
My sunscreen nonnegotiable is SPF 50.
Clinique
Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Cream
For the body too.
Vacation
After Sun Gel
My pale winter skin will thank me for packing this one.
Saltair
Multi-Lipid Body Butter
The most hydrating yet lightweight body butter I've tried.
Clinique
Quickliner for Eyes Intense Eyeliner
My ultimate no-makeup-makeup hack: tight-lining with a water-resistant eyeliner instead of applying mascara.
Clinique
Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour
Bring on the bronze.
Tower 28 Beauty
Getset Blur + Set Matte Powder Blush
The blush I've been patiently waiting for has finally launched!
Natalie Gray Herder is a Commerce Editor on the branded content team at Who What Wear. Originally from Los Angeles, Natalie decided to make the move to NYC after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2019. She is an avid researcher, reader, and explorer in and out of the office. She is inspired by the street style of her fellow New Yorkers and her laid-back roots in California.