Smart travelers know how to pack a week’s worth of outfits that can double as year-round luggage. But when summer rolls around again, even those of us who are least skilled at packing can manage with ease — goodbye heavy sweaters and jeans, hello lightweight clothing. The key is knowing how to mix and match each item to create different styles and being able to adapt them for various occasions. Here are the 12 must-have items for your summer travel wardrobe, as rounded up by The Huffington Post.
Sun Hat
Whether you're strolling along the beach or walking the streets of a big city, you'll need a sun hat to shield yourself from the summer sun — and it's an essential barrier against sunburn.
Tunic
If you're looking for one piece that works both indoors and out, a cotton tunic is your go-to. At the pool, you can wear it over your bikini as a cover-up, and at a restaurant, you can pair it with leggings. If your tunic is on the longer side, you can style it with sandals or flats for a casual look.
Scarf
A scarf or shawl — that rectangular piece of cloth — is one of the most versatile items in your luggage. You can wrap it around you for warmth on the plane. Once you land, it continues to come in handy. Use it to cover your swimsuit or as a shawl in the evening.
Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers are a summer classic. Their flat soles pair effortlessly with casual clothes, making them super comfortable for all-day wear.
Sunglasses
If you can only pack one pair of glasses, make it a sturdy yet stylish pair that works for both everyday casual wear and dressier occasions. Sunglasses also protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays of the sun.
Sundress
We’re pretty sure no matter where you go, you’ll want to pack a sundress. You can easily roll one up to the size of a burrito to save space for your fancier dresses. During the day, pair it with cute flats and simple earrings; at night, go for metallic sandals and bold jewelry.
Travel Makeup Kit
One of the best things about buying a travel makeup kit is that it lets you test products before committing to the full-size versions. These kits usually include skincare, moisturizer, makeup remover, and sunscreen.
Well-Fitting Shoes
When we travel, we want sandals that not only look good but feel good too. No matter what, choose shoes that fit well and break them in beforehand to ensure they won’t rub or give you blisters after a long day of sightseeing.
Wide Leg Pants
While skinny jeans are a staple in most people’s wardrobes, they’re not always the best choice for travel — especially if you need to wash clothes in your accommodation or hotel. That’s why we opt for loose cotton pants or washable linen ones. They’re super easy to style and usually pair well with silk camisoles, boho blouses, or tunics.
Small Accessories
Traveling light doesn’t mean you can’t travel beautifully. While statement necklaces and earrings are perfect for formal occasions, they can feel heavy in the heat. In the summer, opt for small, colorful accessories instead.
Power Bank
There’s nothing more frustrating than watching your smartphone or tablet die — except maybe frantically searching for the nearest place to charge it. That’s why a power bank should always be in your bag. With two USB ports, it can fully charge your phone and tablet within an hour. Even the less stylish ones have proven time and time again to be indispensable emergency gear.
Bluetooth Speaker
There are plenty of times when you either don’t want to or can’t use headphones. That’s where a Bluetooth speaker comes in. Use it to listen to music, the radio, or more.