How I Pack for A Week at the Beach

How I Pack for A Week at the Beach

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At the end of the week, my husband and I are going to the beach with a big group of friends. I cannot wait! I haven't taken so many days off in a row since our honeymoon in October 2011. Also, I would live and die at the beach as anyone who knows me will tell you!

So, of course, I started packing on Sunday. The way I pack is pretty specific, and I thought it might be useful to you. Here's what I do: Pick a Theme, Create Hypothetical Outfits, and Edit.

Pick a Theme

I usually start off deciding how I want to feel on the trip: chic, woodsy, free? Dark and artsy? Striped? (Usually). Then, I throw everything I can find from scarves to accessories to clothing that relates to that feeling on the bed. This time, I want to feel like I'm living in a Free People magazine, or, very boho and relaxed. There is something so Zen to me about their clothing, and that's exactly how I want to feel.

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I threw these harem pants that don't look at all like this on the bed, joined by a wide-brimmed straw sun hat, lots of bangles and bracelets, long earrings, pendant necklaces, a white tank, a hippie flax button down tank from my mom, strappy sandals, solid color tanks, maxi dresses, florals, etc. In the past, I've gone with color themes like orange and white or all stripes or pattern and pattern.

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You may also want to start by putting some of your favorite things on the bed together and seeing what kinds of trends emerge: are you choosing all black? All florals? A sporty look? Go with it. 

Create Hypothetical Outfits

Then, from this I start to pull things out and make piles: casual things I'd wear to the beach over a swimsuit (reminds me to pull out swimsuits!), daytime outfits for lighthouses and vineyards or bike riding, and things to pull on at night when I get chilly. This helps me to see what I'm missing (6 pairs of shorts but nothing mid length or longer?) and what I've overdone. I might, for example, want one nice dress for this trip but not likely more than that.

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 Edit

I edit anything that doesn't make it into a pile, and then I go back. Do I need multiple scarves or can I just bring one?

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I pay special attention to how many times I can wear a pair of shoes or jewelry, focusing on maximizing the amount I can wear anything that I bring. I think the extra thought in packing helps me to relax more once I've arrived. I like knowing that I won't have to do laundry or go shopping mid-trip (unless I want to).