Bon Voyage: Travel Picks & Packing Tricks


Sun-kissed skin, sandy toes, poolside cocktails…you get the picture. It’s time for a little summer getaway from the everyday. Whether you’re off to a majestic mountain lake, secluded island beach or a dazzling city halfway around the globe, we have the perfect pieces to take with you: from versatile maxi dresses to mini skirts, whimsical print blouses to bold striped tees,strappy sandals to comfy kicks. And, to make sure you’re literally runway ready, scroll to the bottom for our handy list of packing tips.

Check out our summer suitcase essentials.

Tropical breeze

Keep your cool in lightweight fabrics (breathable linen is one our favorites), sleeveless tops and shorts in any length or style. Pack a pair of casual, loose-fitting pants for cooler days (and nights). Add stacked-heel slides in a cheerful hue and a crossbody bag that can double as a clutch (flat, fashionable and easy to pack) and you’re ready for take off.

Your packing checklist for a tropical vacation: 

  1. Bermuda striped shorts
  2. Scoop-neck tank
  3. Berry boho tie tank top
  4. Versatile cross-body bag
  5. Poppy suede slides
  6. Graphic print short shorts
  7. Linen cropped pant

Pastels to please

Lemon, mint, strawberry and creamy vanilla—nothing says “summer” louder than an assortment of ice cream-colored separates. Toss in pale blue, and you have a tasteful palette of pastels that play well together. Add visual interest with a pair of animal-print flats. Round out the look with a neutral-colored straw bag.

Your casual weekend trip packing guide:

  1. Striped top
  2. Frayed denim skirt
  3. Round bucket bag
  4. Mint skinny jeans
  5. Pink skinny jeans
  6. Animal-print flats
  7. Knot-front knit top

National Inquirer

Red, white and blue never looked so cool, especially in a plethora of prints, patterns and textures. We love this combo for its ease of mixing and matching—pretty much anything goes. Pack a pair of comfy lace-up kicks, and you can look forward to hours of pain-free sightseeing.

Your coastal trip packing guide:

  1. Button-front shorts
  2. Floral print shorts
  3. Cushion-sole sneaks
  4. Gingham button down
  5. Navy sundress
  6. Striped tank

Our Top 10 Packing Tips And Tricks

1. Stick to a singular color palette

Pick three or four coordinating colors based on your destination. Headed to an urban jungle? Try a neutral palette (black, white, navy and grey are no-brainers). For a beach escape, mix bright yellow, lime green or tangerine with white, cream or khaki. A singular palette lets you mix and match just about everything in your suitcase, which translates to more outfit ideas and less stress.

2. Accessorize, accessorize

A little bling goes a long way. Costume jewelry (leave the good stuff at home), including cocktail rings and statement necklaces are an easy way to change up your look. Pack a colorful scarf for a pop of color (and a bit of warmth—layer it over a sundress on a cool evening).

3. Bring practical, multitasking bags

No need to pack a purse to match every outfit. Choose a neutral-colored crossbody bag with a removable strap that turns into a chic clutch for evenings (a sleek makeup bag will also do the trick). Your carry-on tote can double as a beach bag.

4. Comfy shoes are key

Tennies, loafers or ballet flats and a pair of flat sandals are all you really need to keep your digits happy. If you want to bring a dressier shoe, a kitten heel or wedge is a good choice (stilettos are not as practical and take up precious packing real estate).

5. Pack at least one pair of jeans

Jeans are a travel must (especially if temperatures tend to dip in the evening). They can be dressed up or down, go with just about anything and don’t require frequent washing. Bring your most versatile, most beloved pair. Denim in any color, ankle booties or schooties and a cute cardie hit that fashionable/functional sweet spot.

6. Check the weather beforehand

Hopefully the only umbrella you’ll need to take out is the one in your fancy cocktail; however, it’s always smart to pack a small travel umbrella just in case the sky decides to cry.

7. Roll with it

Roll your clothes to make the most of limited space. Not only will you be able to fit more into your suitcase, but rolling helps keep your clothes wrinkle free, and you’ll be able to see what you have without unpacking—and repacking—your suitcase.

8. Downsize your toiletries

Pack travel-size versions of your favorite beauty products, or buy small plastic bottles and fill ‘em up. Full size versions add weight and take up valuable space.

9. Spill-proof your suitcase

Put your lotions and potions in a ziplock bag and then put them in your cosmetics case for instant protection from spills.

10. Show your skin some love

Be sure to bring 30+ SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed packable straw hat, and if you’re headed to the beach, don’t forget baby powder (yes, baby powder! It works wonders for removing sand from your skin).

Now that your packing list is prepped, are you ready to add these travel essentials to your closet? If so, Take your style quiz, order a Fix and let your stylist know where you’re headed this summer. They’ll send you just what you need to make it your easiest, breeziest vacation yet. Buy what you like and send back the rest. Shipping, returns and exchanges are always free.

Want in on a stylish secret?

Your Stitch Fix Stylist will send you the latest looks to try on at home.

Take your style quiz

Ready to upgrade your look with expert fashion advice?

Take your style quiz

Want more tips, trends & insider news? Follow @stitchfix on Instagram