One of the most exciting things about going on a trip is getting the chance to dress and doll yourself up. It’s the perfect excuse to crank out those hidden gems in your closet that you’ve never had the opportunity to wear. After all, the city isn’t exactly the best place to wear frilly and colorful outfits. But the tropics? Hell yes.
If you’re planning to go on vacation soon, then you’re also probably stressing about what to wear. Of course, you’ll need the perfect outfits for those jaw-dropping Instagram shots. But then again, you also need them to be functional. You need a couple fits that would not only look pretty but also allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Before you go on a shopping rampage online, however, we have a few practical tips to share so you don’t break the bank over a two-week trip:
Pack Some Reliable Basics
You won’t be walking the red carpet everyday of your trip. There will be times that you just want to sit back, relax, and be in comfortable clothes. That being said, make sure you pack a few basics to bring on your vacation – a couple tank tops that you can easily pair with anything, black leggings, maybe one or two denims, and some simple shirts.
Basics are easier to style and you can conveniently match them with other things in your wardrobe so it would be wise to bring them on your trip. This way, you can have different outfit combinations by simply switching out tops or bottoms. More packing tips here: https://www.indietraveller.co/how-to-pack-light/.
Keep Your Baggage Limit In Mind
Another thing you should keep in mind is your baggage allowance. We understand that it’s a “crime” to wear the same thing twice when you’re on vacation but that’s exactly why you need to carefully select what outfits you’re bringing for the trip. If you select the right clothes, you can put on a different ensemble everyday without having to bring 25 different pairs of clothing and consequently, pay hundreds of dollars in baggage fees.
On top of the financial repercussions of overpacking, you also don’t want to be lugging big bags everywhere you go. It would be an absolute drag to move hotels or travel to different areas of the country you’re visiting when you’re bringing 3 whole suitcases with you. Be selective with your clothing choices and travel light – you’ll enjoy the trip a lot more.
Don’t Overshop Before The Trip
We know that pre-travel shopping can be really fun and it’s easy to go crazy over buying the “essentials” that you’ll be needing on your vacation. We would even dare say that shopping before trips is one of the most exciting parts of traveling. But it’s also a trap so learn to set limits!
The thing is that most of what you’ll need – from toiletries, skincare, hair and hygiene products, etc. – you can buy when you arrive in the country you’re visiting. You don’t need to bring everything with you and risk getting charged a lot for baggage fees. Even with clothes, you’re bound to buy new outfits in the country you’re visiting so there is no need to bring your entire closet with you.
Only pack things that you know you’ll need that you might not find in a foreign country, such as brand-specific products.
Now that we’re done discussing general pointers that you need to keep in mind when you pack for the trip, let’s move on to styling the actual outfits that you would be wearing. What outfits should you wear when vacationing somewhere warm and sunny?
4 Styling Tips To Elevate Your Vacation Dresses
Light & Airy
When visiting the tropics, one thing is for certain – it will be hot and humid. Not at all times of the day but it’s safe to say that’s how the climate is in tropical countries for the majority of the time. This is why when choosing your outfits, dresses especially, lean towards those that are light and airy. Choose thin, breathable, cotton fabrics that allow air to pass through. This will make you feel more comfortable in hot and humid weather.
Furthermore, these types of outfits, like these Mint Julep Boutique Vacation Dresses, are lighter to carry and do not occupy a lot of space so you can fit more of them in your suitcase.
Have Fun With Colors
Next, go all out with colors. Where else can you dress with very loud colors and get away with it other than the tropics? The blue sky, emerald sea, and white sandy beaches will perfectly complement a bright, sunny outfit. Play with patterns too – wear florals, aztecs, and whatever else you normally won’t be able to wear on a normal day out back home. Wear loud, happy and fun colors and patterns.
Pack A Mix Of Mini & Maxi Dresses
When choosing dresses, pack a combination of minis and maxis. Mini dresses are those that are above knee length. They’re great when you’re doing activities, traveling by motorbikes, or doing other things that require a lot of unrestricted movement. They’re also super cute and preppy so definitely a vacation must-have.
Maxi dresses, on the other hand, are long, flowy dresses that are usually ankle length (or longer). They’re great for relaxing afternoon strolls, laid-back activities, and striking poses for your Instagram feed. These types of dresses definitely scream beach vibes.
Don’t Forget Your Beach Coverups
Speaking of beaches, don’t forget to bring beach coverups to style your swimwear and bikinis. While the tropics is definitely perfect for showing tan lines and dewy skin, you would want to bring a cute coverup to wear when you want to go somewhere other than the beach but don’t really feel like changing out your bikini yet. Something thin, flowy, and easy to put on would be perfect for a beach coverup.
And that’s it. These are all the pointers and styling tips you need to remember for your next vacation to the tropics. Choose styles not just for the look but for the comfort as well. Have a great trip!