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Disclaimer: I am not a stylist or fashion icon, this works for me. Now, if you LOVE taking a bunch of outfits, please do! Don’t let anyone make you feel “bad” or negative about it. I love that for you and honestly wish I were more of a stylist myself.
I hate packing. That said, I also somehow convince myself that EVERY vacation calls for new clothes because I want to look vacation cute!… Don’t look at me like that! Consumerism at its finest. Raise your hand if this might be you too? No judgment here! If you raised your hand, or had a little argument with yourself, you’re in the right place. I will say I’ve gotten better, except for the occasional new swimsuit or something specific I actually need.
Take my best friend’s bachelorette party, for example. I needed blue, and funny enough, I didn’t have anything blue! Now I have plenty. Out of that came this blue dress that is PERFECT for a night out or a casual dinner!
NOW, I did buy new clothes for this vacation. I’m SORRY, but hear me out. I found a formula that works for me and it might just work for you to! This time around, I didn’t just say “this is vacation cute, let’s get it.” While yes, they were perfect for vacation, I also decided to be more intentional: “Can I wear this elsewhere?” “Do I already have something similar?” . I really wanted fun, colorful pants, and I found some that I absolutely love! aka fun bottoms basic tops was my end result hah.
I bought these pants in both the blue and Pink style! I already had my blue tube top (from the bachelorette trip!), a white tank I’ve had for YEARS, and a linen button-up. Funny enough, the only top I actually bought was a basic white tee — from Target for TEN DOLLARS! If I had thought about it before leaving (I bought it in Florida), I would have just gone thrifting for it instead.
What I learned and loved: Basic Top + Cute, Fun, Colorful Pants = THE PERFECT OUTFIT. It’s so easy to mix and match, especially when you stick to a color palette you love!
Since I kept the tops and swimwear simple, I could mix and match with whichever pants I wanted, making the pants my statement piece. That said, I also brought my jean shorts, because who doesn’t love a swim top and jean shorts moment?!
NOW, shoes. Don’t ask me for advice on this one. I wore my running/workout sneakers on the plane (which I never ended up using!), packed a pair of heels for one elegant night out, and brought FOUR sandals. Four. Black flip flops for the beach, a pair of Birkenstock-style sandals from TJ Maxx that are already falling apart, and my Old Navy leather slide sandals, which I have in both brown and black. Thank goodness sandals don’t take up much room!
Always remember WEAR WHAT YOU LIKE. I enjoy packing light and making it easier for ME. If it helps you I love that!
Other outfits I wore: Vacay outfits
<3 The Rowehaydens