As someone who always has travel on the brain, I often let upcoming trips dictate many of my purchases. I work from home and live in a not-super-fashionable city, so I tend to save my best outfits for vacations and work-related trips. In other words, if I’m considering purchasing something, I always ask myself if I can pack it. If the answer is no, I’ll often skip it and search for something to buy that’s more travel-friendly.
Now that the summer travel season is practically here, my trip shopping has accelerated, and I’d be remiss not to share the items I have my eye on. The three main categories I’m shopping for are wardrobe basics, beauty products, and accessories, primarily because they’re versatile enough to come with me no matter where the plane or car takes me over the next few months. (I also already own some of these items, so I can definitely vouch.) So, if you’re also thinking ahead to avoid the dreaded last-minute shopping scramble pre-trip, scroll on to shop some of the items I’ll be packing this summer.
Basics
Burberry X Hunza G
Faye Check Trim One-Piece Swimsuit
It’s the swimsuit of the season. Bonus: You can also wear it as a bodysuit.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Logo Linen Classic Fit Shirt
For the beach and beyond.
Reformation
Franceska Linen Dress
A dress that’s simple enough to wear multiple times is key.
DÔEN
Traveler Embroidered Crop Top
Basics are just prettier in the summer.
ZARA
Elastic Waist Balloon Pants
If you’re not wearing balloon pants this summer, you’d better start.
FLORE FLORE
Dewi Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank
Pack a black tank and a white tank, and thank me later.
Posse
Dylan Crochet Scalloped Shorts
Wear them on the beach with a bikini or for sightseeing with an oversize button-down.
STAUD
Lucia Beaded Floral Skirt
Perhaps some wouldn’t call this a basic, but summer basics look different. I stand by my choice.
Agolde
Parker Vintage Jean Shorts
Gotta have a good pair of denim shorts to dress up or down.
Beauty Products
Westman Atelier
Sun Tone Bronzing Crème Hydrating Cream Bronzer
Trust me—this will deliver the most believable bronze you’ve ever achieved via a beauty product.
Good Weather Skin
Daily Lip Sun Gloss
Proof that sun protection can be pretty.
Cyklar
Naked Neroli Roll-On Perfume Oil With Sandalwood and Jasmine
The perfect summer scent in a very packable size.
Tatcha
The Milky Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ With Encapsulated Ectoin + Vitamin E
I’m thrilled that my new favorite sunscreen comes in a mini size.
Sephora
Plume Eyeshadow Feather Matte Veil + Feather Shimmer Veil
I’ve worn this every day since it came out. Bois Brûlé is the prettiest bronze shimmer.
Prada
Touch Cream-to-Powder Soft Blur Longwear Blush in P72 Dahlia
I’m not one to only pack one blush, but if I were, it’d be the new Prada one in Dahlia.
m.ph by Mary Phillips
Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm
These are great to pack because they take up barely any room in your bag. The shade Cherry Pie is especially fun for summer.
Summer Fridays
Mini Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer is perfect under makeup.
Rhode
Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush
As I said, I can’t pack just one blush. Tan Line is my go-to shade for summer trips. You seriously can’t mess it up.
Accessories
Madewell
Hand-Crocheted Seamless Bucket Hat in Raffia
Raffia bucket hats are the hat trend of 2026, so obviously, that’s what I’m buying.
The Row
Barn Leather-Trimmed Mesh Tote Bag
The beauty of this tote is that it’s perfect for the beach yet chic enough for the city.
Julietta
Nautilus Cord Necklace
Is there anything better than a summer necklace?
Reformation
Amelia Flip-Flop Wedges
The vacation shoes of the season are wedge-heel thong sandals. I’ll be wearing these with as many outfits as possible.
Belts don’t get more summer vacation-friendly than this.
These Chimi sunglasses are my new obsession. They’re cool, flattering, and of such good quality.
Dorsey
Lucien Latchback Earrings in Moissanite, 18k Gold Vermeil
If you only pack one pair of earrings, make it these. They go with absolutely everything.
Free People
So Silk Bandana
Nothing says summer vacation like a bandana.
Adidas
Gazelle Lo Pro Sneakers
Always pack sneakers—no matter where you’re headed.
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