This summer, we’re going to visit family in England and France. I’m excited for chubby babies and rainy beaches! For three weeks, the boys and I will be sticking to one carry-on each, so we can more easily navigate airports, trains, and buses. We have to carefully choose clothes we can mix and match and wear everywhere. So, here are 10 trusty pieces I’m bringing…
1. A blouse is nice for evening drinks and dinners, and the great thing about this one is that it’s made from cheesecloth, so it’s breathable, wrinkle-free, and casual enough to wear with wet hair right out of the pool. My friend Victoria wore one all last summer and looked effortlessly gorgeous.
2. I also pack a stack of everyday tees — white, black, and fun stripes.
3. A denim dress with patch pockets makes an easy uniform for everything from morning walks to shell-collecting to playground hangs. I’m also bringing this striped one, which doubles as a lovely swimsuit coverup.
4. This cotton gauze maxi skirt somehow looks polished straight out of the suitcase, and I’m planning to pair it with a white tee. Bonus: Red looks great in photos.
5. A cotton sweater for cool evenings, of course.
6. And I’ve worn these chino shorts a lot already this summer. How cute is the slight kickout leg and nautical drawstring?
7. OKAY GUYS. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve found the black pants of a lifetime. They have an elastic waistband and effortlessly chic silhouette, and the fabric is a very crisp, lightweight cotton poplin. I can’t overstate how good they look and feel, and I’m excited to pull them on all summer for long flights, city adventures, dinners out, you name it.
8. I’ve worn these strappy sandals for years, and if you’re in the market for something new, this brand looks way more expensive than it is.
9. Andie Swim just released a very cute collab with comedian Chloe Fineman, and my favorite is this sexy one-piece with teeny polkadots. (Which do you like?) Perfect for wearing while reading a thriller by the pool.
10. Finally, after many years of service, my old suitcase just died, so I replaced it with Wirecutter’s luggage pick: this roomy carry-on with 360° spinner wheels and a removable laundry bag. It comes in 10 pretty colors, but I’m especially into the punchy emerald.
Whew! All in all, for three weeks in Europe, I’m bringing: one jacket, one sweater, two shirts, four tees, two dresses, one skirt, two pairs of shorts, one pair of pants, sandals, sneakers, and pajamas. Plus, of course, my everyday makeup and skincare. That’s it!
What do you pack? I’d love to hear! Plus, I randomly always pack soooooo many pairs of underwear, haha — are you the same?
P.S. The #1 trick for enjoying family travel, and what’s your travel pro tip?
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