As we go into Memorial Day weekend, there’s no better time than now to shop for your vacation pieces. Depending on your vacation location, you’ll need different items, although many of my recommendations work across vacation destinations.
Beach Bound
First up, the beach! This one is the simplest as it often calls the fewest “real” clothes. The top priorities: a swim suit, sunnies, a protective hat, sunscreen, a simple cover up, a tote and a pair of flip flops or slides. The rest is extra.

My recommendations here are (1) Mallorca cat eye sunglasses by J. Crew, available in four color ways in a shape that works for most face shape. (2) Baroque pearl necklace by J.Crew because it’s kind of decadent to wear statement jewelry at the beach. (3) Cory knit jersey dress by Frank & Eileen because it’s easy going enough for the beach but also nice enough for indoor dining, as well. (4) MiracleSuit Wrapsody One Piece because it looks chic under a wrap skirt for dinner, if needed. (5) J.Crew straw hat available in two colors. A wider brim is helpful for protecting your face and shoulders. (6) Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Serum because it imparts a glow without a lot of unnecessary face coverage. (7) L-Space Alfie Straw Tote because you need a big tote for all your things at the beach. (8) Supergoop! Play Sunscreen SPF 50 because anything less than SPF 50 at the beach is madness. Protect your skin! (9) Sam Edelman’s Bay Slide in natural beige cork because a two-tone slide looks nice enough for the shops and restaurants while serving you well on the beach, too.
See all of these recommendations and a few others in my summer shopping catalog here.
City Slicker
Next up, the city! While the pieces for this vacation are a bit more formal than the beach, it is still very comfortable and breathable. My top recs for the city are a pair of jeans, a top, a dress, comfortable flats, simple makeup, and a smaller brim hat.

My recommendations are (1) J.Crew’s packable straw hat because you need a hat regardless of your destination. A smaller brim works well for the city. (2) Warby Parker’s Beale sunglasses are an iconic style that adds a touch of cool to your outfits. (3) Tuckernuck’s gold lariat necklace adds a touch of chic to any outfit. (4) J.Crew’s Hyacinth dress is in breathable linen and a great length for city tours. (5) Nordstrom’s cropped trench coat is perfect for over your outfits in the city. (6) J.Crew’s slim wide jeans are fashion-forward, and they come in three color ways depending on your taste. (7) J.Crew’s cap sleeve Irish linen pop-over shirt comes in 8 colors. Super versatile with pants or jeans. (8) Dolce Vita’s t-strap flat comes in four colors. Very chic for touring or dinner. (9) Merit’s flush balm works on cheeks and lips because you need multi-tasking makeup on vacation – fewer steps.
See all of these recommendations and a few others in my summer shopping catalog here.
Countryside Chill
Lastly, the countryside. Ah, yes, sometimes we need a very quiet, do very little kind of vacation. In the countryside, you can shop a farmer’s market, read a book, do a puzzle, and recharge your batteries.

My top recommendations are (1) Faherty’s linen cardigan for wrapping up with a good book or shopping the local markets. (2) Banana Republic’s pull on linen pants come in lots of colors and tall, petite, and regular sizing. (3) J.Crew’s bucket hat comes in two colors and has enough of a brim to shade the face and neck for countryside walks. (4) Sanctuary’s The Perfect Tee is made of rayon/cotton blend for a drapey fit. It comes in lots of prints for any style type, and the high hip length means it’s not too cropped but not so long that it requires tucking. I’ll say, it sounds perfect to me. (5) Everlane’s Crossover Sandal is perfect for short walk abouts. It comes in three colors and is currently on sale. (6) Supergoop! Glow Sunscreen SPF 40 imparts a tinted glow that’s just enough for the skin on vacation. Choose from four finishes. (7) Add a touch of color to cheeks with Glossier’s Cloud Paint. I have enjoyed the color Dusk. There are many choices! (8) If your trip takes you to a drier climate, like the desert, you do NOT want to be without Weleda’s Skin Food. Use it anywhere you need more emollience. (9) There are three adorable designs to choose from on this beaded canvas tote bag from Anthropologie. This packs flat for travel and carries all the goodies home from the market.
See these recommendations and several others in my summer vacation shopping catalog here.
Got the Essentials?
Before you hit the road, be sure you have your travel essentials like luggage, travel bags, belt bags, eye masks, and more.

My recommendations include (1) Lululemon’s City Essentials bag, (2) Frank & Eileen’s Travel Scarf, (3) MZ Wallace’s crossbody bag, (4) Touchland hand santizer, (5) Davines OI all-in-one hair milk (available in travel size), (6) Athleta’s belt bag, (7) The Away Bigger Carry On, (8) Miracle face erase cloths and hair ties, and (9) Fentgo’s ionic hair dryer.
If you need help travel packing or with shopping for your upcoming summer travels, email me at bethany@bethanysiggins.com. I’m here to make the style and wardrobe part of your life simple and stress free. Wishing you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Safe travels and happy shopping!