Summer after summer, we overstuff our suitcases with every outfit combination possible, from beach chic to red carpet-ready. But how many times do these outfits never see the light of day and end up weighing us down? Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or lying on the beach in the Bahamas, we’ve got the custom-condensed wardrobe for you.
The Exotic Beach Getaway
Your goal for this getaway is to work on that tan (with spf!) and to never leave the beach, ever. Since you’ll be dipping your toes in turquoise waves all day long, you can skip the stilettos and opt for beach-friendly flat sandals. Save space by bringing a cover-up that can double as going out attire, whether it’s a flowy tunic or a glamorous maxi dress!
Get The Look:
Echo ‘Bright Ikat’ Butterfly Cover-up Dress, $48, Nordstrom
The Belle Bandeau Top, $24 and Bottom, $18, Victoria’s Secret
Striped Straw Tote, $30, Anthropologie
Woven Ankle Wrap Sandal, $25.50, Charlotte Russe
What else will you need? A pair of wedges will bring your beach tunic to new heights by night. Oversized boyfriend-style tees double as casual cover-ups as well as everyday wear, so they’re a real space-saver. Lastly, printed denim shorts offer all the comfort of your go-to cut-offs with just a little extra oomph.
The Camping Adventure
Roughing it in the wild leaves little room for frills and ruffles, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to look cute in all the photos you’ll be Tweeting and Instagramming (when you’re back in civilization). Practicality is the name of the game, so load up on gym shorts and denim shorts — heavier materials will hold up better — and all the free tees you’ve gotten from school and sorority events (plus, you can DIY them!). It certainly won’t hurt to bring just one of your favorite sundresses to don by the campfire, though! Accessorize with wide-band hair ties so you don’t have to forgo the arm party!
Get The Look:
Southwest Print Dress, $26.90, Forever21
Minnetonka Hi Top Boot, $51, Piperlime.com
Ecote Solid Canvas Backpack, $49, Urban Outfitters
Emi-Jay Pearl Hair Ties, $6.50, Nordstrom
What else will you need? A light chambray button-up will be great to help shield you from the sun without being so heavy it’s hot.
The Day Trip
You may be packing a week’s worth of adventure in a day’s worth of travel, but trust us, you won’t want to be lugging around a week’s worth of clothing. Whether you’re taking the day off at the shore or stopping by the nearest resort town, all you’ll need is an outfit that goes day to night (plus a large tote to carry that extra outfit we know you can’t resist bringing).
Get The Look:
Peak Blouse, $40, Weekday.com
Moto High Waist Peppermint Jamie Jeans, $40, Topshop
Kimchi Blue Quilted Floral Weekender Bag, $39.99, Urban Outfitters
Basic Sandal, $29.99, Zara
Braid Block Bib, $32, Bauble Bar
What else will you need? You’re only here for a day, so relax! But since us collegiettes tend to be over-prepared, dresses (hello, a whole outfit in one piece!) are your jam. A silky belted shirtdress will go day to night, and it’ll fit into virtually any bag.
[pagebreak]
The Europe Tour
With so many fashion capitals across Europe, being on top of not just current but upcoming trends is a total must. But when you’re hostel-hopping week to week, some days you just won’t want to try so hard. Bring effortless pieces that are comfortable and chic (might we suggest printed joggers?) — and with all the walking you’ll be doing on Europe’s cobblestones, you’re going to want to have comfortable shoes, too.
Get The Look:
Smudge Tie Dye Jersey Trousers, $56, Topshop
Rita Foiled Tee, $49, Calypso St. Barth
Bright Days Crossbody Satchel, $39.99, ShopRuche.com
DV by Dolce Vita Marcel Tasselled Loafers, $45, Asos.com
What else will you need? Skinny jeans will never go out of style and don’t need to be washed as often, so they’re convenient when you don’t know where the nearest laundromat is. Since you’ll be living out of your suitcase, it’s ideal to bring pieces that aren’t prone to getting wrinkled. Sure, a cotton shirt can be stuffed any which way into your suitcase, but even better are lace tees — they don’t wrinkle easily and when they do, the texture hides imperfections well.
The Swanky Hamptons Vacation
It’s time to get glam! Whip out those old Hollywood shades and wide-brimmed hat and check out your favorite designers’ resort collections for inspiration. Luxe dresses and sky-high heels aren’t out of the ordinary here, so don’t shy away from glitz!
Get The Look:
Printed Kaftan, $60, Zara
Sam Edelman Yelena Strappy Sandal, $84, Bloomingdale’s
Lurex Striped Floppy Hat, $12.50, Wet Seal
Selina Kyle Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $9, Lulu’s
Satin Minaudiere, $49.95, Le Chateau
What else will you need? Don’t bring too much, since surely you’ll be shopping up a storm, but classic pieces such as long, wide-legged pants and white denim jeans are staples that will go with any top you pick up on vacation.
The Worldwide Cruise
From the Caribbean to Iceland, no matter what part of the world you’re cruisin’ to, you’re on a boat so dress the part! You’ll need everything from beach chic to dinner attire, and a little nautical-inspired fashion won’t fit in better anywhere else.
Get The Look:
Embellished Collar Peplum, $64, Topshop
Modern Boot Pants, $45, Gap
Side Metal Bar Clutch, $30, Asos.com
What else will you need? If you’re the type to spend more time sunbathing than at cruise events, skip the wardrobe and bring all (really, all) of your bikinis. Otherwise, flowy dresses can typically work for daytime activities as well as formal nightwear, so long as you throw on a blazer!
[pagebreak]
The Party in Vegas
Between blackjack, Cirque du Soleil and the abundant nightlife in Vegas, chances are you won’t have much time for anything besides, well, partying. While getting super extravagant is more than acceptable, you’ve got to keep it classy (how else do you think you’re going to get into TAO?), so don’t pull out all of last year’s frat party costumes. A LBD is a classic go-to option, but have you thought about a LB Romper? Lastly, be sure to stand out with your favorite pair of statement shoes!
Get the Look:
Motel Janet Romper, $90, Urban Outfitters
Heart Soul Pasquale Sandal, $45, DSW
Clutch Bag with Graduated Color, $40, Zara
Island Flair Necklace, $8.80, Forever21
What else will you need? A pair of dark wash jeans can make a great day-to-night transition piece for when you’re out all day and all night, with no time in between. A bandage miniskirt can be worn night after night with a different top without looking like the same outfit, so if you’re tight on space, resort to this go-to.
The Countryside Retreat
Quaint cottages and open fields are just as romantic as they sound. Whether your countryside has Southern charm or a European vibe, you can’t go wrong with a little something flowy to catch the wind as you waltz through the vineyards. Though we’re sure you’re dying to bring your new summer wedges on this vacay, that impromptu horseback ride or a traipse across unpaved roads have us begging to differ, so be sure to bring your cutest booties!
Get The Look:
Maxi Dress in Dip Dye Lace, $48, Asos.com
Shoulder Bag of Notebook, $55, Modcloth.com
Bolivia Flower Booties by Chelsea Crew, $85, ShopRuche.com
Beachy Straw Boater Hat, $28, Etsy.com
What else will you need? While collegiettes aren’t usually the demographic for a casual linen pant, if there’s one place you should be wearing them, it’s when you’re strolling through the open countryside — just make sure you and Mom are wearing your pairs on different days. A breezy chiffon dress with a pair of flats is casual but cute, and practical enough for a traipse anywhere.
The Lake House
A weekend in Maine is all about casual glamour. When it’s nice out, you’ll be sunbathing on the deck, so bring outfits that are easy on, easy off, such as your most comfortable tank dress. And since it can get chilly, layer, layer, layer with your favorite lightweight sweaters — keep the look summery by selecting bright whites and fun colors. Be sure to have printed sneakers, which go well with jeans or dresses, for those long walks, but definitely throw a pair of wedges in your bag to take any outfit from day to night!
Get The Look:
Summertime Tank Dress, $58, Madewell
River Island Neon Mesh Sweater, $46, Asos.com
Keds Champion Kimono Sneaker, $55, Piperlime
Seychelles Arden Wedge Sandal, $45, DSW
Picnic Everyday Bag, $29.99, Modcloth.com
What else will you need? You’re here to relax, so bring on the denim shorts and comfy sweaters you didn’t want to put away as fall turned to spring and spring to summer.
Where are you jetting off to this summer, collegiettes — and more importantly, what are you wearing?
Image Source:
Beach image via Shutterstock