Christmas is over, and it’s only natural that your thoughts are turning to that long-awaited summer vacation. When it comes to traveling, are you the kind of person who flings everything into a suitcase at the last minute, keeping your fingers crossed that you’ve remembered everything? Or are you the kind of person who starts making plans weeks ahead of time, with the help of a checklist to refer to?

Carefully planning what you’re going to take is the smartest way to travel, and what follows is a list of the essential fashion items any well-prepared traveler wouldn’t dream of leaving home without.

1. Hat

Without a hat, your face is going to be at the mercy of the sun. Do you really want to sit down to dinner after a day shopping with a face the same color as the lobster you’re eating? A stylish hat is a must-have item for your luggage because of the protection it provides. It’s entirely up to you what style you choose, but a straw hat is often an affordable and fashionable option.

2. Swimwear

Unless you’ve opted for a hiking summer vacation, you’re going to need to wear something at the beach or by the pool. If the plan is to take part in lots of water activities, such as surfing and snorkeling, a one-piece swimsuit is preferable to a bikini. At least it’ll stay firmly in place when you’re riding the waves or tumbling off your surfboard. By all means, bring a bikini for sunbathing but if you’re a little more active a vintage-inspired one-piece bathing suit is a trendy choice.

If you haven’t already got one, then spend some time looking online at what’s available. If your budget is a little limited because you’ve overspent on your vacation itinerary, you can always take advantage of one of the many offers of payday loans online.

3. Footwear

sandals and sunglassesWhat to wear on your feet, well there’s a million dollar question. You’re going to need more than one type of footwear and it depends on your destination as to what you wear. There are so many to choose from but try to fit at least one pair of waterproof shoes or boots into your suitcase just in case you find yourself somewhere soggy.

Alongside your waterproof boots or shoes include a comfortable pair of sandals. You might be tempted to bring along your flip flops, but how comfortable are they if you want to walk around for a few hours? A comfortable pair of sandals can be worn on the beach or out for dinner in a classy restaurant.

4. White Cotton Shirt

White is a lovely cool color to wear when the temperature is rising, and a lightweight cotton shirt or blouse is essential. If you haven’t got access to laundry facilities where you’re staying, it might be better to pack a neutral color such as olive green or blue.

5. Scarf

light jacketYou can use a scarf to dress up most outfits and they’re a very versatile item to include in your luggage. Use it as a pillow or eye mask when you’re traveling, covering up bare skin should your surroundings require it, and as protection from the sun. It’s also going to come in very handy in the evening when the temperature drops. Cotton or linen are the best materials and something in a neutral color will go with most outfits.

6. Lightweight Jacket

Just because you’re on summer vacation doesn’t mean the weather won’t get chilly, especially in the evening. Be prepared with a lightweight jacket to keep the chill winds at bay.

7. Sunglasses

Keeping yourself protected from the sun’s powerful rays is important. As well as packing lots of sun protection remember to include a cool pair of sunglasses. If you haven’t bought sunglasses yet, you can get glasses online fast on OvernightGlasses. They are vital if you want to protect your eyes so make sure you bring a pair that blocks UVA and UVB rays.

8. Lightweight Sweater

There are going to be times when you feel a little cooler and a lightweight sweater can come to the rescue. For those boat rides, evenings sat on the beach or for your air-conditioned hotel room a sweater comes in very handy.

9. Linen Dress

denim and sweaterYou might be tempted to take a floral dress with you on your vacation but take a look around your local store before you go and see what else is available in the dress section. Linen is very trendy at the moment, and for a summer vacation, it’s perfect because it’s cool and comfortable to wear.

10. Kimono

One of these might not be enough as they can be worn on so many different occasions. Wear one over your evening outfits when the temperature starts to drop or use it as a coverup when you’re by the pool or at the beach. Choose a more ornate one for the evenings and something a little simpler for daytime wear.

11. Something Denim

A pair of comfortable denim jeans are the most obvious item to pack but don’t rule out a denim skirt or a pair of denim shorts. Jeans can be dressed up or down depending on where you’re going, and denim shorts are quick to throw on when you’re heading to the beach. Not everyone feels comfortable in jeans or shorts which is why a denim skirt has to be included in the list.

12. Straw Bag

Nothing screams of summer quite like a straw bag, plus it’ll match your straw summer hat. They come in a range of styles, shapes and sizes, but make sure you pick one that can carry everything you need for your trip to the beach.

13. Go-Anywhere Backpack

A straw bag is great for those days by the pool or at the beach, but when you’re walking around exploring the area, you need something a little more practical. Top-handle or clutch bags just don’t cut the mustard but a backpack, on the other hand, is great. Keep all you need safely zipped away but easily accessible when you need it.

14. White T-shirt

A white t-shirt can be paired with practically anything, from a skinny pair of denim jeans to a much cooler pair of denim shorts. White is an obvious choice because it can be mixed and matched with anything else in your summer wardrobe.

summer fashion essentials

[PHOTOS: Straw hat by Stephen Hocking, Swimwear Max Libertine, Sandals and sunglasses by Pineapple Supply Co., White t-shirt by Adrian Ordonez, Lightweight jacket Rayul, Sweater and denim jeans by Heather Ford, Backpack by Josiah Weiss, Straw bag by Sara Johnston, Swimming pool scene by Anna Demianenko – all on Unsplash. Scarf by Urszula Mazurkiewicz and White cotton shirt by polocanon7d – both on Pixabay]