10 Must-Have Summer Basics To Pack For Your Sunny Holiday

Hello Summer Basics! Time to pack those suitcases because we’re heading straight into a summer holiday extravaganza! Picture this: sun-soaked days and balmy nights, filled with stylish adventures.

It all starts with putting that summer capsule wardrobe to good use and packing those perfect summer basics.

It’s all about choosing the right pieces that’ll make you the toast of the tropics!

Think plain white t-shirts that pair equally well with denim shorts for a daytime excursion or a high-waist skirt for an impromptu beachfront happy hour. And let’s not forget about a must-have piece, the denim maxi skirt – It’s got summer romance written all over it. 

Tank tops in different colors are ideal for those scorching afternoons, while a light jacket will keep the evening chill at bay. And the best part? They take up so little space, you’ll still have room for those new arrivals you inevitably pick up on holiday.

A summer holiday is all about relaxation. 

But who said you can’t do it in style? With these basics in your bag, you’ll be ready to sizzle in the summer heat, turning the sidewalk into your runway. So, pop on those sunglasses, slide into your classic white sneakers, and let’s get this vacation started!

Remember, the rest of the year is for work, this is for play – and your wardrobe should reflect that. Let’s make this a summer holiday to remember, babes!

This post is all about must-have summer travel basics to pack when going on a holiday.

10 Must-Have Summer Basics To Pack For Your Sunny Holiday:

1. Swimwear

Contrary to what we see on Instagram, you don’t really need to have different swimwear for every day of the week. I’d say stick to two pairs – a one-piece and a bikini. You can wear the one-piece as a bodysuit with shorts or skirts, not just for swimming! The colors are to your personal preference but invest in sustainable pieces made of quality materials that will feel good on your skin and won’t break down after a few wears. 

You can find some great options for ethical and sustainable swimwear at: Sezane, Boden or Vitamin A Swim.

2. Tanks (1 x white, 1 x black/neutral)

Tanks are the perfect summer basics as they can be worn with everything. If you’re not a fan, tho, that’s not an issue. Just replace them with camis, vests, or other summer basic tops when packing for your dream holiday. If you have space in your suitcases, go for two pieces – a white one and a neutral-colored one, so you can style them with different outfits without getting bored. You can certainly find tanks for as little as $10, but if you can afford to spend a little more, I’d recommend getting your hands on these. They are made of organic cotton, which is just great for the hot season.

3. T-Shirts (1 x white, 1 x black/neutral)

Take a couple of T-shirts with you – one white and the other one could be any color you like. I’d stick to neutrals for versatility. If you have more space in your luggage, you can bring an extra white tee with you, just in case. You never know what might happen on your travels, and like my mom says “It’s better to have one and not need it than need it and not have one”, at least I think she was talking about t-shirts.

4. Linen Shirts (1 x white, 1 x blue/neutral)

Linen shirts are such an important garment for any summer capsule wardrobe. Go for two rather than going solo – a regular one and another more relaxed/slightly oversized. They will probably be one of your most worn must-have summer items on your holiday, so make sure you don’t forget them. You can wear a linen shirt with your shorts, it can be layered on top of your favorite tank, or use one as a dress to go to the beach. There are so many options! With linen shirts, you will really be getting the most for your money, so if you don’t have some good ones in your wardrobe already, you need to fix this mistake. My favorite places for good quality yet affordable linen shirts are COS, Everlane, & Other Stories, and Vitamin A Swim.

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5. Shorts (1 x jean shorts, 1 x casual shorts)

Bring two pairs of shorts – a denim pair and casual linen ones. You need them for all the tops we just mentioned above. The style doesn’t matter, just make sure you take with you shorts that are comfy, so you can wear them every day. From a walk to the beach to a nice dinner date. When it comes to comfortable summer clothes, the fabric really makes all the difference – so my advice is to stick to natural fibers such as organic cotton and linen. They are soft and breathable, which is what you need in the heat. This applies to all items in your summer basic wardrobe.

6. Dresses  

If you have enough room in your luggage, grab a couple of your favorite summer basic dresses. If not two, then one will do. Keep in mind that flowy styles will work in your favor when it’s boiling hot outside. And if you need any outfit ideas, I have a post about how to style neutral dresses, so check it out. Here are my favorite styles:

7. Long Sleeve Tops (neutral colored)

Sometimes I don’t think of packing outerwear for my summer break, and that’s a big mistake that I don’t want you to make. You should always have a little piece of clothing to wear when it gets cool in the evenings. The last thing you want is to catch a cold when you’re away. And trust me, it happens! Stay on the safe side and put two neutral-colored sweatshirts in your suitcase. If they don’t fit, just take one and wrap it around your neck or waist when heading to the airport. One is better than none! You can even use it as a pillow in the airplane, so bonus points! See, our wardrobe essentials can be functional, as well as stylish.

8. Slides

We are all about being practical here, so don’t go overboard with your holiday shoes. All you need really is a good pair of slides and some trainers. When it comes to slides, I’d go for a style that can be worn not only to the beach but also for all the activities you’ll be doing. Walking around the attractions, shopping in town, going out for dinner, etc. Your slides will take you everywhere, so they need to be able to go anywhere, fashionably speaking. Your footwear is the cherry on top of any good summer basic outfit.

9. White trainers (or Converse sneakers)

White trainers are another go-to item as you can style them easily with everything else, and you will always look great. A little tip: to save space in your luggage, don’t put them there but wear them instead when you’re jetting off. I love white trainers in combination with a gray tracksuit. Simple, comfy, and easy. That’s what we like! They play a huge role in our summer essentials 2023.

10. Sunglasses

I don’t know why, but I keep forgetting to pack my precious RayBan and end up buying some cheap dupes when I reach my final destination. Don’t do that! Sunglasses are really important as they keep your eyes protected and healthier for longer. Did you know that wearing sunglasses can prevent some eye diseases related to the sun such as muscular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and others? Or that the bright sunlight can be a trigger for migraines?! You don’t want to be worrying about these kinds of things when you’re meant to be chilling the F out by the pool. So do yourself a favor, grab those sunnies, and get them in your bag NOW.

11. BONUS! – Sunscreen

It goes without saying that you need a sun cream to protect your skin from the UV rays, but I’m adding it to the list, just in case. My tip is to go for a vegan and cruelty-free brand like this lightweight SPF30 daily sunscreen from Glossier. I hate sticky and heavy sun protection, and this one is perfect because it’s breathable, transparent, and super light. It’s more like a serum than a cream, and you can wear it under your makeup. Glammed up and protected like a knight in shining bejeweled armor.

The Round-Up

So girls, as we round off our fashion-forward journey, it’s time to re-check your luggage and make sure you’ve packed all these summer essentials. From our good ol’ plain white t-shirts to that perfect light jacket for the cooler evenings, your summer vacation fashion game is about to be top-tier.

Our favorite things, from tank tops to denim maxi skirts, have rightfully earned their place as must-haves, providing style solutions for every body type and occasion. Let’s also not forget the timeless charm of the white button-down or the versatile cotton t-shirt, both simple yet effective ways to elevate your casual wear. 

Of course, no summer ensemble would be complete without a basic t-shirt. The perfect choice to pair with literally anything, its neutral color has a chameleon-like ability to adapt to every style, trend, or mood swing! Talk about a wardrobe staple, right?

What’s summer without a bit of denim? Whether it’s the biggest trends like the denim jacket or our trusty wardrobe basics like different-colored denim shorts, these pieces prove why they’re worth every penny of their highest price.

As we part ways, let us leave you with a tiny secret. 

These wardrobe staples don’t have to hide away for the rest of the year. With a dash of layering and a pinch of creativity, they can bring new life and serve you well beyond the summer. 

So, whether you snag these pieces at their regular price or score an exclusive discount, each item will undeniably be worth the investment. Remember, fashion is about expressing yourself, so don’t be afraid to add your unique flair to these basics.

Show off your summer style and tag me on socials (@SavinaOfficial) so I can see you put those summer wardrobe essentials to good use. There’s a good reason most smartphones have two cameras. I wanna see what you’re wearing and where you’re wearing it. 

This post was all about 10 must-have summer basics to pack for your sunny holiday.

Other Posts You May Like:

• 8 SIMPLE SUMMER OUTFITS THAT WON’T EVER LET YOU DOWN
• THE ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR CAPSULE SUMMER WARDROBE
• 7 FASHION SUMMER TIPS THAT WILL BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE AND STYLE

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This post was updated on 17/06/2023