6 Summer Fashion Items I Wore on a Beach Vacation, From $8

I spent the Fourth of July holiday weekend on Martha’s Vineyard, a small island off the coast of Cape Cod. Unsurprisingly, I waited until the last minute to pack for my getaway to the New England paradise. While I stuffed my duffel bag to the brim with endless outfit options, there ended up only being a few styles that I actually reached for all weekend.

Since the majority of my vacation time was spent in the water or dining with friends, it makes sense that my most-worn items, including white pants and paper-thin button-downs, were fuss-free ones. When it comes to travel packing, I’ve realized that relying on versatile, easy-to-style pieces is the way to go. If you’ve got a nautical trip of your own coming up, make sure to shop my packing guide, below. 

Editor-Approved Martha’s Vineyard Travel Fashion

White Pants: Willit Linen Pants

There is simply no vacation staple that’s more important to me than white pants. In my everyday life, white pants can give me pause—especially in a city as unpredictable as New York. But on vacation? Sign me up. To get the look for yourself, try out these flowy pants with an elastic waist and convenient side pockets. Made from a cotton and linen blend, the neutral pants are comfy, stylish, and will match every top you pack. 

Gauzy Button-Down: Zeagoo Button-Down Shirt

No matter how high the temperature gets, a breezy button-down will always have a spot in my suitcase. On my recent trip, the cooler nights, not to mention the AC-blasted bus I took to get there, made me glad I had the foresight to pack an extra layer. If you’re in search of a lightweight blouse of your own, consider this 100-percent cotton style, which has a gauzy finish that won’t wrinkle in your bag. 

Thick Flip-Flops: Roxy Melina Platform Sandals

If you haven’t already heard by now, it’s a flip-flop summer. It feels like everyone and their mother has been buying thin black flip-flops recently, but I’m actually a fan of thicker platform pairs. Take this Roxy style, for example—the wedge soles make the shoes more interesting, while the neutral colorway ensures they’re still easy to style. Plus, one reviewer noted that the “slight platform is easy to walk in.” 

Triangle Bikini: Zaful Fishnet Triangle Bikini

Swimsuit shopping can be difficult, which is why I usually keep things simple by opting for a basic triangle style. If you want something with slightly more flare, though, this flattering Zaful bikini is a great choice. The swimsuit features high-quality fabric with a fishnet overlay and subtle seashell charm details. If you get creative, you can even tie the top in several different ways. 

White T-Shirt: Automet Oversized T-Shirt

White T-shirts are basically the superheroes of my wardrobe, so it’s not exactly a shocker that I wore them constantly on my trip. Specifically, I’ve been favoring very loose, oversized tees lately. When it’s this hot, I can’t bear to put on anything tight or clingy, so styles with baggy silhouettes like this Automet tee make the perfect everyday base. 

Strapless Top: Chicgal Pleated Tube Top

Now, this might sound like a “duh” moment, but I sort of … forgot strapless tops existed? Or at the very least, forgot how flattering they can be. During my vacation, I relied on a loose, casual bandeau top that’s similar to this pleated pick. If you, like me, thought tube tops had to be constricting, think again. This style is sexy and effortless, all while still being comfortable and super packable.