We had a gloriously beautiful and warm spring weekend, so that has me looking forward to sunny vacations. Hahaha! Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but you can never start planning for those warm weather vacations too early in my book. Whether you’re road-tripping to the coast later this month, anticipating time on the lake in May or fleeing to the mountains in July, I’ve got some casual vacation outfit essentials you’ll need for those spring and summer getaways.
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Pullover Sweaters
I’m a big believer in taking along a cotton or cotton and linen blend pullover sweater on any spring or summer vacation. It may seem counterintuitive, but anytime I leave this vacation outfit essential at home…I regret it.
Whether you’re going to be on the beach or you just like the idea, this 100% cotton natural heather beach sweater is a charmer. It’s the perfect weight and consistency for a summer vacation, especially if you enjoy moonlight strolls on the beach or shell gathering walks in the morning.
This beach sweater will go with everything from denim shorts to linen pants, but you could also drape it over your shoulders in that spaghetti strap dress you plan to wear to brunch or dinner. I’m wearing my usual size medium and it’s very reasonably priced for the great quality.
I’ve had this lightweight Alice Walk striped cotton sweater in my wardrobe for three years now, and I love pulling it out each spring. This is a slightly thinner sweater, but still created in 100% Tanguis cotton for a super luxurious hand.
The sweater is strategically fitted in the arms, but with time and wear they do stretch a little so they recommend going with your usual size. I always recommend using the size guide, especially if a brand is unfamiliar to you. For instance, I’ve discovered that some brands consider a size 10 to be a medium, while others group it with a 12 for a large. Here I’m wearing my usual medium very comfortably. This sweater does come in other colors, too.
Casual Shoes Other than Sandals & Sneakers
When I’m packing for a spring or summer vacation I tend to think sandals and sneakers. But I’ve learned the hard way that I regret it if I don’t also include one pair of casual shoes other than those popular types.
Sometimes you just want to put on something a little more substantial than a sandal, but less cumbersome than a sneaker. The trending perforated ballet flats or Mary Janes are the perfect option this spring and summer. I find these Dolce Vita Mikel flats to be the perfect option. They’re comfortable enough to do a little walking in (to dinner or browsing shops), and they’re a great “recovery shoe” to slide into after hours of walking in sneakers. They run true to size in my estimation. But if you have a wide foot or border between two sizes, go up.
Simple Cotton Blend Tops
I never notice my shortage of simple cotton or cotton blend tops until I start packing for a trip. I think that’s because I like to pack very simple pairings for vacations. I don’t have time for fussy tops or complicated matching. Instead I want to pack simple, solid colored tops that can pair easily with multiple bottoms.
This cotton blend quarter sleeve t-shirt from Sanctuary is the perfect example of a vacation top that gets great mileage in my suitcase. The 55% organic cotton, 45% rayon slub fabric is cool and comfortable. The length works nicely for tucking in or leaving out. And the partially buttoned neckline creates interest without being fussy.
Plus, this cotton blend top also comes in other equally promising colors like soft blue, mellow yellow, white and black. Per the size guide, I’m wearing a size large in this one. I’ve linked this top to a couple of places because availability for sizes and colors varies, but you can use code KAY15 for 15% off at Sanctuary.
Casual Stretch Cotton Pants
Not just cotton pants, mind you, but stretch cotton pants. Vacation is all about being comfortable, right? So when you find a smart looking but equally comfortable pair of casual stretch cotton ankle pants, you’ve got a vacation essential in the bag. These smart white pants are 97% cotton and 3% Spandex for ease of movement and no-hassle laundering.
I love that these casual pants feature a slim leg, but not body-hugging. And the utility pockets keep the trousers casual, youthful and modern, perfect for vacation. I sized up to a 31 in these, as I often do with Sanctuary. But they’re a little loose. Since they’re white, I’m fine with this size. But if I were to get a different color I’d probably go with my usual size 30 instead.
These Sanctuary Rebel straight leg crop pants are available at Macy’s and Zappos. But you can use code KAY15 at Sanctuary for 15% off.
Of course each of these casual vacation outfit essentials are also mainstays in my closet all during the warmer months. But when it’s time to pack up and hit the road, these are the kinds of easy-breezy styles that go into my suitcase first. You can shop these vacation essentials and the other items in my outfits through the shopping widget below.
Do you have vacation plans on the horizon? I’d love hear where you’re going this spring or summer, even if it the trip isn’t long and the destination isn’t exotic. Some of the best things happen on quick getaways to familiar places. Please do share in the comments!
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Blessed for My Day
I’ve heard it said that Christians tend to either over emphasize the craftiness and power of Satan or undermine him. The solution to this naivete is not to strike a happy medium, but to get a biblical perspective instead. You see, it is indeed smart to know the enemy – understand his ways (he’s a copycat), be able to identify his lies (they’re often cloaked in half truths) and know him when you see him (he often shows up when you’re feeling weak, discouraged, a little empty or tired).
But the greater strategy is not to focus too much on the enemy at all. That’s giving him way too much power in your life. Instead, focus on your God. Be strong in your relationship with Him and cling to His strength. Put on the armor God gives you by reading, meditating on and studying His Word. And step out each day knowing the battle is on…but it’s already been won.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. ~ Ephesians 6:10-11
Great looks OK, thank you! Leaving for a 2 1/2 week trip to the Alps, dolomites and Venice, Italy in about a month! I purchased the waterproof slip on sneakers from L.L. Bean that you recommended a few months ago. May add the pretty striped cotton sweater from Alice Walker. Thanks for all you do.😊
That will be an amazing trip. Definitely on our bucket list. Have a blast!
Your Blessed for My Day hit home. Thank you for this reminder to focus on God and His word for daily living. Love your outfits, too. Since travel is going to be part of my 2026 plans, this post is helping me rethink my packing.
I’m so glad the blessing and the blog post served you. Thanks for letting me know.
Great Blessed for My Day! Great reminder. Love the choices of summer sweaters. I can wear them much of spring and summer as air conditioning is cool in church, stones, restaurants, etc.
Exactly. I cottons sweater is such an essential for so many reasons. Thanks for dropping in.
First you look so cute in the email outfit. Second I’d go with the large blue frames. Great for your hair color and skin tone. Second choice I’d pick green frames. I just don’t care for the two tone ones as I don’t care for brown tones with grey hair.
Thanks for weighing in, Kathy. I like the blue and green ones best, too.
Went to lunch outdoors at the beach last Friday. It was 76 degrees and we were in the shade. My jeans and tee outfit wasn’t warm enough with the breeze off the water. A sweater would have been nice!
Exactly! Thanks so much for sharing and for dropping in today, Madge.
Just returned home from two weeks in Italy. My cool weather travel clothes were from Talbots, Madewell, and Athleta. Everything mixed and matched. Next up, is a June trip to Cape Cod. I just might purchase the cute beach sweater!
Sounds like a wonderful trip and great packing essentials. I do hope to go to Cape Cod one of these days, if for no other reason but that it’s the setting for so many books I read. Ha!