I'm Trading Coats for Caftans—Here's My Winter Beach Packing List
Here's a fun list of things to shop for vacation, from sunny dresses to playful matching sets.
Every year around this time, I hit a point where my brain can no longer process another coat. I'm starting to fantasize about warmer weather, ocean water, and the feeling of slipping into something breezy instead of bundling up in layers. When I spent the first week of this month staying next to the ocean at The Shelbourne in Miami, I immediately started planning to spend every consecutive winter somewhere warmer—as one does. This brings us to the packing list that can carry me through every beach vacation to come.
I've now edited that list down to the pieces I know I'll actually wear, keeping in mind that there are colder days in beach towns during the winter. If you're headed somewhere warm, here's everything I'm packing, from easy linen pants for beach-to-dinner moments to playful sets that photograph beautifully and the one-piece swimsuit I always feel confident in, and why each thing earned a spot in the suitcase.
Linen Pants
I think of this outfit as the ultimate winter vacation look. The linen pants can keep you comfortable in the peak heat of the day and the colder moments that follow. Plus, this halter top is something you'll be able to wear again and again.
Long-Sleeve Maxi Dresses
I tend to save long-sleeve maxi dresses for the colder months in south Florida. A fun printed moment will always be a vibe.
Playful Matching Sets
You can never have enough matching sets, especially when visiting a warm-weather destination. I love throwing something like this on anytime I'm in a rush or want to look put-together. This set from Zimmermann is straight out of my dreams.
Bucket Hats
One of the greatest upgrades to my vacation wardrobe has been hats that are easy to pack and go with everything. A bucket hat like this does it all, and if you also have a poplin skirt in your repertoire, you can't go wrong.
Thong Sandals
Give me an ocean view and a luxe pair of thong sandals and I'm sold. I consider this simple shoe trend to be nonnegotiable when packing these days. They work with everything—linen pants, swimsuits, maxi dresses—and instantly make outfits feel beachy without being too casual.
One-Piece
The one-piece I always pack is the one I feel most confident in. A simple, sculpted suit is perfect for days when you want to swim, read, repeat without worrying about adjusting anything.

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joiningBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
I Went to Jamaica for My Birthday—Here's Everything I Packed, From Sunscreen to SlipsFor a beach trip in Negril.
-
Spotted in the Mediterranean: Kate Moss Wore the Skirt Trend It Girls Are About to Fall in Love WithI, for one, am obsessed.
-
Let's Bring Back Chic Airport Style—13 Travel Outfits I'm "Borrowing" for My Next FlightEn route in style.
-
FYI: Sandal Haters in Ibiza Are Wearing Beach Dresses With This Unexpected Shoe TrendSporty and comfortable.
-
In Italy, It Girls Are Wearing This Pretty Shirt Trend With Denim Shorts so They Don't Look DatedAnother day, another enviable Dua Lipa vacation.
-
Zara Is Serving Up Dreamy "Summer in Spain" Energy—These Are the Items I'm Buying FirstI'm transporting myself to Europe through my shopping cart.
-
Forget the Black Maxi Dress—This Is What an Expert Packer Wears on Vacation in ItalyNot your typical summer vacation outfit.
-
I'm Heading to Mallorca and Ibiza—These 30 Zara Pieces Will Be the Backbones of My WardrobeGuaranteed.

