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What to Pack for a Beach Vacation: Our 16-Piece Checklist

You've booked your hotel and bought your plane tickets. Now comes the hard part: what to pack for your beach vacay. To make life simple, we've compiled a nifty checklist of 16 essential items for your seaside escape.

Style + Travel Editor | Instagram @jackiehoman | jackiehoman.com

See recent posts by Jackie Homan & Chelsea Stuart

1

SWIMSUIT: La Blanca Island One-Piece Underwire Swimsuit

This one-piece from La Blanca is ultra-flattering with supportive cups and ruching. Plus, the solid black color goes with everything.

RELATED: 20 One-Piece Swimsuits to Pack for Vacation

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2

SHORTS: Everlane The Denim Short in Bone

Relaxed denim shorts are a beach essential, and these white ones have a worn-in feel and comfortable fit.

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3

SUNNIES: Ray-Ban 51mm Aviator Sunglasses

You can never go wrong with an iconic pair of Ray-Bans. These aviator shades feature a round frame and gold-tone metal.

RELATED: The Coolest Beach Hotels in the USA

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4

ESPADRILLES: Sea Star Beachwear Slingback Espadrille Water Shoe

These shoes look like ordinary espadrilles, but they're secretly water shoes, too, thanks to their quick-drying neoprene fabric, protective rubber sole, and comfy elastic strap.

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5

TANK TOP: Madewell Whisper Cotton V Neck Pocket Tank

Stay cool as you hit the town in Madewell's Whisper Cotton V-neck.

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6

SUNHAT: Sensi Studio Cordovez Toquilla Straw Hat

A wide brim boater blocks out harmful rays and adds a stylish touch to any outfit.

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7

BEACH BAG: Sophie Anderson Trimmed Tote Bag

This woven tote will fit all your beach essentials—and we love its fun fringe detail.

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8

COVER-UP: Playa Lucila Eyelet Dress

Flit from beach to bar—and back—with a breezy cover-up. This white eyelet tunic gets our pick.

RELATED: The 10 Best Islands to Visit in the U.S.

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9

TOWEL: SALBAKOS Turkish Peshtemal Fouta Towel

A handwoven Turkish peshtemal like this one can be used as a towel, beach blanket, sarong, and more.

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10

SUNSCREEN: Coola Sport SPF 30

Say no to chemical sunscreens that harm the environment—this water-resistant spray is formulated with 70% natural and organic ingredients.

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11

SANDALS: Clergerie Idalie 2 Sandals

These cool raffia slip-ons will take you straight from the sand to the streets.

RELATED: 15 Cool Pairs of Sandals on Sale NOW

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12

DRESS: Farm Rio Crazy Tucanos Linen Dress

For dinner and drinks at a tropical beach resort, reach for this fitted linen midi dress.

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13

CLUTCH: Knotty Woven Straw Clutch

Keep your precious jewels at home and accessorize with a woven clutch instead.

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14

SKINCARE: Sunday Riley C.E.O Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream

After spending time in the sun, replenish your skin with Sunday Riley's rich hydration cream. It's infused with Vitamin C to combat visible signs of aging, too.

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15

HAIRCARE: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

Your hair can get sun damaged as easily as your skin—protect it with Aveda's Hair Veil UV-defense mist. 

RELATED: 19 Miracle-Working Hair Products for the Beach

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16

ENTERTAINMENT: Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

Leave the bulky paperbacks at home and opt for an e-reader. Unlike tablets, the Kindle Paperwhite has no screen glare so you can read in bright sunlight. Plus, the all-new version is waterproof, making in-pool reading a breeze.

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More Beach Buys We Love

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

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Here at Jetsetter, our editors curate everything you need to travel—and live—smartly, fashionably, and consciously. All of our market picks are independently selected. If you buy something we link to on our site, Jetsetter may earn commission

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