I’m Packing Like I’m Already in Europe—These Are the Vacation Pieces Worth Buying
BRB—buying my entire Greece wardrobe.
Don’t you just love it when your girls’ trip makes it out of the group chat? My friends and I have been planning a Greece getaway for months, and in just a few weeks, we’ll be jetting off to the sunny coast of Paros. I can’t wait to crack open my favorite beach read and indulge in endless plates of souvlaki, pita, and baklava. But until then, I’ll be carefully crafting my rotation of vacation essentials.
Ahead, I’m giving you a sneak peek at my shopping wish list. I’ve got linen pants and breezy tops for touristy excursions, barely-there bikinis and raffia tote bags for moments by the shore, and crochet cover-ups that’ll easily transition from poolside hangouts to casual lunches. I’ve also got my eye on more elevated pieces, like floaty maxi dresses and sleek leather sandals that’ll rise to any nighttime occasion.
If you’re anything like me—and you’ve planned one last warm-weather escape before the end of summer—go ahead and reference my curated edit below. I’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. All that’s left for you to do is pack your bags, board your flight, and enjoy your well-deserved holiday.
Decorated with blue and white stripes, these Alex Mill pants embody a true Greek mood. Not to mention, they’re stitched with 100 percent cotton for a breathable feel. They’re just as functional as they are fashionable.
Reformation’s Darci top isn’t your ordinary white tank. It features a sculpted silhouette that is undeniably elegant.
Treat Madewell's white eyelet dress like a blank canvas. Dress it up with thong sandals, a jute bag, and shimmering gold jewelry.
As a chronic overpacker, I can’t live without a roomy tote. This one from J.Crew is designed with leather trimming that offers a lovely contrast.
Fashion editors are obsessed with Hunza G swimwear, so I have to try it for myself. I’m coveting the brand’s Gina bikini set, coated in a trending cool blue hue.
No girls’ trip is complete without a fancy dinner outing. So, I’m coming prepared with Favorite Daughter's black maxi dress. It’ll pair exceptionally well with strappy sandals and a glossy clutch.
Searching for cozy bottoms? Look no further than these Gap shorts. The drawstring waistline and linen fabric will ensure extra comfort.
Despite the fact that chocolate brown has been trending for months, I’m still not over the sweet shade. So, I’m snagging this cute peekaboo set.
I already own this Cos shirt in white, but I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many button-downs in your vacation wardrobe. For that very reason, this pink version is coming with me.
Pandora is my one-stop shop for summer jewelry. I recently snagged the label’s Blue Cord Box Chain Bracelet, which I’ll decorate with seashell charms.
If you want to wear sheer without feeling overexposed, slip into this lemon-colored dress from Lioness. Yes, it’s cut from diaphanous fabric, but it offers a full-coverage construction.
For those of you who’d rather not break the bank on vacation footwear, consider Sam Edelman’s Bay sandals. They’re priced right under $100!
Although I am a self-proclaimed minimalist, I’m on a mission to have more fun with prints this summer. Vitamin A’s Gia bikini top will allow me to do just that.
Good American is renowned for its denim collection, but don’t sleep on the brand’s beachwear lineup. This crochet mini dress deserves a prime spot in your summer closet.
These days, I take my suncare very seriously. Yes, I’m loading up on SPF, but I’m also wearing protective straw hats—like this one from Jenni Kayne.
On any given summer vacation, you will always find me wearing an airy maxi dress. Crafted with a ruched bodice and a drop-waist shape, this one from Peixoto is calling my name.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.