I Just Got Back From a Birthday Trip to Miami—Here's Everything I Packed

Inspiration for your next beach trip.

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Published In Buying Guides
Collage of an editor's trip to Miami.
(Image credit: @audryhiaoui)
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For my birthday this year, I went to Miami. While it has a reputation for being a nightlife destination, I went for quite the opposite: a relaxing beach trip.

After hearing it was vetted by fashion editor Sierra Mayhew, I stayed at Esmé Hotel in Miami Beach. I spent most days at the beach, which is just a short walk away, with chairs and towels provided by the hotel and umbrellas available to rent. La Sandwicherie is nearby to grab quick sandwiches too. On my actual birthday, I went to the Ritz-Carlton pool to lie out, read, and swim. For dinner, I went to one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the world, Sunny's, where I had the agnolotti filled with corn, blue crab, and saffron, along with a chocolate lava cake for dessert.

Keep scrolling to see what I packed for the five-night stay, from fashion and beauty to in-flight essentials.

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When it comes to packing, I love only bringing a carry-on so I don't have to check a bag if I can. Given how hot it still is in Miami in early September, my mind immediately went to sheer clothing, which can be tricky to wear, but it's easy to layer it over swimwear. I usually stray away from prints, but throwing in some colorful dresses felt right for Miami. And of course, I brought sunglasses—my Chimi Giadas—Havaianas Slim Flip-Flops, and Los Angeles Apparel Jelly Flats.

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For my beauty bag, I always bring everything in my Leatherology travel case. Inside, I brought staples like Sofie Pavitt Face's cleanser and gel moisturizer. For face sunscreen, I like wearing EltaMD because it never breaks me out, unlike other ones. With 90-degree temperatures, I wanted to bring things that wouldn't just melt off, so I went for lip stain and clear gloss, as well as a lightweight tinted sunscreen if I wanted coverage when I wasn't at the beach.

Shop In-Flight Essentials

On flights, I never travel without over-the-ear headphones after making the mistake one time. I even keep earplugs in my bag just in case. I also bring miscellaneous items like a sleep mask and a cashmere cardigan in case I get cold.

Audry Hiaoui
Associate Shopping Editor

Audry Hiaoui is a writer based in New York. For Who What Wear, she specializes in emerging designers, independent labels, and brand discovery, as well as interviews both on and off camera. Her writing has appeared in AnOther, Wonderland, Office, Interview, Love, and i-D, among others, with multiple cover stories and features in print, and she has worked as an editorial producer for Vogue during fashion months. She holds a master's degree in journalism and documentary filmmaking from City, University of London, and has an extensive background in film, having worked for Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, and Vice UK as well as on various projects including documentaries and music videos and most recently as a writer's assistant on an upcoming HBO/A24 series.