27 Basics, Beauty Products, and Accessories That Are Coming on Every Summer Trip With Me
Shop the editor-approved items that might actually make packing enjoyable.
As someone who always has travel on the brain, I admittedly often let upcoming trips dictate many of the purchases I make. I work from home and live in a not super "fashion-y" city, so I tend to save my best outfits for vacations and work-related trips. In other words, if I'm considering purchasing something, I always ask myself if I can pack it. If the answer is no, I'll often skip it and search for something to buy that's more travel-friendly.
Now that the summer travel season is practically here, my trip shopping has accelerated, and I'd be remiss not to share the items I have my eye on. The three main categories I'm shopping for are wardrobe basics, beauty products, and accessories, primarily because they're versatile enough to come with me no matter where the plane or car takes me over the next few months. (I also already own some of these items, so I can definitely vouch.) So, if you're also thinking ahead to avoid the dreaded last-minute shopping scramble pre-trip, scroll on to shop some of the items I'll be packing this summer.
Basics
It's the swimsuit of the season. Bonus: You can also wear it as a bodysuit.
For the beach and beyond.
A dress that's simple enough to wear multiple times is key.
Basics are just prettier in the summer.
If you're not wearing balloon pants this summer, you're in the minority.
Pack a black tank and a white tank, and thank me later.
Wear them on the beach with a bikini or for sightseeing with an oversized button-down.
Perhaps some wouldn't call this a basic, but summer basics look different. I stand by my choice.
Gotta have a good pair of denim shorts to dress up or down.
Beauty Products
Trust me—this will deliver the most believable bronze you've ever achieved via a beauty product.
Proof that sun protection can be pretty.
The perfect summer scent in a very packable size.
I'm thrilled that my new favorite sunscreen comes in a mini size.
I've worn this every day since it came out. Bois Brûlé is the prettiest bronze shimmer.
I'm not one to only pack one blush, but if I were, it'd be the new Prada one in Dahlia.
These are great to pack because they take up barely any room in your bag. The shade Cherry Pie is especially fun for summer.
This lightweight moisturizer is perfect under makeup.
Like I said, I can't pack just one blush. Tan is my go-to shade for summer trips. You seriously can't mess it up.
Accessories
Raffia bucket hats are the It hat trend of 2026, so obviously that's what I'm buying.
The beauty of this tote is that it's perfect for the beach yet chic enough for the city.
Is there anything better than a summer necklace?
The vacation shoe of the season is a wedge-heel thong sandal. I'll be wearing these with as many outfits as possible.
Belts don't get more summer vacation-friendly than this.
These Chimi sunglasses are my new obsession—cool, flattering, and such good quality.
If you only pack one pair of earrings, make it these. They go with absolutely everything.
Nothing says summer vacation like a bandana.
Always pack sneakers—no matter where you're headed.
