My Sister Is Going to Europe on Her Honeymoon—I Told Her to Pack These 7 Things

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

I may not be engaged yet, but now that my older sister is married, I'm practically living through her. From helping her pick out her wedding dress to attending catering appointments together, I've been with her every step of the way. Now that she's heading off to Italy this summer on her belated honeymoon, I've practically made myself a metaphorical third wheel, constantly sending her aesthetic TikTok videos of things she should do and outfits she should wear. As a fashion editor and the world's most annoying little sister, I take my job quite seriously. 

For most newlyweds, a romantic getaway on a far-flung honeymoon is a chance to reconnect with each other in the early stages of married life. While that can be true for fashion people, the second highest priority after relaxing with your new spouse is to pull off some of the best IG-approved 'fit pics (wedding band in hand, of course). The best honeymoon outfit ideas can be inspired by destination or vibe, but regardless, there are always a few essentials everyone should throw in their carry-on and checked luggage before heading somewhere new—whether it's a staycation in your home city or an over-water bungalow oasis in the middle of Fiji. 

Below, shop all of the must-have honeymoon clothing essentials and browse my favorite travel items. You'll check out faster on these picks than when you said "I do."

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A Slinky LBD
(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

A little black dress is one of the most timeless pieces of clothing you can own. Perfect for unexpected date nights or romantic beachside strolls, the little black dress should be one of the first things you pack when you're embarking on your honeymoon.

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Feel-Good Lingerie
(Image credit: @nitsanraider)

You can't underestimate the power of good lingerie. Not only are these picks incredibly chic, but they're also massive confidence boosters. 

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Stylish Swimsuits
(Image credit: @amoralaini)

If you're heading somewhere warm and tropical on your romantic getaway, don't forget to pack an on-trend swimsuit. Bonus points for anything white! 

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Effortless Cover-Up
(Image credit: @gracejoshua13)

While on vacation, it's essential to pack smart and light. Look no further than resortwear, the best hybrid between poolside attire and date night–approved looks. You can't go wrong with a crochet maxi dress or lightweight pair of linen pants. 

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Curated Beauty Essentials
(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

My sister and I may be overpackers, but we've managed to get our beauty and wellness items down to a few essentials. Save space in your luggage for cute clothing and trendy accessories by selecting only your favorite low-lift products. You can thank me later!

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Comfortable (and Cute!) Shoes
(Image credit: @shopbop)

There's nothing worse than having sore, tired feet on vacation. Instead of wearing sky-high stilettos on your honeymoon, opt for flat styles that still feel elevated. If you're itching to wear heels, I suggest a kitten-heel style or wedge sandals to give your feet a rest from all the walking you may be doing.

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Versatile Accessories
(Image credit: @valerialipovetsky)

Instead of clogging your carry-on with a black hole of jewelry, sunglasses, hats, bags, and miscellaneous items, opt for small, versatile pieces you can wear with every outfit. 

Next, submit your wedding to be featured on Who What Wear Weddings.

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Assistant Shopping Editor

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitiated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)