All the Pieces Your Summer Travel Wardrobe Should Contain

I can't even express in words how thrilled I am to be writing stories about travel again (and to travel myself) after well over a year of that topic being basically off the table. As much as I despise packing, I even missed that aspect of it. Speaking of which, every time I scroll through my Instagram feed, I see that people are very much back out there, happily visiting some of their favorite destinations once again. And yes, I've been taking notes.

If you're feeling a little rusty at the whole packing thing, you're definitely not alone, and you've definitely come to the right place. Below is a compilation of items that everyone seems to be packing for travel this year and that are worth your consideration. Scroll to get inspired and to shop pieces you might want to have in your suitcase when you land. As they used to say back in the pre-2020 days, bon voyage! 

Crochet Pieces

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

No matter where your vacation destination may be, crochet will probably be appropriate. Bonus: It's easy to find at every price point.

Shop Crochet Pieces

Sarongs

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Sarongs are really living their best lives this summer. A couple of fun ideas: Get one that matches the fabric of your swimsuit or wear one as a skirt with a T-shirt and sneakers.

Shop Sarongs

Sheer Dresses

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

A big trend this summer has been wearing a sheer dress over a bikini or bodysuit. As you can see, it's very effective.

Shop Sheer Dresses

Bucket Hats

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

A bucket hat is the key to many successful vacation looks, and there are plenty of recent Instagram posts to prove it. 

Shop Bucket Hats

Matching Shorts Sets

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

A shorts set is the easiest summer outfit you can buy, and the words "easiest" and "travel wardrobe" always go together.

Shop Matching Shorts Sets

Retro Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @monamali_)

Retro everything is cool again, so if you want to pack the freshest frames, choose a pair that would've been just as relevant in the '70s.

Shop Retro Sunglasses

Belly Chains

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Wearing jewelry with a swimsuit can be pretty polarizing, but we support. This summer, everyone is pairing belly chains with their swimsuits with very chic results.

Shop Belly Chains

String Bikinis

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

String bikinis are both classic and fun, and they'll take up minimal room in your suitcase.

Shop String Bikinis

Colorful Shoes

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Here's a thought: Give your neutral shoes a vacation and only pack fun ones.

Shop Colorful Shoes

Next up: This is the perfect travel outfit.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.