Packing for a trip is no easy feat, especially if you're traveling in the summer. You want to look chic yet need pieces that are comfortable and cooling. Even more, city exploring often calls for multiple outfit changes, which can make overpacking feel inevitable.
To help you create the ultimate summer packing list, we spoke with three stylists for expert advice on creating cute, cool, and comfy vacation outfits that won't leave you paying for an overweight suitcase.
"I always follow the three C’s when I’m packing for a summer city trip: cuteness, comfortability, and compactness," advises celebrity stylist Derek Warburton. "City travel means having to go to many different events at different times of the day, and so, I have to make sure my outfits are versatile, yet chic and comfy."
To accomplish this, personal stylist Michelle T. Sterling suggests packing pieces that are casual yet elevated. "Think polished and put together, but still comfortable," she says. Pieces like simple slip dresses, breezy matching sets, and linen basics should all have a place in your suitcase.
Speaking of suitcases, to save precious space, you'll want to ensure that everything you pack matches. This will allow you to easily put together outfits without overpacking.
The key to mixing and matching? "Keeping the colors neutral, with one pop of color. I also like fabrics that are easy to combine, so linens with linens and cottons with cottons," Sterling says.
Accessories are another way to easily give the pieces you packed new life and to transition outfits from day to night.
"A lacey camisole paired with an oversized linen button-up feels effortless for daytime exploring. Slip off the button-up before dinner, add jewelry and a different bag, and suddenly you have an evening outfit," explains wardrobe stylist Elizabeth Grace Kelly.
These stylist-approved pieces make vacation dressing easy (and help you save on suitcase space).
"I particularly like matching sets because they look put together with minimal effort. You can wear the pieces together, or you can mix and match them to create other outfits - giving you variety while traveling and still fitting in a small suitcase," says Sterling.
This budget-friendly gingham find is totally on-trend.
"I would start with packing a lightweight, oversized linen shirt, as it can be used for almost any occasion while keeping you feeling airy and comfortable," advises Warburton.
"I would consider Gap’s 100% Linen Oversized Shirt to be an amazing pick and should go into everyone’s packing list. It comes in many different sizes, colors, and prints, for when you really want to maximize your selection."
"Linen is such a god-send for these summer trips, with it being lightweight and breathable in all sorts of environments," says Warburton.
"I love Quince’s 100% European Linen Wide Leg Pants for this same reason, and it even comes with a drawstring, elastic waistband for maximum casual and relaxed vibes. It even pairs well with Gap’s Linen Oversized Shirt."
Accessories that pack flat are key to further elevating timeless basics. This versatile satin scarf won't take up precious space in your suitcase, Kelly says "it can be worn around your neck, tied onto a bag, or in your hair"
Kelly says that "an elevated ballet flat is my #1 packing essential" and "the hardest-working shoes you can pack."
"The Vivaia square-toe Mary Janes are a timeless take on the ballet flat trend. I'd wear them with jeans and a classic tank during the day, then style them with a slip dress or tailored trousers for dinner."
Both Warburton and Kelly say that a silk slip dress makes the ideal day-to night transition piece.
"Slip it in with sneakers for the day, or switch into sophisticated sandals at night and you won’t look out of place," recommends Warburton.
Kelly says she tries to limit herself to three bags, including a mini bag or clutch for evening activities.
"Ideally, the nighttime bag is more compact so it does not take up too much space" suggests Sterling. This pleated one with gold hardware fits the bill, and comes with a detachable crossbody strap for daytime dressing.
Kelly says the right accessories "can completely change the feel of an outfit without taking up much room." That includes a pair of oversized sunglasses like these with a Chloé-inspired frames.
Kelly suggests including "one flexible tote that packs flat" in your packing list. This Quince one crafted from luxurious woven Italian leather looks designer and has plenty of room for daily essentials while still looking chic.
"As for jewelry, I always pack a matching "set" in both silver and gold. That usually means a necklace or two, a pair of earrings, a few rings, and a bracelet in each metal," explains Kelly.
Need more outfit inspo? Paige DeSorbo’s date night outfit formula Is foolproof.
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.