Summer travel is upon us, which means it’s time to start preparing your wardrobe for upcoming trips! Minimalist packing is the name of the game, so you’re not lugging around your entire closet from place to place. The best way to keep travel and packing simple is to include items that can be mixed and matched, so you have what you need for any occasion.
When you begin to pack, do your research. Check the weather reports, know the social culture, and have an idea of your itinerary or potential activities. Will you be attending any formal events? Will you be doing anything outdoorsy or active? Will you be in or near the ocean or a pool? Create a list, and then determine the basics–undergarments, jeans, socks, a can-be-worn-anywhere-anytime dress, and then start adding a few items based on your needs.
Here’s our city-by-city packing guide for what to wear in some of the summer’s most popular locales.
Miami
Pack casual, stylish, breezy separates that can take you from the beach to the bars or the pool to the party:
The loose and flowing Harlow Cami with floral accents gives an effortlessly chic style; perfect over the Blaine Tube (worn as a skirt), a look that can easily take you from day to night. The Blaine Tube is versatile and flattering and can be worn as a skirt or top. Pairing it with flirty Baby Boots and the lightweight Starboard Cardigan is a perfect look for almost any occasion. The Coast Crop Pants are the perfect alternative to jeans for added style. Topped with the Harlow Cami gives it class and sass, and the Starboard Cardigan is perfect for layering if it gets breezy by the pool or the beach.
ACCESSORIES: Bracelet, Bangle, Wedge, Necklace, Wristlet
Chicago
Pack layers, casual conservative styles, and versatile pieces that can dressed up with accessories:
The three-quarter sleeved Sweetheart Topper is lightweight but gives added coverage for sun and cool air. To layer, wear the comfy Marble Tee underneath, and finish off the look with the classic Ivy League Short, exotic Boa Belt, and colorful Everyday Scarf for added flair. The 5th Avenue Tee can be worn with just about anything to exude a casual, yet elegant style. We love it over the Clover Camo Jegging to make a real statement! The must-have Lemon Zest Blazer, over the crisp and flattering Placket Blouse, is a classic and timeless look, especially when paired with the Clover Camo Jeggings and Everyday Scarf for a pop of color.
ACCESSORIES: Necklace, Boa Belt, Wedge, Sandal, Scarf
Boston
Pack preppy, simple pieces that are perfect for a day at the ballpark, a shopping excursion, or a stroll along the river by night:
The nautical inspired Life Jacket is always a classy look, perfect for the summer in Boston. To keep it casual, wear it over the flattering Indie Jean, with a comfy, soft Simple Cami and the Net Sweater, perfect for layering. Menswear meets feminine style with this season’s must-have Mesh Shirt. Wear the Simple Cami in White underneath and the Indie Jeans. Another great way to wear the Life Jacket is with the flirty red Lobster Top over the sleek and sassy Newport Pant.
ACCESSORIES: Bracelet, Sandal, Necklace
New York
Pack classy, urban chic, statement pieces that will turn heads:
For a feminine and classic look, wear the Luna Skirt with the Resort Tee tucked in. Add a little extra flair by wearing the skinny chic Hole Punch Belt, and for a lightweight layer when the summer breezes roll in, wear the Nantucket Sweater. The hip Origami Top is a statement in and of itself, but when worn with the Ruby Jean and Floral Graph Scarf, it’s an outfit sure to impress. It’s great for a date night, show, or dinner with friends. Summer casual at its best, our signature Ruby Jean, along with the long and flowing Nantucket Sweater is versatile and stylish, good for any summer outing or soiree. Wear the casual Resort Tee underneath and the black Hole Punch Belt to give additional dimension.
ACCESSORIES: Sandal, Clutch, Scarf, Wedge
Seattle
Pack casual, comfortable, classic separates that can easily transform from day to night:
The It Girl Cami makes every outfit look great, but when paired with the relaxed Destructed Brett Jean, it’s a classic, flirty, and fun look. For coverage and a little warmth when needed, the form-fitting Norma Jean Jacket goes particularly well with these pieces. For a look that is sassy but doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard, wear the Destructed Brett Jean, with the Tiered Cami, and layer it with the Billi Cardigan. The pops of green in both the cami and sweater will have you standing out from the crowd. Try wearing the Long Reversible Skirt as a tube dress, topped with the Billi Cardigan. The sophisticated print is the perfect look for summer garden parties, showers, or a day of shopping.
ACCESSORIES: Pendant, Low Heel, Sunglasses, Wedge, Bracelet, Sandal
Los Angeles
Pack layers for when the cool ocean breezes come in at night, and casual but stylish items that make it look like you didn’t too hard to try to impress:
The Everly Blazer is an essential summer item, perfect for times when you need to dress up a more casual bottom, such as the Skinny Brett Jean. The stylish and flattering Blaine Tube is perfect underneath. The comfy Lifeboat Tee is boxy and fabulous, a perfect top over the M’leggings, one of our favorite pieces for layering. The Anorak Jacket is a surprising, but stunning topper to this outfit, perfect for a brunch or sightseeing. Versatility is the name of the game in packing for a summer trip. The Blaine Tube can be worn as a cute skirt, good for day or night affairs. Wear it with the Anorak in the evenings when there’s a chill in the air, along with the colorful Mum Cami, front tucked.
ACCESSORIES:
Sunglasses, Sneakers, Sunglasses, Clutch, Bag, Low Heel
Where are you heading this summer? Let us know which of the CAbi pieces mentioned above is traveling with you!
