Suitcase Essentials for a Trip to Miami

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Your summer trip to Miami is coming up fast. Vacations are meant to be a time for you to relax, but the stress of getting ready for your trip can be overwhelming. From packing to getting everything at work is wrapped up. We love warm, tropical vacations and Miami I the perfect destination. To help ease your pre-trip stress, use our packing list of essential items to make sure you have everything you need.

miami beach aerial

A Bathing Suit (or Three)

This is a no-brainer. I mean, did you even go to Miami if you didn’t post any pictures showing off your hot, tanned body on the beach? Any number of elegant one-piece swimsuits are a must have for any tropical vacation, especially when exploring Miami’s beaches. whether you actually Take this opportunity to show the world just how many crunches you’ve been doing since you ordered that new two-piece in January.

A Casual Outfit

Just in case you don’t want to spend the whole day on the beach. It’s great and all, but there are other sights to see, meaning you might want to put a bit of clothing on. This can just be a cool band tee on top of your cutoffs or your favorite maxi dress. Remember, though, it’s hot and humid so opt for lighter, breathable fabrics.

Dresses

When the sun goes down and the beach clears out, you just might want to head out to the clubs. Your classic bikini and shorts combo isn’t going to cut it anymore. This means something different for everybody. For some, it’s a tight bodycon dress. For others, it might mean leather leggings and a revealing top. Whatever suits your style, make sure you have something to wear for your nighttime prowls. One option is essential, though multiple might come in handy for the party animals (you know who you are). Also, be sure to buy the best bathing suit or bikini for your body type!

Denim Cutoffs

To wear over your bikini as you’re walking to the ice cream shop. Or to the bar for happy hour. There is nothing more classic than denim cutoff shorts over a cute bathing suit. Maybe throw in a light cover up if you’re really feeling fancy, though it isn’t mandatory. You’re in Miami. On the beach. Who needs a shirt to complete the outfit?

Sandals or Flip-Flops

Have you ever walked through sand with closed toe shoes, only to be finding granules in them for months afterward? No bueno. If you’re going to be walking along the beach (or even near the beach) a type of shoe which can be easily washed out is a necessity. You might think sneakers will protect you from those weird flip-flop tan lines, but trust me, it’s not worth it. Wear your sandals, get them and your feet dirty, and just wash them off. This is non-negotiable.

beach hat

The Big, Floppy, Straw Hat

This one’s more for the Insta. It doesn’t matter how long you actually wear it for. What’s more Insta-grammable than you on the beach, drink in hand, laughing while wearing a big straw hat on your head? I’ll tell you. Nothing. This is your chance to have that perfect Instagram feed you’ve been dying to have. Just take it (or regret it).

Sunglasses

Look good and protect your beautiful eyes while doing so. Glasses are one of the few accessories that are both fashion and function. Whether you go with the thick frames or the retro style, sunglasses are an absolute must. Besides, this is the foolproof method of sneaking not-so-quick glances at that hot lifeguard you know you’ll never have the courage to talk to.

One last piece of advice: pack for the trip you’d like to have. Don’t bring all of your best-looking but most uncomfortable clothes if you just plan to spend all your time at the beach with family. Likewise, don’t only pack your dingiest t-shirts if you’d like to spend your nights out on the town. But whatever you do, don’t forget the straw hat. That Instagram photo set will be the most valuable souvenir from your trip to Miami, hands down.