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Have you ever been on vacation, spotted a woman who looked effortlessly chic and glamorous and thought, “Why can’t that be me?” Meanwhile, you’re kinda a hot mess? Well, on your next beach getaway, you’re going to be that woman… who turns heads and exudes confidence! If you pack these 3 gorgeous beach essentials (or similar pieces), I guarantee you’ll look and feel amazing all vacation long.

Huge thank you to Saks Fifth Avenue for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Vacation Must-Haves

#1 | The WOW Piece

The first vacation must-have is what I like to call the WOW piece! I love to have at least one piece on every trip that I’m really excited to wear. It’s a piece that I know I look and feel amazing wearing. For our recent family trip to Honduras, this Amanda Uprichard jumpsuit was IT! Isn’t it absolutely stunning?? The jumpsuit is also incredibly slimming and elongating. It definitely makes a statement, fits like a glove (runs small in the ribs so size UP one size) and is color-blocked in all the right places. It’s also super comfortable and lightweight, making it perfect for a beach vacation. I wore this to lunch and dinner at our resort, but you can even wear this now with a jacket… if you’re not planning a beach escape just yet!

#2 | Glam Go-To Hats

Once upon a time, I would go on vacation without a hat because I didn’t think it was worth the hassle of packing one. But now that I’m older, take sun protection more seriously, and have spent a fair amount on laser treatments to reduce sun damage, I always pack a hat! For my trip to Honduras, I packed TWO hats!

The beauty of having hats on your trip is the right hats can really dial up the drama. This hat above by by Eric Javits is a perfect example. I mean…amazing, right?? The striped black and white color combo really makes a statement. This is a little more than I would normally spend on a hat, but I know I will wear this and have it for years to come. The quality is just that good. The hat looks fab styled with the jumpsuit, but it’s even more ideal for sitting by the beach or pool. It has an extra wide brim so if you want to read in the bright sun, it’s definitely provides enough shade. The hat is also flexible and packable so you can crumple it up in your suitcase, and when you take it out it’s still perfect.

PRO packing tip – DO choose a color story for your trip. On this trip, I went with black and white (clearly). It made packing much more simple and I really felt that everything I wore was very chic and glam.

Freya Hat

This second hat by Freya is more traditional and perfect for daytime and wearing casually around your sunny destination for lunch, shopping, or exploring. It’s not technically packable but I usually put socks and underwear inside of it, pack it inside the packable hat above, and it still comes out perfect. I’ve traveled with it twice now and haven’t had any issues. Anyone remember this hat from my 50th birthday trip to Italy?

If you’re looking for the perfect travel outfit (and my fave suitcase right now), make sure you check out this post next!

#3 | Convertible Handbag

Another piece I used to completely overlook when packing for a beach vacation? A handbag. Much like the sun hats, I thought the handbag is unnecessary and simply takes up too much room in my suitcase. Now, I would honestly give up an extra swimsuit or cover up to have the perfect handbag that elevates every outfit. Enter this Jacquemus bag! This chic raffia and leather bag has wonderful structure so it won’t get destroyed in your suitcase. It is also lighter than air! Additionally, it has a crossbody strap and a shoulder strap (both removable) and the magnetic closure allows for easy access. It has plenty of room for your essentials like your phone, lipstick, card holder, and room key. I love this bag with the black and white color combo of the jumpsuit, but it’s so neutral and versatile that you can style it with most of your vacation wardrobe!

Pro travel tip: It’s tempting to get a white bag for beach getaways…don’t do it! I’ve ruined two VERY expensive white handbags trying to travel with them.