Including a practical hands-free crossbody bag and comfy Mary Jane flats.
Travel Fashion Staples
- Light and Breezy: H&M Linen Beach Shirt, $50
- Jennifer Lopez-Worn Trend: Splendid Gigi Gingham Midi Skirt, $168
- Easy Dress: Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress, $65
- Woven Flat: Cushionaire Weston Hand Woven Mary Jane Flats, $60
I don’t want to brag, but I have a seriously cool grandma. She’s traveled the world and happens to have excellent taste in all matters, but particularly fashion. She introduced me to fabulous boutiques in Nantucket on our annual summer trips when I was growing up and even bought me my first designer handbag: a dreamy Dooney and Bourke. Always elegant, always sophisticated, and always practical, whether she’s traveling by plane, train, or automobile—I’ve found she’s prepared for anything. So when it comes to packing for a trip—in our case, a beach trip to Cape May this month—I head to her house and start taking notes.
She’s been everywhere, so she really knows her travelwear. From versatile and lightweight linen jumpsuits to light sweaters that come in handy when there’s an unexpected chill in the air, the following items are essentials that can always be found in our suitcases. Ahead, shop our luxe must-haves for any summer trip.
9 Mom- and Grandma-Approved Summer Fashion Staples
- H&M Linen Beach Shirt, $50
- The Cutest Crossbody: Vera Bradley Cotton Sling Crossbody Bag, $60
- Chic Jumpsuit: Anrabess Linen Jumpsuit, $50
- 1,000+ Purchased This Month: Havaianas Top Tiras Flip Flops, $27
- Splendid Gigi Gingham Midi Skirt, $168
- Classic Cateye Shape: Le Specs Lumen Sunglasses, $75
- A Cozy Must: Italic Sophia Cashmere Quarter Zip Pullover, $199 (Originally $279)
- Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress, $65
- Cushionaire Weston Hand Woven Mary Jane Flats, $60
H&M Linen Beach Shirt
My grandma taught me the importance of choosing high-quality fabrics like cotton and linen, which just so happen to be seasonally appropriate during this East Coast heat wave. This H&M Linen Beach Shirt is the perfect coverup for a suit and would also pair well with a pair of denim cutoffs. It has a long, loose fit that’s perfect for easygoing beach days.
Vera Bradley Cotton Sling Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag was made for travel because it keeps all of your small essentials within reach. Vera Bradley bags abound in my grandma’s closet, and she and I both are particularly fond of the cute cherry print on this cotton crossbody-shoulder-hybrid purse. We can attest to the quality: Her favorite quilted Vera Bradley bag has lasted through the decades, and it’s still so well-kept that she’s packing it for Cape May.
Anrabess Linen Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are excellent and easy travel pieces you can throw on and go. This linen set can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories and comes in a slew of pretty colors. Gram’s a fan of the linen material and wide-leg pants, and I love the square neckline that’s appearing on so many summer tops, dresses, and sets lately.
Havaianas Top Tiras Flip Flops
Flip-flops are a staple for my grandma who loves the pool, and she’s usually wearing a pair with metallic accents like these Havaianas. They’re highly rated among shoppers, too: One reviewer said they’re “the comfiest flip flops” they’ve ever owned.
Splendid Gigi Gingham Midi Skirt
Jennifer Lopez recently wore gingham and she happens to be one of my grandma’s favorite stars, so this skirt is on her (and my!) radar. The retro pattern is everywhere lately and looks particularly eye-catching here in a striking red. The best part? It has hidden side pockets.
Le Specs Lumen Sunglasses
You’ll never catch me or my grandma without our sunglasses, and we’re both partial to cat-eye shapes as seen on Le Specs Lumen Sunglasses. The tortoiseshell frames go with everything, making these the perfect everyday shades. And for under $100, they’re great to take on vacation in lieu of designer styles.
Italic Sophia Cashmere Quarter Zip Pullover
I’ve learned the hard way not to forgo a cozy sweater on a trip, even if it’s in the middle of July. The Italic Sophia Cashmere Quarter Zip Pullover is a chic way to stay comfortable when the AC is blasting in the hotel or during a windy walk on the beach at night. My grandma always packs a pullover sweater because it folds up slim in her suitcase, and she especially approves of this petal-soft cashmere style.
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress
I was so excited to show my grandma Quince’s 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress—she’s always on the hunt for all-cotton garments. Available in 10 colors and patterns, including two gingham options, this easy dress was made for vacation. Grandma and I both love the tiered skirt and easy pull-on style.
Cushionaire Weston Hand-Woven Mary Jane Flats
My grandma and I have traveled up and down the East Coast from Cape May up to Nantucket, and one of our favorite things to do is stroll around the cobblestone streets with some homemade ice cream and window-shop. These hand-woven flats would be perfect for our walks—they have memory foam insoles and are plenty breathable, thanks to the open weave. They also come in wide sizes and run large, so be sure to size down if needed.
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