Packing: 5 Days in Mexico
I had the pleasure of going to Mexico for 5 days to celebrate two of my best friends’ upcoming weddings. Two brides are better than one!
I love to travel and have been very fortunate to have visited a lot of amazing places around the world. Lists, planning, and organizing also rank high on my list of satisfying activities so packing is a fun editing experience for me.
Packing Process
My packing process involves two steps: making The List and Outfit Planning.
I usually start by making a list in my handy Notes app. I’m extra, and a planner, so this usually starts as soon as the trip is booked. Travel staples, shoes, necessities, items I’ve been excited to wear in different weather, and makeup ‘look’ makers (i.e. red lip, liquid liner), usually make the first draft. Once the itinerary shapes up and the date approaches, I start planning outfits to make sure I’m covered for all days and activities.
Every trip gets a different emoji ‘checkmark’ once things are packed.
This was a resort trip, so the formula was pretty simple: bikinis and sun protection by day, cute and movement-friendly looks for night.
The Outfits
Having spent the past 5 months in sweaters and boots, I was particularly excited to bust out some colour and experiment with some different silhouettes. Sketching outfits is a fun way to do it because it always puts new combinations in the mix and highlights ideas to use throughout the season, whether or not they come along for the trip.
Neutral beach accessories go with everything.
How many black bikinis are too many?
My go-to silhouettes were at play: wide leg bottoms, from trousers to boxer shorts, with lots of crop tops in tow. We had a few planned coordination nights and days - all black to ensure our brides in white stood out - so that added a lot of black to the suitcase and eliminated a lot of white warm weather garments from the list.
When you realize you no longer own a LBD that suits a beach vacation.
Boxers + Bra Top Forever (Note to self: smile!)
As always, there was a delta between what I planned to wear and what I wore. I held back on some of the outfits and pieces I was more excited to wear since there was an ongoing trend of champagne being sprayed. As a result, machine washable garments moved up into the rotation.
I’m super excited to wear this polka dot linen skirt (it’s actually part of a Faithfull the Brand set). Originally intended for a wedding, I can see it going far in my wardrobe. It’s 100% linen and a classic style that can work comfortably with nude heels or Birks. With the white ribbed tank, I think it will look amazing with a chunky gold curb chain necklace.
Obsessed with this BODE top. Switched out the bag (for fear of the wicker snagging the embroidery) and shoes (for the sake of blisters).
My feet could not handle another night dancing in heels at this point but this summer I intend to wear this outfit with the highest heels possible for a good balance of masculine and feminine.
This season I’ll style these ruffle shorts with the gingham bikini for a full gingham look.
Always coordinate your bikini to your beach read.
Lessons Learned
Always pack an extra pair of comfortable black shoes. My friend was kind enough to lend me hers once my blisters took over but since black is such a cornerstone of my wardrobe, having those basic accessories on hand is key.
My big plans to wear colour didn’t really pan out - better luck next time!
Are you comfortable travelling again? What are your packing tips and must-haves?
