I’m Megan Evans, Owner and Personal Stylist at The Well Coiffed Closet and when the lovely Les Nouvelles ladies asked me to write a post on vacation essentials, I was so flattered. Given the fact that I’m heading to Turks and Caicos tomorrow for a romantic getaway with my hubby, I’m totally inspired to write about what to pack in your carry on that will take you from the beach to cocktails this summer and last you up to a week.

My secret trick to packing a carry on: make sure every piece has multiple functions. Also, try to have a color theme so that you can mix and match easily throughout the trip.

To start, take two bikinis that can be mixed and matched to give you 4 different bathing suits like this amazing black Kamali Kulture Bandeau “Jason” Two Piece and the Mara Hoffman White Pow Wow Bikini. Then you can pair either suit with this Ace and Jig Striped Wrap that can be worn as a sarong on the beach with a relaxed tee and as a strapless dress out for dinner.

A pair of white pants is a must because you can wear them every night with a different top and have a totally different look. I’m obsessed with this Elizabeth & James Delphina Pant! Wear them with the Timo Weiland Moira Top, and then on a different night, put the gorgeous Issa Royal Blue Printed Poncho on with a belt over the same pants. (The poncho can also be used as a cover up.) You can throw on this super cute Risto Jellyfish Skirt, pair it with the Timo Weiland top one night and the Iro Clay T-Shirt another.

Are you getting my drift? You will have at least two plans for each piece you pack and we already have 7 evening looks and plenty of day options. And of course we can’t forget accessories. Take a single pair of flats to wear on the plane and the beach like these Jenni Kayne Citron D’Orsay Suede Flats. Then a perfect sandal that will go with every evening look is this Loeffler Randall Heddie Lucite Heel Sandal. I’m dying over these. Sunglasses, a great hat, a scarf, and a cuff are also a must. A few of my faves here (Karen Walker Peach Number One Sunglasses, Rag and Bone Range Trilby Hat, the Lemlem Inga Gauze Scarf, Fallon Classique XL Mint Leather Cuff).

If you roll everything tightly in the suitcase and cover silk and other special fabrics with plastic, then you will be good to go. Wear your hat on the plane to save space and not crush it. Most importantly, have fun, relax with a frozen drink, and don’t forget your biggest essential: sunscreen.

From my closet to yours,
Megan