Dress to Express: A Fashionista's Guide to Creating & Embracing Personal Style: Vacation-Time: What to Pack for Your Next Trip

Three little letters on my Outlook calendar can bring a smile to my face like nothing else can: PTO. That's right, it's about time for some paid time off, aka vacation time, get-me-out-of-this-cubicle-now-time, t-minus one day til Hawaaii time, etc. Vacations are the BEST part of summer, but they also can be the most stressful. Making all the plans, footing the hefty airline fees, and worst of all: deciding what to PACK in that tiny carry-on suitcase. Heading to Maine for your annual beach trip? Making a splash in the Bahamas? Or planning a long weekend getaway with friends to the Hamptons? Wherever your vacation destination may be, Dress to Express has the tips on how to pack and what to wear to ensure your vacation is a stylish success.

First, ensure you have the essentials in your suitcase: think undergarments, a few bathing suits if you are headed to the beach, PJs to sleep in, and make-up/hair products.

Next, on to the wardrobe. When you're packing for a trip, you want to pack a few key versatile pieces that can mix and match with other separates as well as some easy to wear dresses and a few pair of shoes that will go with all of the above.

You'll need a few basic pieces, like brightly colored tees that would work for everything from a mini-golf outing to brunch at a local diner. From Victoria's Secret, you'll want to pack two or three lightweight tanks or tees--I prefer the yellow scoopneck version below which is bra-friendly and works great with statement necklaces due to the lower neckline. These come in a range of colors, from basic white and black to georgeous yellow topaz (seen below) and turqouise. For a city trip, basic black and navy shades may work best, but for the beach, I prefer a splash of color that will look great against sunkissed skin.

Next, you'll need a great skirt or classy pair of shorts. I prefer a bit of a dressier short in a dark shade that can transition from day to night. The black silk shorts by Central Park West are designed in an any-age appropriate length with a comfortable drawstring waist fit.

Next, especially if you're headed to the beach, you'll want a few great tunics and dresses that you can wear as both coverups and on their own. From Velvet by Graham and Spencer, this black and white print dress with neckline embellishments is made of a silk cotton blend that is both breathable and elegant. With a self-belt at waist, it is figure flattering and paired with dressy flats or neutral wedges, this frock is the perfect way to look effortlessly chic without sacrificing comfort.

For beach cover ups or casual daytime dresses, I love these looks by Tolani and Kate Spade (one of my all-time favorite designers for everything from jewelry and bags to clothing and sunglasses) because they are long enough and substantial enough (read: not see through) to wear as dresses but easily look and feel like they belong on sandy beaches too. When you're off the beach, pair these looks with a gold pendant necklace and pretty neutral wedges, like the ones from B. Makowsky, to ensure your look is ready for dry land.

For jewelry, I suggest deciding on either gold or silver accessories in order to cut down on what you'll need to fit in that suitcase. Mixing metals is still "in," but it can be difficult to pull off, so I suggest going one route or the other and coordinating your shoes, handbags, etc, so you won't need to pack two of each.

Whether you're going the gold or silver avenue, I love the ease of this simple-chic necklace by Gorjana (also available in silver). The intricately designed pendant hits just below the bust and looks great with everything from white tees to long maxi dresses.

Finally, you'll need some footwear, and thought it is no secret that I love a good heel, on vacation, you shouldn't be uncomfortable, and frankly, heels often look out of place in a beach town if that's where you're headed. Instead, opt for feet-friendly wedges that will take you from day to night without the pain of their heeled counterparts. You'll also need a great pair of flat sandals for grocery runs and to wear around the hotel (condo, house, etc). I love these leather flats by Pour La Victoire, complete with cutesy bow detailing and rocker-girl studs. Given this sweet and tough combination, these sandals look right-at-home with almost any look, from edgy statement necklaces to girlie girl ruffled tops.

From Left (Top Row): Victoria's Secret Scoopneck Tee; $15.50 or 2/$20 Sizes: XS-XL; www.victoriassecret.com; Central Park West Montauk Drawstring Silk Shorts; $152, Sale $105.99; Sizes: XS-L; www.piperlime.com; Velvet by Graham and Spencer Tahiti Print Ada Dress; $187; Sizes: XS-L; www.piperlime.com; Tolani Mosiac Tunic in Pink; $107; Sizes: S-L; www.revolveclothing.com; also at www.shopthetrendboutique.com;

From Left (Bottom Row): Kate Spade Lychee Lindsay Beach Tunic; $265; Sizes: XS-XL; Color: Salsa Multi; also in Royal Multi; www.katespade.com; B. Makowsky Anne Caged Sandal; $139.95; Sizes: 5.5-10; Color: Goldwash; Also in Black and Blue; www.nordstrom.com; Gorjana McCoy Sandal; $150, Sale $84.99; Size: OneSize; Color: Gold, Also in Silver; www.piperlime.com; Pour La Victoire Erika; $220; Sizes: 6-9.5; Color: Black, Also in Dusty Peach; www.piperlime.com

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There are a few pieces that are a must-have for me on any summer getaway, whether I'm headed to the beach or the Big Apple. From Banana Republic, this lightweight vest can easily be thrown over a bathing suit as a mini beach cover up or tossed over a teeshirt and shorts for a casual dinner out. And cut from an airy linen, it provides a nice extra layer for those extra chilly restaurants (Why do they always pump the AC to 40 degrees at the beach? People go there because it's warm for heaven's sake!) yet it's not too heavy for warm weather climates.

Banana Republic Linen Two Pocket Open Vest; $69.50; Sizes: XS-XL; Color: White, Also in Boardwalk; www.bananarepublic.com

From BCBG Max Azria, this gorgeous bold printed dress is a must-pack. The jersey fabric resists wrinkles and looks as great coming out of your suitcase as it did on the hanger. Read: no one wants to (or should!) spend their vacation time ironing, so look for fabrics like this one made of a Rayon and Spandex blend. The easy straight shape of this shift works with flats for a grocery store run or with wedges and a pile of bangles for a night on the town at the local tavern. And since the colorful geometric print appears on both the front and reverse of this gorgeous frock, you'll be sure to make both an amazing entrance and exit.

BCBG Max Azria Sleeveless Printed Dress; $168.00; Sizes: XS-L; Color: Bright Chambray Combo; http://www.bcbg.com/