In partnership with Club Monaco

While Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, my mind is already officially in vacation mode. I’m heading to Cabo San Lucas at the end of June and I’m already starting to plan my vacation essentials. It’ll be my first time there so please share any recs you have!

I’m sure I’m not the only woman out there that loves buying new clothes for vacation. It’s so fun to go somewhere out of the ordinary and switch up my routine dressing habits. I also like to dress for the destination. If I’m going to the beach, I want light and airy pieces that lend themselves to the scenery, not my typical converse sneakers. I mean, if I’m going to the South of France, I want to embody je ne se quois. If I’m going to Italy, I want to embody la dolce vida.

As I’ve gotten older, I try to be smarter about packing for summer vacation by bringing only pieces that match with one another. I also try to find versatile pieces that look cute by the pool but can easily turn into a dinner outfit at night. Everything should be within the same color palette so that you can mix and match all of it. As much as I try to plan outfits, a curated collection allows flexibility in your wardrobe depending on where you travels take you. If something doesn’t match with at least 3 things in my vacation wardrobe, then it doesn’t come with me.

SHOP THIS LOOK: Dress via Club Monaco | Bag | Sandals | Sunglasses via Kapten & Son | Bracelet via Gorjana

Before going out to purchase new pieces, I’ll start by pulling existing summer staples that I already have in my closet, like a white sundress and jean shorts, then focus on buy new items around those. We can call those “add on” pieces. My little trick to a no-brainer capsule collection is to shop these all of these “add on” pieces to complement your staples at the same retailer. Brands and designers have already done the work for you by merchandising pieces and color palettes that fit with each collection. I also get outfit inspo from the mannequins that they have in store. Don’t be afraid to snap a photo and then refer to it while your packing or even on vacation!

Plus, once vacation is over, this idea of curated shopping gives your closet longevity beyond your trip.

One thing I always try to look for in vacation clothing is breathability in fabric. That means linen and cotton blends to keep me cool in the summer sun. I always go for a lighter color palette to help show off my tan, so for this trip I’m leaning toward white and light blues. I’m also loving all things straw for this summer – hats, bags, shoes, I want it all.

Side note: As an advocate of the color black, I’m also here to say that you absolutely can wear it on vacation. Just be sure you’re buying it in those light fabrics. Not only will you be cooler, but you’ll also be seasonally appropriate. I like pairing black linen pants with a crisp white shirt or even red for a fun pop of color!

This midi dress I’m wearing here is part of Club Monaco’s #ClubBeach vacation assortment. It’s casual enough to wear sight seeing during the day, and I can dress it up at night by adding nice sandals and a cardigan if I need one.

Here’s a bunch of my favorite picks from the Club Monaco #ClubBeach collection, available now.

VACATION PICKS