Trend-seekers by nature, Bare Necessities staffers are pretty go go go, always seeking out what’s new and noteworthy for fresh inspiration. This month alone, we’re headed for Greece, Israel, Ireland, Mexico, Miami and Chicago.
Bare it All checked in with a few of these intrepid travelers to put together a list of the essentials for a fab summer escape, whether by plane, train or automobile.
1. An awesome playlist
Get in the right headspace for a long road trip or flight. Spotify shared with us the 2018 Songs of the Summer playlist, starring some of this year’s biggest hit-makers, like Cardi B, Maroon 5, Dua Lipa, Drake, Panic! at the Disco, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande. These 20 songs are a tasty mix of pop and hip-hop, with a dash of indie and country—something for everybody sharing the earbuds.
2. A swimsuit you know you’re going to look hot in
For pretty much whatever destination (if you’re doing it right), you’re going to need a swimsuit. The sleeper hit of the season has been the Magicsuit Bianca (shown above), a romper-inspired slimming swimsuit that can sidle right up to the snack bar, no cover-up needed. In a denim-esque print, we call it a win-win-win. If you’d rather feel a bit more sun on your skin, the Freya Wild Sun Bandeau Bikini with optional halter strap comes in a vast range of bra sizes. Full support, delivered in a flattering palette and pretty print. And there’s a hip matching cover-up, too. Boom, half your packing, handled.
3. A summery snack
What pumpkin spice is to fall, coconut is to summer. While en route to real piña coladas, get your fill with some of our staff favorites, like Trader Joe’s Coconut Strips (can’t. stop. eating!) and Jin Jin Lychee Coconut Jelly Cups (like Jell-O shots minus booze, plus fruit). For a liquid version, there’s Starbucks Toasted Coconut cold brew.
4. A comfy bra
Travel is pretty much one of the most important times to be in possession of a bra you can forget you’re wearing. So which ones to pack?
- A spacer bra like the Panache Cari is light, thin, breathable, ultra-smooth yet supportive. A great every-day-of-vacation bra.
- A strapless always comes in handy with cute summer looks; the highly-rated Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless is our #1 best seller.
- A racerback—like the Freya Deco Vibe Convertible, with its nifty little J-hook—eliminates visible straps on an as-needed basis.
- A bralette is the least amount of bra you can wear while still technically wearing a bra. Curvy ladies can absolutely get in on the action with a bralette that’s especially designed for full busts, like the aptly named Cosabella Never Say Never Sweetie Curvy Bralette.
5. An un-putdownable novel
This year, expect to see more than one poolside copy of the hilarious When Life Gives You Lululemons by The Devil Wears Prada author Lauren Weisberger and the thriller The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll, author of the buzzy Luckiest Girl Alive.
6. Beach-ready sandals
Lighten your load and leave more space for souvenirs by packing one pair of sandals capable of covering both sand and sidewalk. Subdued, slim straps from Havaianas, Tkees and Sanuk, some with a hint of shine, make this a can’t-go-wrong sandal selection.
7. Pajamas you can be seen in
For feeling as comfortable as humanly possible while still looking totally presentable—overnight flights, say, or when you’re a houseguest—do choose chic lounging-around separates. PJ Harlow makes the ultimate mix-and-match collection.
8. A statement hat
Sun protection never looked so Instagrammable.
9. A spare battery pack
Roaming someplace new in search of Wi-Fi drains your electronics’ batteries like no one’s business. Best to stash a reliable USB power pack in your backpack or purse. You know, for that #hatstagram.
10. Melt-proof makeup
Stuff a cosmetic bag that can double as a going-out clutch with tinted SPF moisturizer; blotting papers; waterproof mascara, liner and brow set; creaseless cream shadow and an SPF lipstick. If you’re flying, maybe add in a sheet mask and face mist. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
