The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Pack for a Winter Vacation to Jamaica



I am going to Jamaica in February for 5 nights/6 days and looking to try and minimize the amount of stuff I bring. ... Some key items I am thinking about bringing are white [sailor] shorts ... I am totally open to your suggestions and what you think would be cute, stylish, yet comfortable and packable! —Jan from Boston

As I gaze upon the 2 feet of snow outside my window, thoughts of a tropical vacation sound truly tempting. Although I love winter, let's dream for a moment, shall we?

The key to packing light yet stylish is to bring essentials you can mix and match. Since you seem to be in love with the sailor shorts (and I don't blame you: They'll look uh-maze against tan legs!), why not pack a few lightweight tanks in black, white and gray or navy/white stripes to coordinate with said shorts?

Next, toss in a jersey flyaway cardigan in a bright hue like yellow that you can easily use as a cover-up, poolside, to shade yourself from the sun or keep cool breezes (or air conditioning) at bay in the evenings. I love these versatile cover-ups because you can scrunch them up and toss them in your carry-on/bag.

Speaking of which, I'm a sucker for a straw tote and nothing says island getaway like J. Crew's roomy straw tote (which you'll want to use back home, too. A total classic.) For footwear, give your toes a break with some chic leather-look flip-flops - these will take you from day to night in comfort and style. Absolutely must have heels? I vote you take a look at these nude Dolce Vita wedge sandals which quietly appeared on Target's website in the past few days. Love!

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep your look cute with fabulous accessories that will stand out in all your vacation photos, too. Grab a bold statement necklace, your biggest sunnies, bright lipstick and a wide-brim hat and everything else will fall stylishly into place.


For details on all the items mentioned in this post, just click on the corresponding image below...
Comments
Great picks BB! Those nude wedges are fantastic!
#1 nora on 2011-01-09 11:25 (Reply)
I found your blog on Yahoo and I just wanted to say that I think your writing is simply stunning! Thanks again for providing this content for free.
#1.1 north face denali (Homepage) on 2011-01-10 03:38 (Reply)
Oh warm weather.. sigh! I guess I'll have to make do with standing next to my heater and pretending I'm somewhere warm for a bit ;-) Don't forget your cutest of cute swim suit/s.
Those shorts, a tank and those wedge heels will look so not trying stylish.. Awesome picks!
#2 Zoe, All for Style (Homepage) on 2011-01-09 12:30 (Reply)
I'm loving those wedges, great find!
#3 Ashley on 2011-01-09 13:39 (Reply)
Would love to be away now, before another storm hits....I love to pack black and white pieces. They are so interchangeable. I hear if you roll your clothes instead of folding them you get to fit more in the suitcase and they don't wrinkle so easy. Haven't tried that tip yet! :>)
#4 sohoaccessories (Homepage) on 2011-01-10 06:31 (Reply)
What fabulous ideas! Those nude wedges are fantastic and can go with anything which is why I have already purchased :-) Thanks again BB for some stylish and affordable ideas!!!! xoxo, J
#5 Jan on 2011-01-10 07:53 (Reply)
OMG! LOVE those shorts! buying them now :-))
#6 CrystalCorrin on 2011-01-12 17:13 (Reply)
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