what i packed for miami beach and key west

it’s here, it’s finally here, va-ca-tion. guess who’s ready? with rain and more rain since the beginning of the year, i’m looking forward to sunshine, sandy beaches, and balmy temps. yes, junior style and i are headed to Miami Beach and Key West for a little R & R. there may or may not be a pina colada (or two) in my future. so it’s goodbye, Athens hello Miami.  here’s what to pack for a warm weather vacation.

what did i pack for a week-long getaway? the temps in Miami are hovering in the low eighties with Key West in the mid-seventies. so i kept this in mind. there will be days spent at the beach, a little walking around town, and of course dinner and drinks once the sun sets in the west. 

last week i shared a packing formula with you. two or three tops to every bottom. and i like to mix things up with shorts, skirts, and pants. versatility is key as i want my clothes to pull double-duty from day to evening. shoes are important as i like to pack one pair for walking, one pair for the evening, and one pair of sandals. since it’s a beach va-cay swimsuits, cover-up, flip-flops, and a beach bag are prioritized. but handbags, a jacket (or two), sundresses, tees, and pajamas are all coming along too. jeez, that’s a lot of packing just to get out the door.

but i’ve done the heavy lifting for you. and the packing list can be contracted or expanded depending on your suitcase size. so let’s hop to it as i have a flight to catch.

the list starts with three bottoms. green joggers (old, similar here) are a wardrobe staple, so they’re first in the suitcase. recently, i picked up an adorable pair of denim from J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. pinstripes and paint-splattered, respectively. they’re fun, cute and colorful. perfect for Miami. if there’s room in your suitcase add a pair of silk pants (old, similar here) that are perfect for parties and vacations. tropical prints are trending this year so pick a print any print. silk pants can easily be dressed up or down, and i always have at least one pair hanging in my closet.

pack for a warm weather vacation

similar green jogger | striped denim | paint-splattered denim | similar silk pants

black shorts | white shorts

shorts are a must-have when the temperatures are warm. i stuck to neutral colors for versatility.

pink striped shirt (similar here and here) | denim shirt | oversized white shirt (similar here and here) | similar pink linen

linen shirts are perfect for a tropical vacation. but i added a versatile denim shirt for good measure that goes with anything and everything. the white blouse is oversized and looks fantastic paired with shorts or jeans. it can even double as a cover-up if needed. 

tees are easy to slip into a packing cube when rolled. and they take up little space. i’ve been collecting graphic tees for-ev-er as they look fantastic tucked underneath a blazer. but they look just as good when they fly solo. striped tees are a wardrobe staple as are white tees. but i’m always on the hunt for bright colored tees too. 

similar yellow tee | similar white tee | similar graphic tee | similar striped tee | similar sleeveless graphic tee

knit blazer | white jean jacket

don’t forget to pack a jacket or two. this knit blazer is light and airy and perfect for mild temps. and a white jean jacket goes with everything.

sneakers | similar ballet flats | similar yellow sandals | cap toe espadrilles | similar black sandals

espadrilles or sneakers are great choices for walking around town. so take your pick. i’m definitely a sneakers girl these days. one pair of sandals, one pair of evening shoes/sandals, and ballet flats, and i think i’m covered for the week. if suitcase space is tight, you can easily whittle your list down to one pair of walking shoes and one pair of sandals.

yellow mini ( similar here and here) | wicker handbag | tote

handbags are important accessories even when you’re on vacation. totes are the perfect choice if shopping is on your agenda. a wicker handbag can go from day to night with ease. and i couldn’t resist adding a mini handbag for evening. both the wicker and mini handbags have crossbody straps which free up both hands. i don’t know about you, but i need both hands when i’m on a coffee run. packing all three handbags is easy as the mini fits nicely into the wicker handbag, which in turn slips into the tote. but if i had to bring only one handbag, it would be the tote. didn’t i tell you that my packing list can be trimmed down? 

 white sheath (similar here and here) | striped shirtdress (similar here and here)

for a tropical vacation pack at least one sundress that can be worn in the daytime and nighttime. if there’s room in your suitcase, add one more.

pajama bottoms | pajama top | robe

swimsuits, hats, and cover-ups are must-have’s on a beach vacation. i like to bring along two swimsuits, which means one suit can be worn while the other one is drying. a straw hat or cute baseball cap will keep the sun off your face. but don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen.

this pajama set is from Neiman Marcus. it was my splurge. if you hadn’t noticed i shopped my closet for this trip with new pieces sprinkled in here and there. but i have to point out that the robe has pockets! and we all know pockets are a girl’s best friend.

similar tankini top | similar bottom | similar one-piece | caftan | beach bag | sunglasses | panama hat | pink cap

now onto the fun part – outfits. this white sheath dress is several years old from Rebecca Taylor (similar here). the pink tote and ballet flats (similar here) add a casual vibe. add the knit blazer switch the handbag and shoes, and you are ready to dine al fresco.

black shorts, striped tee (old, similar here), and sneakers are casually chic. add a wicker handbag if you’re headed to lunch. but shorts can be dressed up too and look fantastic with a cute knit blazer, white tee, and strappy sandals. 

these striped jeans are a new purchase from J.Crew. the tote is also new, but the hot pink sold out in a nano-second. there are four colors available, including a gorgeous shade of red. pink ballet flats (similar here), denim shirt, and a snazzy scarf bring this ootd together beautifully.

for a completely different look, keep the striped jeans add a graphic tee (similar here), white jean jacket, yellow sandals (similar here), and mini handbag (similar here). tres chic.

packing list

• three or four bottoms (shorts, skirts, and pants)
• six to ten tops (shirts and tees)
• two to four shoes (walking shoes and sandals)
• one to two dresses
• one to two blazers/jackets
• pajamas
• robe
• one to three handbags (tote is a must-have)
• one to two hats
• one to two swimsuits
• one cover-up
• one beach bag
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• lip balm with sunscreen

all right, gang, it’s time to get this show on the road. follow along on Instagram Stories for behind the scenes footage. and stay tuned for future posts as to how i wore it in Miami and what to pack for a warm weather vacation more generally.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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