Packing for Paradise: A Stylish Guide to our Mexico Adventure

As the self-proclaimed chief party planner for my husband's milestone birthday celebration, I have to admit I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. It's our first big adult event, and the fact that he's turning 40 adds a crazy and significant element to the occasion. I want everything to be perfect, which is why being organized with my outfits becomes even more crucial. I've learned from past vacations that wasting time figuring out what to wear can lead to unnecessary stress and detract from the moment. Hopefully by planning and organizing my vacation wardrobe in advance, I can ensure that I'm ready to greet our guests, handle any last-minute details, and be the happy and composed hostess I aspire to be.

If you're anything like me, you know the struggle of packing for a vacation. It usually involves throwing a mishmash of cute clothes into a suitcase, resulting in an overstuffed bag and a headache-inducing dilemma of what to wear. Well, not this time! As I prep for our trip to Mexico, I am determined to break free from the cycle of outfit chaos. In this long (sorry) post, I'll share my outfit details…hopefully ensuring a stress-free and stylish adventure.

Here are some of the summer dinner outfits I put together for the birthday getaway…

TOP // I had been eyeing this set for a long time so I was super excited when I found it on sale. I got a Medium top.

SKIRT // The sizing was a little off to me. I purchased a Small bottom but probably should’ve gotten an XS.

SUNGLASSES // I LOVE these sunglasses so much.

CLUTCH // The perfect little clutch for all of summer.

DRESS // This dress is so cute on. If you aren’t sold on the image above, click the link.

SUNGLASSES // I LOVE these sunglasses so much.

CLUTCH // This beading was too cute to pass on. I’m excited for this to arrive!

SANDALS // I had a pair of sandals custom made when I was in Italy in September. I obviously can’t link the exact pair but these are very similar.

ROMPER // I own this Ulla Johnson romper but I can’t find a link anywhere. This TANK and SHORTS worn together look almost identical.

SUNGLASSES // These are so cute and affordable.

BAG // Another perfect summer clutch.

SANDALS // These are a staple of mine.

TOP AND SKIRT // I purchased the skirt and top in store at H&M. It’s sold out online but here are a few similar options– ONE, TWO and THREE.

EARRINGS // Under $25! I love these and have worn them on so many different occasions.

SUNGLASSES // A convenient and affordable Amazon find.

BAG // I have not purchased this yet but I am so tempted. The color is gorgeous.

SANDALS // The sandals in the image so super old Madewell. I have had them for years and I couldn’t find an exact link. Here are a few that are similar ONE and TWO.

TOP // I never spend this much on a top but I had a store credit and I decided to go big. I wanted something that had a really fun pattern for Taylor’s birthday dinner.

SKIRT // The skirt is super flattering and I plan on re-wearing it on the trip with a black tank bodysuit.

SUNGLASSES // A repeat because they are so cute.

BAG // The cutest summer bag.

SANDALS // Another repeat because I don’t want to pack too many shoes.

Below are a few of the beach outfits I am planning on wearing…

BIKINI // Another staple of mine that I’ve had for years. It’s Hunza G and I got it on Shopbop. Here are a few that are similar– ONE, TWO, THREE and FOUR.

BAG // I love this bag so much!. It’s an amazing beach bag bcs. it has a built-in spot for your sunhat. I originally discovered it on the Minnow Swim but it quickly sold out so I had to find another source.

SUNSCREEN // My friends from @loomgoods got me hooked on this SPF when we went to San Diego together. It smells so good!

FLIP FLOPS // I purchase a pair of these every summer. They are an all time favorite of mine. I typically buy the sunkissed or cocoa butter color.

SUN HAT // I pretty much exclusively wear Hat Attack hats when I am out in the sun. They are flattering and so comfortable for long days at the beach.

SUNGLASSES // A convenient and affordable Amazon find.

SARONG // The sarong in the image is an old Johanna Ortiz sarong I bought last year. I can’t find a link for that exact one but found a few different options– ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR and FIVE.

TANK // I just purchased this online and I am obsessed!

SHORTS // These shorts are a staple of mine. I also have and love these cheaper denim shorts.

BAG // Bought this exact one last year and I still love it so much.

SUNSCREEN // A staple when outside.

SUN HAT // My favorite beach hat!

SUNGLASSES // So cute and affordable.

BIKINI // Another @loomgoods recommendation that I am loving. The top is so flattering.

FLIP FLOPS // A daily wear for me when on vacation.

When it comes to packing for this celebration, I've definitely put more thought into the dinner and fancier outfits. But let's be real, when it comes to daytime pool and beach attire, I find it easier to throw together. That's why I'll be packing a few staples - a black tank, a white tank, and a cardigan - that I can mix and match with the skirts and shorts I've planned to wear for dinner. This way, I can effortlessly transition from lounging by the pool to enjoying a delicious meal without the stress of overthinking my outfit choices.