11 Summer Staples an Editor Packed for a Miami Getaway

After what felt like a year-plus of not traveling —sure, I went home for the holidays, but in this case, I mean a tropical getaway—my husband and I finally went on a mini vacation to Miami. We still haven’t been on our honeymoon, but since a three-day getaway is what worked best with our busy schedules, we decided that would be enough for now. After all, a few days away can make all the difference.

So, before I boarded the plane, I had to (smartly) decide what I would bring in my carry-on (I swear by this one, BTW!). I knew we’d be spending most of our time by the water, so ample swimsuits and cover ups were key, but dinners by the waterside were also on our itinerary. So, I made sure to pack a few dreamy dresses, including my latest obsession, this Aje find that was easy and breezy (a.k.a., ideal for Miami’s humidity), but still so refined and subtly sexy. 

Good shoes were also a must, and let me tell you; I took a risk and wore yet another pair of fresh-out-of-the-box M.Gemis to the airport, and they were so comfy, even after trekking through multiple terminals. Not to mention, they’re super on trend, too, with a sheer, netted design that’s in line with the mesh ballet flats trend. So, below, check out everything I packed for a three-day getaway to Miami, from subtly sexy swimwear to a skin care essential to the comfiest travel pants I own. Your summer vacation packing list has landed (wink, wink)—you’re welcome.

Editor-Approved Miami Packing List

• Most Flattering Swimwear: Andie Swim the Mykonos One-Piece, $112; andieswim.com
• Must-Have Beach Shoes: Havaianas Slim Square-Toe Flip-Flops, $46; nordstrom.com
• Comfy-Chic Travel Pants: Spanx SPANXsupersmooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pants, $148; spanx.com
• Trending Shoe: M.Gemi the Amabile Mary Jane Flats, $278; mgemi.com
• Compliment Magnet: Gigi C Estelle Skirt, $148 (Originally $190); gigicbikinis.com
• Beauty Must-Have: Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Sleeveless Swing Dress, $60; quince.com
• Weekend Getaway Essential: Paravel Aviator Carry-On More, $425 (Originally $495); tourparavel.com
• Dinner Date Staple: Aje Agate Crossback Dress, $279; aje.com
• Organizing Essential: Mark and Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case, $69; markandgraham.com
• Skin-Perfecting Sunscreen: Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, $65; ranavat.com
• Your-Lips-But-Better Lip Balm: Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm, $40; nordstrom.com

Andie Swim the Mykonos One-Piece

I prefer one-pieces over two-pieces any day, though I get why many wear the latter. Bikinis can read sexier, and you don’t have to deal with pesky tan lines quite as much as a full-coverage one-piece, but what if I told you I discovered the sexiest, most flattering style that you’ll want to wear 24/7? You’re probably all ears. I’ve waxed poetic about Andie’s swim before, but this time, I’m here to tell you about the Mykonos one-piece—my new favorite. It has a plunging front that shows just the right amount of skin, plus bust support and full butt coverage (because I simply can’t do the thong bottoms). It looks so elevated, and my husband couldn’t stop complimenting me when I wore it.

Havaianas Slim Square-Toe Flip-Flops

Summer is almost here and that means flip-flop season is near. In all honesty, I love flip-flops; they are so easy to wear, but I much prefer to slip into them when I’m heading to the beach versus when I’m about to step on the subway. That said, I also like to wear elevated versions, which is why I went with these simple black Havaianas with a chunky rhinestone. Hey, I’m not basic! And given the slightly more luxe look, I can wear these to the beach just as easily as I can pair them with my refined dress for a fancy dinner date by the water. I’m all about smart investments (and smart packing), and these are it.

Spanx SPANXsupersmooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pants

I think one of the hardest things in the world is finding a good pair of travel pants. (Okay, I’m exaggerating but for the sake of the story, it works!) So, after trying many styles, I landed on one pair of Spanx pants (of course!) that strike the ideal balance between comfort and style. The brand’s Spanxsupersmooth kick flare pants are my secret weapon when I want to be comfortable and feel like I’m wearing sweatpants, but still look put together and elegant so that I’m ready for whatever my end destination throws my way. I own multiple styles from this collection, but the kick flare has been my go-to lately.  

M.Gemi the Amabile Mary Jane Flats

I did the impossible: I found comfy travel shoes that aren’t sneakers. Of course they’re from my go-to Italian shoes brand, M.Gemi, and of course I took a big risk and wore them straight-out-of-the-box. But, after five-plus hours of running around the airport and sitting on a plane, I could easily have worn them for five more. My loves? They’re cute, and obviously, I prefer a cute shoe I can wear off the plane with ease. But looks aside, they’re also super practical; they’re incredibly lightweight thanks to the mesh design, which makes them a no-brainer for traveling.

Check out more of my South Beach staples that are also going to be my summer essentials, below.

Gigi C Estelle Skirt

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Sleeveless Swing Dress

Paravel Aviator Carry-On More

Aje Agate Crossback Dress

Mark and Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case

Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm