Here we are, smack in the middle of January—the month that always feels like the longest stretch of winter. I’ll admit, over the years I’ve softened a little toward it. There’s something nice about its slower rhythm after the chaos of December. Still, I can’t deny it: my mind is wandering to palm trees, turquoise water, and sun-soaked afternoons. A warm-weather vacation is calling my name.
I’ve got a few trips on the horizon, which means I’m already pulling together pieces I’ve collected over the past couple of years while sprinkling in some new additions to freshen things up. For me, packing is half the fun—it’s the little fashion puzzle of mixing old favorites with something exciting and new.
Beach Bag Dilemmas & Sun-Ready Accessories
First up: the beach bag situation. I’ve been eyeing a few contenders, and honestly—help! Which one to choose? The right bag makes all the difference, whether it’s hauling sunscreen and novels down to the sand or doubling as a casual daytime tote.
I’ve also been leaning into hats as vacation essentials. I already own a bucket hat that has proven itself indispensable, but I keep coming back to the idea of a black straw hat. There’s something chic about pairing it with the black-and-white pieces I’ve been collecting—both solids and patterns. It feels effortless but still polished.
And, because no beach wardrobe is complete without reliable footwear and sunnies, I picked up a pair of $42 Havaiana slides (a steal for how much I’ll wear them) and sleek Le Specs sunglasses. Both are destined to live in my suitcase for every warm-weather trip this year.
A New Obsession: Farm Rio
I also need to give a special shout-out to Farm Rio. This brand has been creeping onto my radar lately, and now I can’t stop browsing their collections. Their prints and silhouettes just keep getting better, and while they’re every bit as joyful as some of the higher-end resort brands (looking at you, Johanna Ortiz), the price point feels far more approachable.
I love their playful take on black-and-white for a subtler vibe, but they also do bold color beautifully. There’s one particular dress that just radiates cheer—exactly the kind of piece that makes you smile the second you slip it on. That’s vacation dressing at its finest.
Classic Combos & Resort Staples
Speaking of versatile sets, Vitamin A makes an incredible black-and-white shirt and short combo that has become a staple in my closet. It’s the type of outfit you can throw on for a walk along the beach, wear over a swimsuit, or dress up slightly for dinner with sandals and jewelry. Those are the pieces that earn their keep in a carry-on.
For something a bit more elevated, I keep coming back to dreamy dresses. Rhode makes one of my all-time favorites—it’s feminine without feeling fussy, and exactly the kind of piece that transitions from a long lunch to an evening stroll by the water.
The Details That Make It Fun
No vacation wardrobe is complete without accessories, and lately I’ve been all about ankle bracelets. They add such a subtle but playful touch to beach outfits. I scooped up two under $100 (this one and this one), and I’m glad I did because they always sell out quickly.
Little details like that are what make warm-weather dressing so joyful. A breezy dress is lovely on its own, but pair it with slides, a straw hat, and a glint of jewelry at your ankle, and suddenly the whole outfit tells a story.
Looking Ahead
So while January may not be my favorite month, having these trips to look forward to—and planning what I’ll wear on them—makes the gray skies a little easier to tolerate. I love the mix of reworking pieces I already own and sprinkling in fresh finds, and I’m especially excited about how these black-and-white staples will come together with playful accessories and a pop of color.
Until then, I’ll be here with my tea and sweaters, scrolling through beach bags and dreaming of sunshine.
