Packing up our family 5 for our Italy + Israel trip forced me to ask myself a question I think we all struggle with every trip:
How do we NOT overpack but still feel like we have options?
The answer wasn’t bringing more clothes—it was bringing better staples and fun lightweight add-ons to spice things up.
Instead of stuffing my suitcase with trendy pieces I’ll wear once, I focused on timeless essentials that work hard. Pieces that mix and match effortlessly, can be dressed up or down, and make getting dressed feel easy. Then I sprinkled in a few fun pops of color and accessories that completely change the look without taking up much space.
Honestly, it’s the little details that make an outfit feel finished.
One scarf tied around your neck instead of your bag. A different pair of sandals. A chic hat. Suddenly you’re wearing the same linen pants, but the outfit feels completely different.
So if you’re building a summer wardrobe—or packing for a trip—these are the pieces I wouldn’t leave home without.
Your bag is probably the one thing you’ll wear more than anything else.
I always look for something that’s lightweight, fits all the essentials, and works just as well wandering through a market as it does heading to dinner. Neutral enough to go with everything, but elevated enough that it instantly makes an outfit feel polished.
You’ll thank yourself every single day.
A scarf is the it-item of the summer.
Wear it in your hair on windy beach days, tie it around your neck with a simple tank, wrap it around your bag, or even use it as a little shoulder cover when visiting holy sites-it’s all cute!! Best part is that it weighs NOTHING. Throw 5 in your bag so you can have multiple outfit combos.
One scarf gives you countless styling options while taking up almost no room in your suitcase.
Vacation is not the time to break in uncomfortable shoes.
You’re walking miles every day, so comfort matters—but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
I like bringing sandals that look elevated enough for dinner, sneakers that can handle long sightseeing days, and maybe one fun pair that adds personality without taking over my luggage.
Sun protection is non-negotiable.
The trick is finding a hat that’s comfortable, flattering, and actually works with your outfits so you’ll want to wear it every day. I bring a few options because I really refuse to put my face in the sun.
Make sure you get ones that pack well!
Sunglasses are one of those accessories that instantly pull everything together.
They’re practical, obviously, but they’re also one of the easiest ways to add personality to even the simplest outfit. Bring 2-3 pairs because I really believe they make an outfit.
Every summer wardrobe needs that one dress.
The one you can throw on with sandals during the day, then switch shoes and jewelry for dinner.
Easy. Comfortable. Beautiful.
It’s the piece that earns its suitcase space every single trip. Go lightweight and simple colors.
A pretty lightweight blouse instantly makes denim, linen pants, or shorts feel a little more special.
I love pieces with movement because they always look effortless, especially in the summer heat.
If there’s one item I know I’ll wear on repeat this trip, it’s linen pants.
They’re breathable, comfortable, and somehow always look chic.
Wear them over a swimsuit to lunch, with a tank for sightseeing, or with a silky top for dinner.
That’s exactly the kind of versatility I’m looking for when packing.
I love a swimsuit with a coordinating cover-up and matching scarf make it feel like a complete outfit, so you can easily head from the beach to lunch without changing.
Those little details make all the difference.
I’ve rounded up all of my favorite summer staples in one collection—the exact pieces (or very similar ones) that earned a spot in my suitcase for Italy and Israel.
Everything mixes and matches, travels beautifully, and can be styled dozens of different ways.
Because the goal isn’t having more clothes.
It’s having the right clothes.
Pieces you’ll reach for over and over again all summer long.
Cauliflower Tinga Tacos are a crowd pleaser every time. Go light or omit the chipotle in adobo it you’re worried about spice level. This is the perfect meatless meal to head into your week.
3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
3/4 cup fire roasted diced tomatoes
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