Tutti Al Mare: Ultimate Beach Packing List
Go-Tos to get you going to the coast
I love a long weekend at the beach. I can’t wait to drop my bag on the lettino, kick off my sandals and walk into the salty water. But I’ll be honest, I still have those pre-trip, packing anxiety moments when I get a little stumped and start to spin out. You know, that knee-jerk, angsty feeling: What the hell am I going to wear? But then I remember that practice makes perfect, and after countless trips to Italy’s breathtaking beaches and coastal towns, I’ve perfected packing down pat with my never-fail Go-To staples that get me going . . . in style.
Whether heading to the island of Elba or a jaunt to Salento, I plan out my packing list with a blend of confidence and laser focus on the benchmarks of Italian style - effortlessness and elegance with just a touch of sexy.
The Go-Tos
Linen everything
Breathe, baby, breathe. Linen is your balm for those 90 degree days when the idea of getting dressed is the last thing you want to do. The highly breathable textile keeps you cool and airy all day long. I always make sure I have a couple pairs of pants and a shirt to add to my suitcase, especially if I’m walking a coastal city and want to do some cultural excursions to churches and ancient sites.
To the Maxi
The flowing elegance of a maxi dress keeps you cool and comfortable throughout the day. Heading into town to do a little shopping. Maxi. Want to throw something on for breakfast before hitting the beach. Maxi. An elegant dinner out with your plus one. Maxi.
Raffia beach bag
I never forget to fold a lightweight and flexible raffia beach bag into my carry-on. The rustic, summery look pairs well with a bikini or maxi-dress and they are oh so spacious to carry my absolute must beach essentials: pareo, reusable water bottle, good beach read, and of course, lip, face, body and hair sunscreen aka SPF everything,
Strappy leather sandals
Strappy leather sandals are a staple, taking me from breakfast with a cornetto e cappuccino at my favorite bar to spritz aperitivo hour. The best ones are handmade with amazing supple leather and I always make sure mine have a little bit of a heel so that I have just enough support to keep me on my toes.
Wide brimmed hat
Now more than ever it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun and with a wide-brimmed sun hat, function and style go hand in hand. Make sure to have a wide brim that extends a fair bit to shade your face, neck and shoulders. I prefer straw or raffia but have seen some cute versions in cotton. Floppy, fedora or Panama, bring a hat.
Bikinis and copricostume
If there is one thing I love about Italy is that people don’t care how much skin you show on the beach. The Italian beach vibe is the ultimate in freedom, and there is a body-positive bikini mentality that dominates. Whether you’re 8, 18 or 85, every woman alla spiaggia is in costume - and that means bikini so bring a bunch. Small and lightweight, they are easy and efficient for packing. And they are extremely versatile. Wear one under your sarong, kaftan or as a top paired with shorts or linen pants, which brings me to the most important beach packing essential: copricostume.
The copricostume, by definition, is your best friend. It’s not just a bathing suit cover up, it is the coup de grace of beach fashion. Skirt, dress, or shawl, the copricostume amps up the look and can take you from casual day to chic night with just the twist of a sarong.
The most popular copricostume are sarongs and pareos but Italians don’t stop there, they have kaftans, long shirts and full on dresses to perfectly pair with a swimsuit. From the slightly sheer sarong (for that “vedo non vedo” peek-a-boo look) or a lace crochet mini-dress, copricostume folds up compactly and are the ideal transition piece.
Jackie O sunglasses
Jackie O was timeless, so it’s about time you picked up a pair of statement sunglasses. Not only do they provide extensive coverage for the eyes and delicate skin surrounding them, but they’re easy to wear all day long.
It’s in the (travel) bag
Like I wrote above, practice makes perfect, but strategy and a great bag go a long way. Along with what I am packing, I am thinking about how and where. Both Erica and I love and faithfully use packing cubes, along with the origami-like fold/roll method. As for bags, we’re packing everything into an AWAY Carry On (21.7" x 14.4" x 9" dimensions are great for flights) or July’s Weekender Plus, ideal to sling over the shoulder for when you have to walk the cobble stones.
New episode on Ciao Bella podcast
Building a Walking Empire ~ Find out how Italy inspo created a walking tour empire, and if you click through, you’ll find Ciao Bella’s three essential Walks tours of Rome.