As we continue to bask in gorgeous weather, it’s hard to imagine that Summer could soon be at an end. If like us, you’re not ready to say goodbye to the endless sunshine just yet, then a late Summer or Winter sun getaway could be just what you need. We’ve come up with a handy beach trip packing list specifically for those last minute escapades.
Late Summer Beach Trip Packing List
The following list is a guideline for a one week trip, however you can add more luxury beachwear items if your vacation will be longer.
Summer Beach Clothing
1-2 maxi dresses
1-2 sun dresses
1 kaftan
1-2 cardigans
2-3 sleeveless tops
1 long-sleeved top
1 fleece top
1-2 trousers (pants)
1 leggings or yoga pants
1 skirt
1 maxi skirt
1-2 shorts or skort (cross between shorts and a skirt)
1-2 cotton jackets
1 foldaway waterproof jacket
1-2 swimsuits
2-3 bikinis
1 pair walking shoes
1 pair sandals
1 pair water shoes
1 pair wedge heels
7 pairs of underwear including 1 strapless flesh-coloured bra and 1/2 sports bras
3-7 pairs of socks
Accessories for a Summer Beach Trip
Beach bag
Money belt
Travel wallet
Sunhat
Sarong
Lightweight shawl or scarf
Belt e.g. cotton Obi
Statement jewellery
Sunglasses
Travel umbrella
Hairbrush
Hairbands or accessories
Toiletries: SPF 50 sunscreen, after-sun lotion, insect repellent, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shampoo, conditioner, sanitary products, painkillers, plasters, make-up and cleansing wipes, moisturizer
Tech Packing List
E-reader
Adapter plugs
Camera/action camera/drone/tripod
Waterproof phone case
Phone charger/s and cable
Noise-cancelling headphones
Late Summer Beach Essentials
Maxi dresses are some of our favourite beach clothing essentials, as they help you to avoid sunburn by day and insect bites by night. Dress them up with jewelry and wedge heels or down with a rope belt.
This maxi dress is by ViX Paula Hermanny, a great American brand with Brazilian influences. It’s in rayon, a fabric that’s perfect for Summertime, being breathable and moisture absorbent – making it the perfect beachwear.
You’ve definitely got room in your case for another maxi dress and this one by Melissa Odabash is a winner! With a gorgeous zigzag pattern and a plunging neckline, it’s super flattering. The lightweight fabric has a little bit of lurex, giving the dress a beautiful shimmer.
It gives you great ease of movement. There’s nothing worse than tight clothing when you’re in a hot climate!
We’ve teamed it with Celine sunglasses from Fashion Eyewear which are really comfy to wear but very on trend, and a Seafolly Gold Digger tote bag. The name made us laugh but this bag is seriously glamorous, with a gold leather base and tassels.
The soft suede is stunning and it works equally well as a day bag as it does on the beach – important when you’re limited with what you can pack.
Another late Summer beach list essential is loose cotton trousers or pants. They can double up as pyjamas, yoga bottoms or trousers to wear on the plane.
We’ve been wearing these Seafolly ones constantly – eagle-eyed readers might have spotted them in our recent Bournemouth pier to shore zipwire vlog. The tie-die pattern is very funky and the tasselled drawstring and elasticated waist give you optimal comfort.
Dress them up with espadrille wedges, which we’d also recommend for your beach packing list. In late Summer, the evenings can get quite cool especially in Europe.
Team a maxi-dress or cotton pants with a lightweight cardigan or fine-knit sweater. We also recommend taking a fleece, which might seem odd for a beach holiday but if you feel the cold then it can be a life-saver, particularly for early morning hikes to catch the sunrise.
Of course, you’ll want to take Summery clothes too and a sundress should come in very handy. This gorgeous stripe dress by Seafolly is really versatile.
It can be worn off the shoulder or strapless, as we have done here. We’ve cinched it in with a blue linen Obi belt for added definition though on really hot days you’d probably want to leave it loose.
As you can see, it works equally well on a beach or in town for city sightseeing. The viscose fabric and elasticated waist are so comfortable. Pair it with a foldable floppy hat and you’re all set!
We hope you’ve found this late Summer beach trip packing list useful, and that you manage to cram in a few more holidays while you can. If you take a trip to Bournemouth you can spot Britain’s oldest beach hut dating from 1909.
A blue plaque celebrates the fact, and it’s still in use today!
Are you planning a last minute beach getaway or a Winter sun break? What’s your must-pack item for a late Summer sunshine holiday?
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This list will come in particularily handy as we’ve just moved 20 minutes from the beach! And summer in Australia is only a couple of months away so I can’t wait to pack away my winter wardrobe and replace it with my maxi dresses! Totally agree that maxi dresses are a favourite beach clothing essential; yours from Simply Beach is stunning – thanks for the tip!
Wow how lucky are you! Being in the UK, I have a wardrobe stuffed full of Summer and Winter outfits as the weather varies so much from one day to another ;-). I’m glad that you like the Simply Beach dresses, I love browsing their site for inspiration
These are such beautiful outfits! I’m obsessed with that white dreas
Candice
Thank you Candice, I’ve been wearing it so much!
Exhaustive list of things to pack for the beach. I don’t see anything being left out. The dresses are superb and look so elegant. Especially the white dress looks amazing at the backdrop of the sea and sand.
You can’t beat a simple white dress, I guess they never go out of fashion!
What gorgeous outfits! Great packing list too!
I’m very glad you found it helpful, Angie!
I love all the dresses that you considered for this post. Now my problem is: if I consider your list for my next trip to the beach, how can I have those wonderful dresses at least for a photo?!
Well they’re definitely worth investing in and it’s sales season at the moment so they’re great bargains!
Wow! I love your outfits, I also love maxi dresses. Great travel pack list. Mine is like two tops, a jacket and a few leggings due to my back from a car crash years ago 🙁 haha.
Sorry to hear that, Tracey, I hope your back gets better soon
Loving all of your ensembles! These are some great suggestions. I LOVE maxi dresses and maxi skirts. I’m from the South (U.S.A) so our summers tend to be extra long, which is awesome for late summer beach trips.
You are so lucky, Colby, to have such long Summers! Today it’s raining in London and I just hope that the sun comes back again soon
You look so pretty and elegant in each of your pics! You have listed out amazing packing list for the beach!
That’s really kind, Ambuj! I’m glad you found the packing list helpful
I just love maxi dresses in almost any style 🙂 and flip flops or sandals 🙂
I just can’t get into flip flops, I hate having the bar between my toes!
I’m a big fan of packing light weight dresses when I travel — they can be dressed up or down depending on where I need to be. Those maxi dresses are so cute! I’m super short, so maxi dresses can be tricky, but those look fairly easy to get tailored, and I love how they flow and the detailing. Great packing list!
I’m quite short myself but with a wedge espadrille these were fine – although I might get them taken up a bit for wearing with flats!
I love maxi dresses as well, it is so elegant and perfect for the beach. I love your photos. Those huts are so cute. These are great tips on what to bring. I always forget to bring an umbrella and then it suddenly ends up raining. So that is a must for me. 😀
Me too, I should carry an umbrella more often! Maxi dresses are so versatile, aren’t they!
Maxi dresses and maxi skirts are my absolute faves too! Looking fabulous, Susan!
You’re too kind, Hannah! Have a great rest of the week
Sounds like a complete list for sure! I love, love, love the outfits you chose! That white dress especially! It’s so casual glam! I love all those little beach shacks that line the beaches. So quaint!
Swimsuits and bikinis are a must for the summer! I love your maxi dress! It is so flowy. I will need to check out ViX Paula Hermanny!
It’s a great brand actually, I’ve only recently discovered them but I do find that women designers make such wearable clothes!
Can’t believe summer is slowly coming to an end – we are off to Mallorca soon to soak up some sunshine so this list comes in very handy!
Miriam xx
I know and I’ve been down with a cold for a while so am not making the most of it! Have an amazing time in Mallorca
Wow, what a big packing list. 🙂 You will be shocked to know that my beach packing list only includes two bikinies, one sarong, and one sundress with flipflops haha. Love the white maxi.
I’m impressed at your minimalism, Sonal – it can be very liberating to pack light!
Love your outfits!! The packing list is so complete!
Thanks very much, Any! Glad you found it useful
What an awesome post! It’s true, late summer you need different items then if you were going in the beginning of the summer. Love it!
Loving all the details and list, thanks for sharing!
Such great choices I love the trousers with wedges so elegant without being too much. The beach huts at Bournemouth are so pretty Lucy x
Im heading to the beach tonight and will definitely be taking advantage of this list 😜 Thank you!