Beach Vacation Packing List 2026: The Accessories You'll Actually Wear (and the Ones You'll Regret Forgetting)
Your Suitcase Is Missing the Good Stuff
You've packed six outfits for a four-day trip. You've rolled everything into neat little bundles. You've watched three TikToks on packing cubes. And you're still going to show up at the pool in the same black swimsuit and bare face feeling like you forgot something.
You did forget something. You forgot the accessories.
SHOP Lilac Swimsuit Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim - $158
Here's the truth about vacation packing that nobody talks about: the clothes matter way less than you think. It's the accessories that make a poolside outfit look intentional instead of "I just rolled out of bed." A great pair of sunglasses, the right sun hat, a coverup that transitions to lunch, slides that aren't rubber flip-flops — that's the difference between vacation photos you love and ones you scroll past.
This is the beach vacation packing list for accessories only. No clothes debate. No swimsuit drama. Just the pieces that make everything in your suitcase work harder and look better.
Quick Picks: Your Beach Vacation Accessories at a Glance
Sun Protection That Looks Good
Wide Brim Straw Sun Hat, Turquoise and Tan — $128 — handcrafted raffia, full face coverage, beach to boardwalk
Crystal Cat Eye Sunglasses — $48 — UV protection meets statement style, pool-safe
Lilac Swimsuit Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim — $158 — beach to restaurant transition piece
Bags for Every Beach Moment
Large Woven Straw Pool Tote, Turquoise — $78 — holds everything, won't look wrecked by end of trip
Palm Tassel Jute Clutch — $68 — dinner and drinks after the beach
Yellow Terry Pool Pouch — $38 — phone, room key, sunscreen, done
Jewelry That Travels Well
Gold Charm Necklace — $48–$68 — layers beautifully, goes beach to dinner
Statement Earrings — $38–$58 — one pair transforms every outfit
Brass Cuff Bracelet — $48 — waterproof-friendly, gets better with wear
Category 1: Sun Protection That's Actually Stylish
Sun Hats: The One Accessory That Changes Everything
A sun hat on vacation is the equivalent of putting on lipstick when you work from home — technically unnecessary, but it changes how you carry yourself for the rest of the day. The right hat makes you look put together in a swimsuit, protects your face from sun damage, and hides day-three vacation hair.
Don't bring a flimsy hat from the airport gift shop. You'll wear it once, it'll blow off, and you'll end up carrying it the rest of the trip. Invest in one that's actually designed to stay on your head and look good doing it.
SHOP Wide Brim Straw Sun Hat, Turquoise and Tan — $128
This handcrafted raffia hat does double duty — it's structured enough that it won't collapse in your bag but lightweight enough that you'll actually wear it all day. The turquoise and tan colorway goes with everything from a white swimsuit to a linen dress at dinner.
Also available in:
Wide Brim Straw Sun Hat, Navy and White — $128 — classic nautical energy, pairs with literally everything
Women's Sun Hat, Fuchsia — $138 — for the woman who wants to be the main character at the resort
Women's Sun Hat, Blue Bow — $138 — the bow detail takes it from basic to memorable
Women's Sun Hat, Black Bow — $138 — goes with everything, photographs beautifully
Pro packing tip: Stuff the inside of your hat with underwear, swimsuits, or a rolled coverup. Protects the shape AND saves suitcase space.
Sunglasses: Don't Bring Your Everyday Pair
Vacation sunglasses should be different from your commute sunglasses. They're the ones you wear all day — from morning pool time through sunset cocktails. They get splashed, dropped on a beach towel, and worn on top of your head half the time. They also end up in 90% of your vacation photos.
Bring something that makes you feel like a different, more relaxed version of yourself. Something with a little personality.
SHOP All Sunglasses at JuJu Loves
A crystal cat eye frame adds instant glamour to a swimsuit and coverup. Oversized round frames give you that old Hollywood vacation energy. Either way, full UV protection is non-negotiable — cheap sunglasses actually dilate your pupils and let in MORE harmful rays. Not cute.
Packing number: Bring two pairs. One statement pair for daytime and one classic pair for evening or driving. At under $50 each, having backup means never worrying about losing one in the ocean.
Category 2: Coverups That Actually Go Places
The coverup is the single most underrated piece of vacation packing. Most women bring one — a ratty oversized t-shirt or a sarong they never figure out how to tie — and then feel stuck at the pool because they don't want to walk through the hotel lobby looking like they just woke up.
The right coverup eliminates this problem entirely. It takes you from pool to lunch to shopping to happy hour without going back to the room to change. That's not just convenient — that's hours of vacation you get back.
SHOP Pink Swimsuit Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim — $158
This is the coverup that gets compliments from strangers at the resort. The pom pom and shell trim detail means it reads as "outfit" not "coverup" — throw on earrings and sandals and you're ready for a waterfront restaurant without missing a beat. The lilac colorway is trending hard for warm-weather dressing and photographs like a dream against blue water.
Also available in: Lilac Swimsuit Coverup with Pom Pom Shell Trim — $158
The transition trick: Wear the coverup over your swimsuit with pool slides for daytime. When you're ready for dinner, swap the slides for sandals, add statement earrings and a clutch, and you've got a completely different look without changing clothes.
Category 3: Shoes You Won't Regret Packing
Flip-flops from the drugstore are fine for the shower. They are not fine for walking around a resort, strolling through a beach town, or being photographed by the pool. Pool slides are the upgrade that takes zero extra suitcase space but makes you look like you planned your vacation wardrobe.
SHOP Pink Terrycloth Pool Slides — $44
Terrycloth slides are the vacation shoe you didn't know you needed. They're soft enough for all-day wear, dry quickly when they get wet, and the fabric texture means they look more intentional than rubber. At $44, they cost less than one poolside cocktail at most resorts.
Also available in:
Navy Blue Terrycloth Pool Slides — $44 — goes with everything
Green Terrycloth Pool Slides — $44 — pairs perfectly with the green accessories trend
Packing number: One pair of pool slides plus one pair of evening sandals covers every shoe situation on vacation. That's it. Stop packing five pairs of shoes.
Category 4: Bags for Every Vacation Moment
You need three bags on vacation. That's it. A big tote for the pool/beach, a small pouch for the essentials, and a clutch for evening. Here's why this system works:
The Pool Tote — This holds towels, sunscreen, a book, snacks, and your smaller pouch. It needs to be big enough to fit everything but cute enough that you don't look like you're hauling laundry.
SHOP Large Woven Straw Pool Tote, Turquoise — $78
Woven straw totes are the classic beach bag for a reason — they're lightweight, they don't hold water, and they look better with use. This turquoise version is big enough for a full beach day but structured enough that it doesn't collapse into a puddle on the sand.
More tote options:
Large Woven Straw Pool Tote, Bubblegum — $78 — the pink version for women who want to be spotted from across the pool
Large Metallic Stripe Beach Tote — $118 — the metallic detail takes it from "beach bag" to "I might be someone"
Large Jute Tote, Pink and Orange — $118 — the colorway screams sunset vibes
For more options, check out our guide to rattan and woven bags for every occasion.
The Essentials Pouch — This is the bag within the bag. Phone, room key, sunscreen, lip balm, cash. It goes inside the tote at the pool and can be grabbed on its own for a quick walk to the bar or gift shop.
SHOP Yellow Terry Pool Pouch — $38
Terry fabric means it handles water and sunscreen without looking destroyed by day three. The Glow Pink Zip Pouch ($38) is another great option if pink is more your speed.
The Evening Clutch — When you trade the pool for dinner, you don't want to lug a giant tote to a restaurant. A clutch holds your phone, card, room key, and lipstick — that's all you need.
Palm Tassel Jute Clutch — $68 — the jute texture and tassel detail give vacation energy while still being polished enough for a nice dinner. Pair it with your coverup-turned-dress and gold bow earrings for an effortless evening look.
For more clutch options, browse the full bags and clutches collection. The tweed clutches are perfect if you're heading somewhere with cooler evenings.
Category 5: Jewelry That Travels Without Drama
Vacation jewelry has two rules: bring pieces that won't tarnish if they get wet, and bring pieces that do triple duty (pool, dinner, sightseeing). Leave the fine jewelry at home. This is the time for bold, fun, statement pieces that make a swimsuit and coverup look like an outfit.
What to pack:
One layering necklace set. A gold charm necklace layered with a simple chain gives you that effortlessly styled look from pool to dinner. Layering necklaces is the easiest way to make a plain swimsuit or coverup look intentional.
Two pairs of earrings. One pair of statement earrings for evening (gold drops or bow earrings are perfect) and one pair of hoops for daytime. Earrings are the fastest way to go from "at the pool" to "at dinner" without changing anything else.
One bracelet. A brass cuff is ideal for vacation — it's water-friendly, won't tarnish in humidity, and actually develops a beautiful patina with sun and salt exposure. Plus it slides on in two seconds, which is exactly the effort level you want on vacation.
One brooch (yes, really). Hear me out. A vintage-inspired brooch pinned to a sun hat, a coverup, or even a beach bag is the unexpected styling move that makes people ask "where did you get that?" It takes zero suitcase space and gives you an entirely different look depending on where you pin it.
For more on which metals hold up best in sun, salt, and chlorine, read our guide to cleaning and caring for gold jewelry. And if you love coastal and seashell jewelry, vacation is obviously the perfect time to wear it.
Pro packing tip for jewelry: Store pieces in a small ziplock bag inside your carry-on (never checked luggage). Lay necklaces flat or thread them through a straw to prevent tangling. Earrings can go through a button to keep pairs together.
Category 6: The Headband — Your Secret Vacation Weapon
Nobody talks about headbands on vacation packing lists, and that's a mistake. Headbands solve every vacation hair problem: humidity frizz, pool hair, beach salt, and the "I haven't washed my hair in three days" situation. They take up almost no space, weigh nothing, and immediately make you look styled.
A pearl or crystal embellished headband turns a simple coverup into dinner-ready in seconds. A wider knotted or padded headband keeps hair out of your face at the pool while looking intentional, not just functional.
Packing number: Two headbands — one casual for daytime, one embellished for evening. Shop the full headband collection.
The Master Packing List: Print This and Check It Off
Sun Protection
1 wide brim sun hat (structured enough to pack without crushing)
2 pairs of sunglasses (1 statement, 1 classic)
Coverups
1 coverup that doubles as a dress (your pool-to-dinner piece)
1 casual coverup or oversized shirt for beach days
Shoes
1 pair pool slides (terrycloth or elevated material)
1 pair evening sandals
Bags
1 large pool/beach tote
1 essentials pouch (goes inside the tote)
1 evening clutch
Jewelry
1 layering necklace set
2 pairs earrings (1 statement, 1 everyday)
1 bracelet or cuff
1 brooch (optional but game-changing)
Hair
2 headbands (1 casual, 1 embellished)
Total accessories count: 13-14 pieces. Every single one fits in a corner of your suitcase or carry-on. Every single one makes your four outfits look like fourteen.
The Real Secret to Vacation Packing
Most women overpack clothes and underpack accessories. Flip that ratio. Three or four outfits plus the accessories on this list gives you more looks than a full suitcase of clothes with no accessories. A white dress with statement earrings and a sun hat is a completely different outfit than the same white dress with a headband and a cuff bracelet. The clothes are the canvas. The accessories are the art.
Getting dressed on vacation should feel like the most fun version of your morning routine — the version where you're relaxed, tanned, and reaching for the pieces that make you feel like the main character of your own trip. Because getting dressed is self-care, even on vacation. Especially on vacation.
Shop the full vacation accessories collection at JuJu Loves, or visit us in person at Maris DeHart, 32 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC.
Not sure what to pack? Let JuJu do it for you — the Surprise Me JuJu Gift Box is a curated box of accessories handpicked based on your style preferences. Choose the "Vacation Vibes Kit" theme and JuJu will pack the accessories so you don't have to think about it. Starting at $115 with $150+ in value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessories should I bring on a beach vacation?
The essentials are a wide brim sun hat, at least one pair of UV-protective sunglasses, a coverup that doubles as a dress, pool slides, a beach tote, an essentials pouch, an evening clutch, layering jewelry (necklace, earrings, bracelet), and 1-2 headbands. This gives you maximum outfit variety with minimal suitcase space.
How do I pack jewelry for vacation without it tangling?
Thread necklaces through a drinking straw and clasp them to prevent tangling. Store earrings through the holes of a button to keep pairs together. Put everything in a small ziplock bag inside your carry-on — never in checked luggage.
What kind of jewelry can I wear in the pool or ocean?
Brass and gold-plated pieces hold up best in water and humidity. Avoid sterling silver near chlorine or salt water as it tarnishes quickly. Brass cuffs actually develop a beautiful patina with sun exposure. For more details, read our guide to cleaning and caring for gold jewelry.
How many pairs of shoes should I bring on vacation?
Two: one pair of pool slides for daytime and one pair of sandals for evening. That covers every situation from the pool to dinner. Resist the urge to pack more — you won't wear them.
What's the best beach bag material?
Woven straw and jute are ideal because they're lightweight, breathable, and don't hold water. They also look better with age and use. Avoid anything with a fabric lining that stays damp — it'll smell by day three.
How do I transition from pool to dinner without going back to my room?
Wear a coverup that reads as a dress (like one with trim detail or a structured shape). Swap pool slides for sandals, add statement earrings, and grab your clutch instead of your tote. A headband and a brooch on your coverup complete the transition in under two minutes.
Can I wear a sun hat with sunglasses?
Absolutely — and you should. The hat protects the top of your head and the sunglasses protect your eyes. Together they're the most stylish sun protection combination. Wide brim hats pair best with cat eye or oversized frames.
What size beach tote should I get?
Big enough to hold two towels, sunscreen, a water bottle, a book, your essentials pouch, and a coverup. Our large woven straw totes fit all of this comfortably without being so oversized that you can't find anything.
Is a brooch really a vacation accessory?
It's the most underrated vacation accessory. Pin one on your sun hat for instant personality, on your coverup for a pulled-together dinner look, or on your beach bag as a bag charm alternative. It takes up zero suitcase space and gives you completely different looks depending on placement. Read more about the brooch trend.
Where can I shop these vacation accessories in person?
Visit JuJu Loves at Maris DeHart, 32 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC, in the heart of the French Quarter. Or shop online at jujuloves.com with free ground shipping on orders over $99.
More Style Inspiration
How to Look Chic at the Pool: Stylish Poolside Outfit Ideas
Best Wide Brim Sun Hats for Women
Cat Eye Sunglasses and Statement Shades
Rattan Bags for Every Occasion