My very dear old friend Margaret—old as in we were freshman year college roommates—and I are taking a brief jaunt to the islands soon, and I am interested in packing as little as possible. In order to achieve this objective, I usually adhere to a pretty tight color palette when I travel—that way everything goes with everything else. But I had a little more fun here, like with this gauze caftan, which definitely comes in more wearable hues, but none so manically charming as this.
I’ll also definitely be bringing along a shirtdress like this one, to wear as a beach cover-up and maybe to dinner later.
And I’ll probably be bringing an old Emerson Fry caftan too; here’s one I’ve been most recently coveting.
This oversized button-down—in such a rich lilac—is another good beach-to-dinner piece. It comes in several other great shades, and I’m considering stocking up on a few.
I appreciate the slightly wider leg on these chinos.
I like my swimsuits minimal, like this classic tank from Solid & Striped.
A cute bucket hat in a denim-y blue—and with a slightly wider rim—for keeping the sun off my face.
I’m pretty sure the only footwear I’ll be packing are my vegan platformBirkenstocks. I’m not averse to wearing leather, but these are so delightfully lightweight. 
Of course I’ll wear sneakers on the plane, and they’ll get worn as well. I’ll most likely bring a pair I already own, but I do covet these Vans Old Skools in a really good marigold yellow. If that’s not your speed, it comes in tons of other colors too.
Hey Kim, I’m down here in Miami which is practically the Caribbean and it is almost 90 degrees here already. Please bring sunscreen and a wider brimmed hat. Also no one wear slips down here. I know, we are heathens but it is too hot!
I love the yellow caftan, too, and so wish it was my color. Perhaps I could go for the vans instead. Have a wonderful trip with your friend, Kim!
I have the door hooks. I’m using them to keep teen backpacks I trip over daily off the floor so I can attest to their sturdiness + they were the least ugly option in this category of home organization stuff.
Oops – wrong spot for this comment.
Great suggestion for that Hanro slip that I will purchase Kim. I have a few Wacoal slips in stretch rayon that work for me but not under light summery dresses. Am eyeing the Frank and Eileen Julie Dress in light blue.I have it in Navy from LY and length is exactly above my 5’5” knee. I really love the quality. Their Maxis are a bit too long unless I elevate with a 3 or 4” heel and I can’t remember the last time I seriously wore heels in a non-wedding guest way. Thanks for this great post.
This is a beautiful and inspiring color story – you will look so chic and put together. I am so pleased to see trending colors move away from the earthy, browny-grey washed palette. I couldn’t wear any of them but bright and clear works for my complexion and my mood.
Hurray for girls trips!! Have an *excellent* time, Kim!! … … … So, to me, if I have to wear another layer under a warm weather dress or caftan, that means the manufacturer made a mistake. They should fix this. People have enough problems without having to worry about the neighbors knowing about their undies. Except for teenage boys, I think designers vastly overestimate the number of people who want to know that much about strangers. … … … And now, to contradict myself, I also am fine with people wearing sheer garments with their-skin-color undergarments, just to mess with people. Totally fair game!! And it makes life a bit more interesting, visually. I just think everyone should know what they are buying ahead of time, so that they can undertake search for said undergarment. In no case do i want to see a stranger’s actual bits though.
It takes some tenacity, but I have had great luck scoring Emerson Fry caftans on TheRealReal!
I love hearing about your plans and what you are packing––vacationing vicariously! These are all such enticing choices. While I wouldn’t wear a yellow caftan, it does come in a most excellent indigo. And here’s a question…a shirtdress with a “dipped” hem such as the Frank & Eileen doesn’t flatter me (maybe because I’m on the shorter side?)…so my question is if one buys a shirtdress and then has the hem cut off so it’s even all the way around is that a fashion transgression and it the garment no longer a shirtdress and just a plain old ordinary dress? Am I over thinking this? Does it really matter anyway? Did I have too much coffee?
I say once you pay for it, it’s yours to do as you will. Aren’t the stylists always exhorting us to have clothes altered for the perfect fit? the only time I won’t do it, is buying an intentionally oversized item in a (much) smaller size to make it appear slim. IMO that rarely works.
love the Frank and Eileen shirtdress but the voile is really sheer. If you buy the sheer what will you wear under it? I hate to put on a slip or layer in the heat of the summer.
I’ve had luck with light cotton slips like this one: https://rstyle.me/+GzNLOLDGauQ8RUQjDo7ylA
Thanks.
Bikini!
Four or five years ago you featured an Emerson Fry caftan in navy and fuchsia that I snapped up. It’s been my favorite piece of clothing ever since. The one here is equally beautiful and would be so perfect for your weekend away, and an ideal buy to get a head start on summer clothes. Enjoy your getaway!