Everything I Packed for an August Getaway

A long weekend at a friend’s beach house calls for the kind of wardrobe that feels easy from morning to night. In August, I love packing for those golden late-summer days when it’s still warm enough for swimsuits, sundresses, and sandals, but there’s just enough crispness in the mornings and evenings to reach for a favorite sweater or pair of jeans. Everything in this edit is relaxed, wearable, and easy to mix and match, with pieces that can take you from coffee on the porch and a morning swim to an afternoon in town or dinner by the water. Think breezy dresses, polished separates, great layers, and a few beautiful accessories to pull it all together.

• The set I'm wearing above is such an easy throw-on-and-go look. My pattern is from earlier this spring, but I love the chocolate medallion print on this canvas top (15% off with STACIE15) and matching mini skirt (15% off with STACIE15). (I'm wearing my true size in the top, and sized up in the skirt.) The slight A-line is universally flattering, and the cotton canvas is sturdy enough to throw in the wash after a sandy day. I love wearing them as a set, or the top with jeans and sandals, or the skirt looks especially good with a chunky white knit for cooler days.
• The geometric embroidery on this ivory linen top is absolutely stunning. Wear it on its own with jeans, or pair with the matching linen skirt like I did for a celebratory birthday dinner. The warm ivory hue makes it especially well suited to transition into fall and I can't wait to wear a chunky turtleneck sweater and boots with this beautiful skirt.

• This shirtdress is the definition of late summer ease. So flattering belted with a big straw tote for a farm stand run or casual lunch.
• I've been reaching for this cream linen maxi dress all summer. (Seen here on Capri!) The crease-less fabric is genius for packing, and the square neckline is so flattering. Wear with flat sandals by day and heels at night.
• The blue and brown paisley and a cinched waist make this twill dress incredibly flattering. The structured fabric holds its shape beautifully, great for a seafood dinner or afternoon exploring town.
• This paneled floral midi dress (size down) in cotton-silk is so pretty for a sunset dinner or afternoon exploring. The mixed floral panels give it a vintage feel I love, and the straps are adjustable.
• This navy silk slip dress is the ultimate versatile piece. Wear it on its own with gold jewelry for dinner, or tie a navy cashmere sweater over your shoulders if the breeze picks up.
• Julia Amory's tile print halter dress (15% off with STACIE15) is the kind of piece that gets compliments all night. The draped overlay is so flattering, and I love that it's bra-friendly. Perfect with woven sandals and a clutch.
• I brought an Emporio Sirenuse caftan I've owned for years, but saw that this current season version is on sale! So good for throwing on over your swimsuit, or wear for a backyard patio dinner.

• This white button-up is always in my suitcase. It looks amazing tucked into jeans and adds polish without being fussy.
• A chocolate cashmere silk tee is the kind of elevated basic I pack for every trip. It looks polished tucked into trousers for dinner and relaxed with jeans on cooler evenings. (I like to size up!)
• I just ordered this olive striped button-down and love the contrasting blue stripe hidden under the cuffs. Roll them back with jeans for an effortless late-summer look that transitions right into fall.
• An oversized blue striped cotton shirt is the ultimate beach house layer. Wear it open over a swimsuit, tucked into white shorts, or buttoned up with jeans for a casual dinner.
• Layer this ribbed navy tank (15% off with stacie15) under a cardigan, a linen shirt, or wear it on its own with white shorts. It's the kind of versatile basic that earns its spot in every suitcase.
• Tuck this lapis linen shirt into a skirt for dinner or throw it open over a bikini at the beach. The relaxed fit and beautiful blue shade make it endlessly wearable all weekend long.
• Polished but relaxed, this navy crochet polo looks great tucked into a white skirt or linen trousers. The open knit texture adds interest without trying too hard. Such a good warm weather top.

• These striped wide-leg pants were my go-to for breezy evening strolls. The high-rise waist is so flattering, and I loved them with a simple silk tee (linked above) and flats. Size up for the best fit!
• Feminine and breezy, this white floral cotton skirt pairs beautifully with a simple tank or a tucked-in linen shirt. It transitions so easily from a morning market to sunset drinks.
• White denim shorts are the backbone of any August packing list. I wore these with the crochet polo one day and a striped sweater the next. They go with literally everything and have the best easy fit.
• My most-worn straight jeans came on this trip for cooler evenings. The high rise and relaxed straight leg look great with a tucked-in button-up and ballet flats.
• Classic white chino shorts belong in every summer bag. I wear these with everything from a striped button-down to a simple tank and sandals.
• Linen boxer shorts in this gorgeous lapis blue are the relaxed summer staple I didn't know I needed. Pair with the matching shirt for a set, or wear solo with a white tank and espadrilles.

• When August evenings get that first hint of cool air, this camel cable-knit turtleneck is exactly what you want. Drape it over your shoulders with a sundress or pop it on with shorts for a morning boat ride.
• On cooler evenings I threw this navy intarsia cardigan over my shoulders and it instantly became everyone's favorite piece. The cotton knit is breathable but cozy, perfect for that late-August chill.
• Luxurious navy cashmere sweater that's perfect for those cool August evenings on the porch. Drape it over a sundress or wear with white jeans and sandals for a classic coastal look.
• Marea's striped cotton sweater is the lightweight layer I grab every single morning at the beach house. Toss it over a swimsuit, pair with cutoffs, or wear with a white skirt for lunch out.

• These suede ballet flats are handcrafted in Italy and have the arch support I need for long days. I wore them to dinner with cropped pants and they looked so polished.
• You really can't pack lighter than a pair of leather flip flops. These are my everyday beach sandals, and the nude tone blends seamlessly with everything from a coverup to a sundress.
• Coastal weekends call for a refined boat shoe like this one. The blue leather is gorgeous, and they have the comfort of a sneaker, perfect for morning walks on the dock or running into town.
• These block sandals are one of those packing essentials that go with everything. These have amazing arch support and look just as polished with a sundress as they do with wide leg pants. They're one of my favorite shoe styles and I brought them in a blue linen stripe as well.
• I'm obsessed with the woven knot detail on these cognac flat sandals. The molded footbed makes them comfortable enough for all-day exploring, and the warm leather tone pairs perfectly with summer whites and linen. (Mostly sold out, but will be back next year!)

• This natural canvas tote is the ultimate beach weekend bag. Roomy enough for towels, sunscreen, and a book, it goes from the sand to the farmer's market without missing a beat.
• For a beach weekend tote, you can't beat this handwoven basket bag. It fits towels, a book, sunscreen, and a sarong with room to spare, and the leather straps make it feel polished.
• Sleek and understated, this leather hobo bag is the one I grab for polished everyday looks and it holds a ton. This chocolate leather bag has a very similar feel for a fraction of the price, and the most beautiful rich color that pairs with everything from cream linen to navy blue.
• Veronica Beard's tan top-handle bag transitions effortlessly from crossbody to handbag, which makes it perfect for travel. The pebbled leather is forgiving and the gold hardware is a lovely touch.
• French girl energy in tote form. This burgundy striped canvas tote holds everything for a beach day and looks chic enough for running errands in town.
• Ulla Johnson's handwoven camera bag is the perfect size for evenings out, fitting your phone, card case, and lip color. The brown leather goes with absolutely everything and the crossbody strap keeps hands free.
• How sweet is this little wicker garden basket? I came across this brand earlier this summer and it's an affordable goes-with-anything bag.

• I love a little drop earring with hair slicked back from the beach. It's easy but makes it look like you made an effort.
• Every packing list needs a great pair of diamond studs, and these are the ones I wear every day. They sparkle beautifully and work from the beach to a candlelit dinner.
• Stack this chunky gold braided bracelet with a watch or wear it solo for a bold statement. I love how it catches the light and adds polish to even the most casual beach house outfit.
• If you love a huggie earring, these emerald-cut diamond huggies are stunning. The bezel setting gives them a modern, architectural feel that works just as well with a swimsuit as a dinner dress.
• Nothing elevates a simple outfit like a tennis bracelet. I wore this one every day of the trip, stacked with a watch for daytime and on its own for evening. The sparkle is unreal.

• These tortoise cat-eye sunglasses are the pair I reached for every single day of this trip. The shape is so glamorous without feeling overdone, and they go with absolutely everything.
• A packable raffia bucket hat is a beach weekend essential. This one holds its shape in a suitcase, provides great sun coverage, and looks chic whether you're at the shore or walking into town.
• Wrap this gorgeous nautical cashmere-silk scarf around your shoulders on a breezy evening, tie it on your bag, or drape it as a sarong. The hand-painted sailboat motif is so special for a coastal trip.

• This U-bandeau swimsuit is my favorite silhouette. No tan lines and the suit really stays up. I also love this one which is half the price.
• The bow detail on this white one-piece swimsuit ($10 off with STACIE10) makes it feel so special. It's incredibly flattering with the ruching at the waist, and glamorous enough to wear straight to a poolside lunch. (I like that the bow is removable for two looks in one!)
• Throw this pink floral silk sarong over your swimsuit and you're instantly beach-bar ready. I wear this over my swimsuit down to the beach, then wrap up in a towel post swim!

• Cute striped pajamas are a must when you're a houseguest (no ratty old tees!). Lake's pima cotton is impossibly soft, and the navy boating stripe feels perfectly on theme for a beach house.
• Similarly, these striped linen pyjamas are chic enough to wear down to breakfast. The contrast piping is such a nice detail, and linen gets softer with every wash. (Seen here!)

• My olive spinner is hands down the most elegant suitcase I own. The leather trim details are gorgeous and it rolls like a dream.
• Honestly, these packing cubes changed how I travel with a little one, ensuring tiny t-shirts and shorts don't get buried.
• Arriving at a beach house in style calls for this needlepoint weekender. My print is old but I love the leopard and the craftsmanship is truly beautiful.
• I just got this clever toiletries case that has loads of pockets for keeping things organized. Such a dream for travel!

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