Birthday Beach Getaway – Packing List
I’ve been looking forward for my birthday trip ever since we booked it in the first week of the year. Just plenty of relaxing, lounging, enjoying coconut sorbets, reading and connecting – with nature and each other. We have a few city escapades in the pipeline but as much as I love the hustle and bustle of a city, there’s no better feeling than to wind down. I’ve always been the girl who takes birthdays seriously as I find them to be very special and usually spend the day looking back at how much I’ve grown in the last year. With it being the last year of my twenties and my first being a wife, I’m looking for some quiet time to reflect, set some goals for the year ahead and read. Where better to do that than on the beach?
Today, I’m sharing my guide to packing for a beach vacation, one that’s especially useful for a celebratory trip – whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, where you plan on lounging during the day, and turning it up during the night with a series of fun dinners. In the earlier years, I used to overdress (out of excitement I guess), then it turned to underdressing post-Covid when I gained (more than) a few pounds. I currently find myself still in between sizes. However, this time around with a brand new outlook on dressing – somewhere between ‘wear what flatters your body, but also wear the thing you love and just don’t give a shit on some days’. Here are some things to note:
a) below is a checklist of the things I usually pack for an island/ beach holiday + recent purchases, though eighty-percent of what I’m packing with me are old stuff. I have an entire drawer dedicated to resort wear with items I only wear about one to two times a year, so best believe I’m reusing them.
b) I am very high-low so you will come across a few luxury items that I truly do adore. Other than that, I have a bunch of clothes from high-street brands that I opt for day-to-day wear. I’m loving H&M’s recent collection which is less sloppy and way more structured. I’m also seeing colours and elegant prints, the likes of Mango and Zara – but at half the price!
Beachwear & Swimwear
As Joey Tribbiani once said on Friends, “You don’t own a tv? What’s all your furniture pointed at?”. I like to use this analogy as a guide for essentials when packing. If you’re taking an island or beach holiday, chances are you’ll be doing plenty of swimming, and the sun will probably be out – which means your priority would be swimwear, beachwear and lots of linens. I don’t swim (correction: can’t swim) however I do enjoy lounging around the pool and beach, though you will find me strategically seated under a shade as me and the sun are not a good match. After much trial & error, I’ve retired from funky printed swimsuits with ruffles, florals or an overload of straps and buckles that look tacky and cheap against my 4’11, pear-shaped figure with dark features. In the case of swimsuits, less is more really is the way to go and I prefer singular-coloured solids. Here is a swimsuit from last year which I absolutely loved that I will be rewearing on this trip:
& Other Stories – Textured bow tie swimsuit in dusty blue
Dusty blue has to be one of my favourite colours of the year. Also, square necklines are so flattering on me which is why she’s such a fav!
I’m not comfortable showing too much of skin whether or not there are people around – it’s a personal preference thing. Which means I live for a good cover-up, whether it’s a sarong, a lace pario skirt or cover-up net dresses. If I’m feeling lazy and want to head straight to the beach after breakfast, then my go-to outfit formula will always be a pair of linen shorts + a button-down shirt, preferably linen too. Here’s a video from when I styled this exact swimsuit in this exact way in Penang island a few months ago.
Zara – Silk & Modal Printed Scarf
I fell in love with the print featuring my favourite shade of olive green & burgundy in Hong Kong and knew it would double perfectly as a sarong for beach days, aside as a stunning shawl for a night out in a little black top (LBT) and a pair of jeans .
Beach Essentials
Sunglasses
Let me begin by saying that I don’t actually wear sunglasses. The colour change gives me terrible migraines and I can never seem to drive when I have them on. However, I do have to admit they come in handy at blocking out the sunny rays and protecting my eyesight when lounging by the beach. However, I recently started using them more as an accessory. I like having sunnies on my head on days when the humidity is at its peak and my hair has lost all volume & is just flat.
Saint Laurent – Squared Cat Eye Sunglasses with Acetate Frames & Nylon Lenses
I was eyeing for a Jackie Kennedy type of sunglasses – the large square ones, however came across this cat-eye one in London that framed my face so well.
H&M – Square Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell
Told you I go high and I go low. Picked these up for less than $10 and until I find my ideal Jackie Kennedy-style sunnies, this will do. The tortoiseshell is currently sold out, but they’re still available in black.
Hats
I have a love-hate relationship with hats and find that it never flatters my face which is why I rarely wear hats when in the city. Though I occasionally put on a cap when running errands on days where my hair is greasy and I don’t have the energy for two hours of washing, drying and styling my long hair. Ironically, a hat seems to be my best friend during island holidays. My four-year-old rattan hat does wonders to shield my face from an otherwise terrible sunburn and doubles as the perfect sleep mask for afternoon naps by the beach.
Skin & Body Care
I have a few makeup looks that I’m excited to experiment with on this trip, particularly a golden bronzy look. So, stay tuned for that on Instagram. As for skincare, I will be packing all my daily essentials with me as not only do I have sensitive skin, but the salt from the sea + the combination of heat & sweat further aggravates it. I’m also making sure to pack a bunch of body care & hair care essentials that really come in handy when you’re next to the sea:
Banana Boat – Ultra Protect Lotion SPF50
Both E and I (+our families) have been using Banana Boat sunscreen lotions, specifically in SPF 50 for decades now and I find them to still be the best in the industry.
Supergoop – Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40
I already have my moisturizer with built-in SPF 50 from Dermalogica. However, I touch-up throughout the day with this and love how it’s not pigmented and is super lightweight.
Kopari – Sun Shield Body Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 50
The closest thing to actual liquid gold. Buy it.
I also use it as a bronzer when I’m heading out in shorter dresses and need some glow & colour on my legs.
Cetaphil and CeraVe moisturisers are my go-to everyday body lotions as I find them to be more medicinal for my sensitive skin. I save this one for special occasions as it has the sweetest smell which is perfect for events and special night-outs.
I bought this just yesterday in my attempt to replicate the viral Sophia Richie bun to (hopefully) help tuck away frizzy baby hairs. Will let you know how it goes.
After many many years, I finally found a brand (aside from Dermalogica) that is not only affordable, but actually works on my sensitive skin without causing rashes and breakouts. I spray this throughout the day to hydrate my skin and I love how it feels so far.
Also, extra points because Caudalie has such playful yet elegant packaging – perfect for us gals in our late-twenties.
Caudalie – Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask
I have yet to try this, but I’m hoping it helps with brightening and radiance.
Shoes & Bags
I’ve never actually used a bag for resort vacations mainly because a) room access cards are usually wristbands and b) you don’t actually need your wallet when dining within the resort. However, I am making an exception this time around as I am looking forward to wearing a vintage clutch (not pictured here). We’ll be doing lots of walking so comfort is key when it comes to shoes, so it’s a pair of flats and my trusted Tory’s for airport transfers. With that being said, I will be packing a pair of kitten heels, just in case.
Saoi – Lola Kitten Heels in Praline Brown
My favourite pair at the moment. Despite being pointy, they are very comfy. I sized up. I also recently purchased another pair in the colour Dusty Blue.
Call me Carrie Bradshaw.
Everyone needs a brown pair of sandals. Lucky for me, I have ten. As my husband says, all your shoes look the same.
Khoon Hooi – Chiasa Short Handle bag with Bow in Song – A
I loved this bag so much I even gifted one to my mother-in-law. I feel they add so much character, and a unique pop of colour & pattern to a simple black dress.
Next, we pack our outfits and the best way to do this is by picturing the different types of activities you’ll be doing. In this case – a routine of breakfasts and dinners throughout the week. I try to mix and match pieces wherever possible to avoid overpacking and to make space for the extra toiletries – sunscreen, lotions, masks, etc.
Breakfast Outfits
The one activity we look forward to when on vacation is heading out for breakfast. Whether its Paris, Hong Kong or Langkawi, we tend to wake up earlier and enjoy a morning walk together. In this case, by the beach followed by breakfast. If you know me personally, you know I’m not an early riser, which means the breakfast dress code is very casual with a side of hangry. However, I still like to showcase some personal style by layering with linen shirts. I usually let my playful side shine in the mornings whereas my dinner outfits have a more elegant vibe to it (or I at least try).
Mango – Linen 100% Shirt in Fuchsia
Fuchsia is and always will be my favourite colour. I layered this on a black tank top the other day and I will be recreating the look.
H&M – Linen blend shorts in Light Khaki Green
A pair of shorts that isn’t too short and has a slightly larger fit. I own them in three colours – green, beige & black.
Love Bonito – Janet Padded Bustier Top in Prosperous Blooms – in Oat
A very feminine piece. I would pair this with white linen pants for a daytime look, or a black satin skirt for dinner.
H&M – Linen blend trousers in Blue – Striped
It’s giving elevated pyjamas. I might even wear this to the airport – paired with a knitted top and sweater in navy blue.
Uniqlo – Seersucker Checked Easy Pants
I find gingham to be very playful and think this would pair so well with a pink tank top for breakfast.
Petit Moi – Jeudi Skirt in Noir
I altered the skirt to give it more of a midi look instead of a maxi one. It’s a new favourite that can easily go from day-to-night.
Dinner Outfits
I’d like to think that every one of us have a favourite moment every time we’re on vacation. Some enjoy the journey to the destination, others enjoy sunsets, or a morning run in a fresh, new place. Mine happens to be the few hours between the beach and dinner where you’re reflecting on the day while getting ready for dinner. It’s that mix of calmness & excitement while applying your makeup, listening to music and straightening your hair. It’s that feeling that despite the day being eighty-percent done, there’s a balance twenty-percent coming right up that’s just pure magic. Especially when your backdrop is a resort nestled within the rainforest, with the sounds of waves crashing and dimmed yellow lamps all around. So yes, I’d like to dress the part.
Petit Moi – Marjorelle Kurung in Navy
This is my absolute favourite purchase thus far and I took the plunge knowing I’d be able to wear the top and skirt as separate pieces. I’m packing the skirt in hopes it’ll match with a beige linen top I own.
Nelissa Hilman – Crotchet Knit Strapless Top in Green
I snagged this top the moment I laid eyes on it. It screamed birthday outfit! Emerald green just so happens to be my birthstone, so at this point I think I owe it to myself. Also, I totally see myself wearing this with a black blazer and a pair of black trousers.
Trendyol – Boat Neck Slit Maxi Dress
Super comfy and can easily be dressed up or down with the help of a few accessories. Style-wise, this is very much in my comfort zone.
Khai Teoh – Freyja Dress in Brown
Need I say more?
Travel Outfit
Often times, us ladies are so excited for the destination itself that we tend to forget about the journey. Because I get so cold on airplanes, it is important that I plan ahead and make sure I have warm clothes for the journey. Earlier this year, we road tripped with some friends and I packed a blanket for the ride simply because you never want to be the person on a roadtrip who demands that the air-conditioning be warmer. In that same spirit, I’ll definitely be packing a cardigan.
H&M – Knitted Vest Top in Navy Blue
I’ve always wanted a matching fine-knit set for the airport so I purchased the whole set including a trousers and cardigan.
H&M – Fine Knit Cardigan in Navy Blue
Said fine-knit cardigan.
I may actually pair this with the earlier striped linen-blend trousers for a ride to the airport.
H&M – Smock topped Dress in Cream/ Floral
I see myself layering this dress with a blazer for a casual yet polished look.
Zara – Linen Blend Roll-up Sleeve Open Blazer
Said blazer. I opted for a khaki green instead of the beige as beige washes me out.
Jewellery
I’ve always been a ‘less is more’ girl and would in the past, wear only a necklace & bracelet at a given time, paired with the tiniest earring studs. And though I still love the minimalist combo, I found myself gravitating towards layering, stacking and even mixing metals. I recently gifted myself a necklace that I’ve had my eye on for a while now in true ‘from me to me’ fashion, in honour of my birthday.
Wanderlust + Co – Le Soleil Gold Tarot Necklace
“The sun motif is hand painted with pink pearlescent enamel, representing good energy, whereas the moonphase in white enamel, symbolises that all things will come full circle, with a beginning and an end. The surrounding star motifs illustrate hope and better times ahead.”
I have friends making trips to Bali, Maldives and even as far as Mallorca. I hope this has been helpful for any of you who are also heading off for your spring/summer holidays. Sending love and plenty of positive energy to my fellow Tauruses.
Thank you for reading. Until next time.
Love, alyia