Roadtrip to Arizona, with a stop in Palm Springs on the way home. Weather report says hot, hot, hot - and then the next day, hot. What to pack?
I created the same packing list for my entire family. We were gone six nights/seven days, and had a couple of family dinners to attend. So the formula was:
3 pairs of shorts + 2 tops each = 6 daytime looks
2 tops + 2 bottoms = 2 looks for dinners, and can be worn again if needed
and the essentials: pj's, 1 "lounge" oufit, 1 bathing suit + top, 3 pairs of shoes, umentionables, etc. (the dogs had their own, separate packing lists).
So here's my two days of yellow shorts (non-sequential, of course). The cut of these shorts is great - nice and slim, but still comfortable enough for a day in the car - so I brought them on the trip in three colors. And then I did the yellow shorts two ways - as a supporting player to a bright plaid shirt, and as the star with a white shirt and bright belt.
Although I do love the plaid, I sometimes forget how simple and crisp a white shirt can be. It's wise to always bring some kind of white button-down on a trip. If you don't have it planned as part of an outfit, throw it in as an "extra" - you'll definitely find a use for it.
Since this was a casual summer trip, the shoe choices were all sneakers and espadrilles. I very rarely wear sandals or flip-flops (even to the pool), so espadrilles were my nod to the Arizona heat (you'll see them later this week).
No matter what type of shoes you bring on a trip, keep them neutral and you'll get the most versatility. Planning out all trip outfits is key to bringing exactly what you need (and not too much), but having neutral accessories makes it easier to "shake it up" if you feel in the mood.
Plaid shirt by J Crew. White shirt by Banana Republic. Yellow shorts by Onassis. Brown belt by Lands' End Canvas. Orange striped belt by Neiman Marcus. White sneakers by Seavees. Khaki sneakers by Generic Surplus.
Plaid shirt photos taken at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
White shirt photos taken at the Saguaro, Palm Springs.
