mix & match suitcase, black & white edition

Typically when it comes to a beach-related trip, I default to navy and white as my base palette for packing (like with last year's beach suitcase) because it always feels nautical. But last summer I decided that my post-pregnancy bathing suit was going to be a great, classic black bikini - which I found at J.Crew in time to pack for our Florida trip this spring. So when it came to getting ready for a trip to Michigan, part of which we'll be spending at our favorite place - my parents' cottage - I would try a black & white suitcase instead, with some well-placed pops of color of course.

Doing a mix & match suitcase like this is really helpful in not overpacking for a relaxed beach/family trip like this one. I always start throwing a bunch of extra (usually random, so not that helpful!) stuff into my bag, just in case, but really, when it's a few days of hanging out by the beach and a few days of catching up with family, one just really doesn't need to pack that much. (And that's one of my favorite things ever - when you don't need real clothes until about 6pm because you've gone straight from pjs to running shorts to bathing suits.) Other than a graduation open house and maybe a dinner out, I really don't have anything other than relaxation to get dressed for... so it makes sense to pack light and be smart about it.

So here are 8 outfits from 8 items (not counting shoes/accessories) perfect for sitting at the beach, enjoying happy hour afterward, reading on the porch, stopping by the farmers market, visiting family, and maybe a little shopping/dining out. And if I was maybe over-optimistic on the high temperatures for the week, I'll just do a little more layering - and remember these great outfit options for later in the summer!

Shop the suitcase:

Sharing on Friday's Fancies, Mix it Mondays, Style Sessions, and What I Wore.