I Work in Fashion—These Are the Stylish Pieces I Always Pack for a Warm-Weather Vacation

Tessa Faye O’Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She’s a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.

If you think I have an outfit folder for day-to-day dressing, you better believe I have a process for getting ready for break or a beach vacation. I hate overpacking or feeling like I’m wasting any time other than relaxing with my family—and I meticulously do a try-on of all items and coordinate to bring accessories that can mix and match with most everything. Where I used to worry about just me, now I have to ensure my beach bag is big enough for all the kids’ toys I’m lugging, and my outfits aren’t going to fly off chasing after two girls in the pool, or someone at my lap at dinner.