I Went to Jamaica for My Birthday—Here's Everything I Packed

I just got back from a Caribbean vacation to Jamaica, where I stayed at Idle Awhile in Negril. I spent most of my weeklong birthday trip exactly how I wanted: at Seven Mile Beach.

When I wasn't laying out in the sun or floating in the warmest ocean I've ever felt, I was going out to eat at restaurants like Ivan's and Flag City Seafood & Grill. There's also a man who walks along the beach selling patties, which quickly became my go-to lunch. I started calling it "P&P time"—short for Pepsi and patties (specifically the beef ones).

For my birthday dinner, I went to the cliffside Rockhouse Restaurant located at Rockhouse Hotel, a boutique property designed by two architects who once worked under Frank Lloyd Wright. Perched above Pristine Cove, it has stunning sunsets and endless horizon views. I can't recommend it enough.

When it came to clothes, in true fashion, I overpacked (21 swimsuits!), only to end up, as always, wearing a handful of favorites on repeat. The clear winner of "most-worn item" was the 90's Bias Skirt by Charlie Beads. I couldn't stop reaching for it.

Keep scrolling to see what I brought with me—from sunscreen to slips.

Beauty

TANGLE TEEZER

Large Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush

The only hairbrush I will ever use when my hair is wet.

Rōz

Milk Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Hair Serum

I have fine hair, and this Rōz serum never weighs it down. It's my favorite.

EltaMD

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

The trusted EltaMD sunscreen.

Byredo

Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum

Bal d'Afrique was the only scent I brought with me.

MAC

Lip Liner Pencil in Whirl

…topped with clear gloss.

Swimwear

PINK by Frankies Bikinis

Hudson Bikini Top

This baby-blue swimsuit from Frankies Bikinis.

Baserange

Silver Ponte Swimsuit

I love this Baserange one-piece.

fruity booty

Marina Knickerbockers

Fruity Booty makes the best swimwear.

Leslie Amon

Paloma Bikini Top

The white polka-dot version I have is sold out, but it comes in black as well.

BYDEE

Cyprus Top in Carmesi

This is one of my favorites—I love the color.

BASERANGE

Mississippi Swim Body

I'm a big fan of Miaou for bikinis.

Clothes

Hanes

Ecosmart Cotton Undershirt

Whenever I'm going somewhere warm, I bring a five-pack of these Hanes tank tops to throw on during the day when it's too hot to think.

Gimaguas

Bomba Maxi Dress

A sheer Gimaguas halter maxi.

Charlie Beads

The 90's Bias Skirt

I literally wore this Charlie Beads skirt almost every day.

Cou Cou Intimates

The Iris Slip

The easiest slip dress from Cou Cou.

Louisa Ballou

Pink Plunge Minidress

Louisa Ballou is my favorite designer for tropical vacationwear.

Free People

All or Nothing Half Slip

Tell me why I know that Addison Rae wore the white version of this in her "Times Like These" music video.

Free People

Lowen Midi Skirt

So many of our editors own this skirt.

Free People

Annette Tee Skirt Set

Cou cou Intimates

The Midi Slip Dress

Pointelle is one of my go-to materials when it's above 80°.

The only flip-flops I ever need are the Havaianas Slim Flip Flops.

Los Angeles Apparel

Jelly Flats

These are such good beach shoes too.

In-Flight Essentials

Comrad

Firm Compression Socks

Compression socks for the plane ride.

aritzia

Butter Tumbler Tank

I like Aritzia's Butter Tumbler Tank with the New Cheeky Hi-Rise Capris for flying in.

aritzia

Butter New Cheeky Hi-Rise Capri

j.crew

Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater

I always pack a cashmere sweater for the plane.

Sony

WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones

I've been stuck on a noisy plane before, which is the absolute worst, and ever since, I've been traveling with noise-canceling headphones.

I keep an eye mask on hand.