I’m still coming down from the high of my California wedding and Mexico honeymoon, reliving the special moments through camera-roll pictures and blurry dancing videos. Besides the usual questions—like whether married life feels different and if my husband cried at the ceremony (yes to both)—the one I get most is, “Where did you find all your honeymoon outfits?!'” Well, I’m emptying out my suitcase and sharing each of my standout pieces with you, below.
My Vacation Closet Must-Haves:
- Spanx Pique Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit, $188; spanx.com
- Wear-Everywhere Sandals: Tkees Lily Liners, $60; tkees.com
- Banana Republic Everyday Linen Shirt, $95; bananarepublic.gap.com
- Show-Stopping Dinner Dress: Alice & Olivia Savana Chain Midi Dress, $495; aliceandolivia.com
- Steve Madden Beki Sandal Heels, $80 (Originally $100); dsw.com
- Aerie Crochet Maxi Cape Coverup, $30 (Originally $60); ae.com
- Cave Swimming-Approved: Teeva Hydratrek Sandals, $100; zappos.com
- J.Crew 3-Inch Pleated Heritage Chino Shorts, $35 (Originally $70); jcrew.com
- Alo Yoga Airlift Intrigue Sports Bra and 5-Inch Shorts, $68–$88; aloyoga.com
- Protects Against the Sun: Lack of Color Holiday Bucket Hat, $129; nordstrom.com
- Petal & Pup Sonia Open-Stitch Maxi Halter Dress, $79; nordstrom.com
- A Luxurious Touch: Tom Ford Selby Sunglasses, $306 (Originally $360); ssense.com
- Johnny Was Rumba Mix String Bikini Top and Matching Bottom, $118; johnnywas.com
- Calzedonia Glowing Surface Bikini Top and Tie-Waist Bottom, $39–$60; calzedonia.com
For Casual Resortwear
Whether I was grabbing a bite at the all-inclusive breakfast buffet or strolling out for a fresh smoothie, I kept my look chic and effortlessly put together—that’s why I relied on my J.Crew Chino Shorts like nobody’s business. They’re soft and roomy, much like the Banana Republic Everyday Linen Shirt I couldn’t stop wearing. My Tkees flip flops served as the perfect footwear, easily carrying me from one destination to the next.
J.Crew 3-Inch Pleated Heritage Chino Shorts
J.Crew
Tkees Lily Liners Flip Flops
Tkees
Banana Republic Everyday Linen Shirt
Banana Republic
For Sitting Poolside
My husband and I spent the majority of our honeymoon drinking mojitos under a cloudless sky, so it goes without saying that poolside attire was an essential. More than 80 percent of the time, I opted for a vibrant Johnny Was bikini set thanks to the comfortable fabric and adjustable drawstrings, but slipped on my sparkly Calzedonia Glowing Surface bikini when I wanted something a bit more fashion-forward. A drapey crochet coverup from Aerie left me feeling elegant but fresh due to the breezy knit construction, while a large-brim lace Lack of Color bucket hat protected my face from the sun. As for eyewear, I splurged a bit and reached for these glamorously oversized Tom Ford Selby Sunglasses.
Aerie Crochet Maxi Cape Swimsuit Coverup
American Eagle
Lack of Color Holiday Bucket Hat
Nordstrom
Johnny Was Rumba Mix String Bikini Top and Matching Bottom
Johnny Was
Tom Ford Selby Sunglasses
Ssense
Calzedonia Glowing Surface Bikini Set
Calzedonia
For Ocean-Front Dinners
Tropical getaways may call for slightly more casual looks after dark (think flowy fabrics and sundresses), but I still brought the drama. I wore my Alice & Olivia Savana Dress to a Michelin star dinner, crediting the cascading chain-link back to the never-ending flow of compliments. While my exact see-through pumps are no longer sold, the Steve Madden Beki Sandals almost recreate the look to a T. On another romantic evening, I slipped on the effortlessly sexy Petal & Pup Sonia Halter Dress. The crochet texture added just the right amount of interest, while adjustable ties gave me two ways to wear it—meaning, it’s basically a two-in-one dress.
Alice & Olivia Savana Chain Midi Dress
Alice + Olivia
Steve Madden Beki Sandal Heels
DSW
Petal & Pup Sonia Open-Stitch Maxi Halter Dress
Nordstrom
For Adventurous Exploring
Though most of our days were spent drifting through lagoons, oceans, and pools, we spiced things up with ATV rides, zip lining, water slides, and swimming in underground caves. My adorable sundresses and chic accessories weren’t going to cut it, so I relied on my trusty Spanx one-piece swimsuit. It didn’t disappoint, never leaving me exposed. The Teeva Hydratrek Sandals pulled their weight, too, protecting my feet from sharp rocks while staying lightweight—even when underwater. And, boy, was I grateful for my Alo Yoga set, which helped me carry out my work outs while away.
Spanx Pique Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit
Spanx
Teeva Hydratrek Sandals
Zappos
Alo Yoga Airlift Intrigue Sports Bra and 5-Inch Shorts
Alo Yoga