Ladies: How to Look Stylish on Your Summer Vacation for Less
May 21, 2012I think I have spent enough money on clothes to wear on vacations over the years to fund another week long vacation! Like many people, I am budget conscious and watch the deals like a hawk trying to get the most for my money but then forget about my wardrobe! Last minute, I run to the department store to pick up some things to wear and there are no bargains to be found.
This time was different! I was headed to a family reunion in Nassau, Bahamas and since all the arrangements were made ahead of time, I focused on packing much earlier and was able to outfit myself for the trip for less than $100. My cousin prepared me ahead of time with some instructions, “you’ll need a nice dress for dinner and a windbreaker for boating -otherwise, it’s shorts and swim suits.” OK that’s doable, I figured.
I started with Rule #1 – Use Versatile Pieces
I built my vacation wardrobe around three pieces that each worked double duty:
– A black cotton maxi skirt that doubled as a sleeveless dress and a Pareto for swimming (which I picked up at TJ Maxx for $25). I wore this as a maxi skirt with a white t-shirt, scarf and jean jacket on the plane. I also wore it as a Pareto over my swim suit when boating for a completely different look.
– A jean jacket that worked with everything – the maxi skirt and the casual dress (already owned it). I got tons of wear out of this one!
– Long khaki shorts for walking around town or a casual lunch but roll up and snap for beach wear or boating. I wore these to death -walking around town, on a powerboat cruise over my swim suit and around the house. (These were more expensive because I went with Merrill hiking shorts with 50 SPF that I can use at home this summer – factory outlet store $45).
Then I went to Rule #2 – Build Outfits from Your Own Closet
I laid out what I had in my closet and created outfits for everyday. I love having lots of choices when I get there so I can change my mind. So I also threw in a peasant dress that is super comfy and ended up wearing it twice – once by itself and once with the jean jacket for a different look.
Rule #3 Add Some Current Pieces to Fill Out Your Wardrobe
I checked the latest style magazine to see what was trending – I was still good with the maxi, but there was something missing. I saw everyone was wearing delicate flowing blouses with jeans or shorts and also with jean jackets so I picked one up that matched everything I was bringing. (TJ Maxx $30)
Unwritten Rule – it goes with out saying (so I put this as the unwritten rule but since I wrote it, I guess its technically a written rule but it needs to go somewhere) “Buy Wisely.” Shop with discount coupons at department stores. Many times if you sign up to be in their email list, they’ll send discount coupons. I have a couple of friends who love Macys and always seem to whip out a coupon for at least 20% off every time we shop.
Shop at the outlet stores and discount merchants such as Ross, Marshall’s or my personal favorite, TJ Maxx. Sometimes it is worth paying retail if it’s a piece you know you’ll get a ton of wear out of, but even then you can always ask if they have a discount and often the clerk will give it to you.
Well, there you go. I packed for a week in the Bahamas (in style no less) and spent less than $100 to do it. You can too.