By That Girl Whitney Team
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Vacation planning is exciting until it’s time to pack. Suddenly you’re standing over an open suitcase, wondering whether you need four sundresses or one, and whether anything in your closet will survive a week of heat and walking. For plus size women, packing has a few extra layers of stress, since you can’t always count on finding your size in a resort boutique if you forget something.
The best vacation wardrobe is small and flexible. Every piece should work with at least two others, and every outfit should handle the activities on your itinerary. A suitcase full of “maybe” pieces adds weight without adding options.
When you plan your outfits around your actual days, packing gets much easier. A beach day and a dinner out need different outfits, but they can share pieces. The right mix lets you pack light and still feel put together in every photo.
This guide shows you how to plan outfits around your trip and which pieces to build around. You’ll also find a free packing list at the end to copy for your next trip.
Planning Outfits Around Your Itinerary
Start with your plans, not your closet. Write down each day of your trip and what you’ll be doing. A beach resort trip looks different from a city break or a cruise.
For each day, plan one main outfit and note whether you’ll need a second look for the evening. A day at the pool might need a swimsuit and cover-up, plus a sundress for dinner. A sightseeing day might need comfortable pants and a top that can go straight to a restaurant.
Choose a color palette before you pack. Two neutrals, like white and navy or black and tan, plus two accent colors give you lots of mix-and-match options. When every top works with every bottom, you can pack fewer pieces.
Check the weather and the dress codes at your destination. Some restaurants and cruise dining rooms have dress codes for dinner, and religious sites may require covered shoulders or knees.
Key Pieces to Build Around
A few versatile pieces carry most vacation wardrobes.
A maxi dress works for beach days and dinners alike. Choose a breathable fabric in a solid color or simple print so it pairs with different accessories.
Wide-leg pants in linen or a lightweight knit keep you cool on long walking days. They dress up with sandals and a blouse or down with sneakers and a tee.
A swimsuit and cover-up are must-haves for beach and pool trips. Our best plus size swimsuits guide and beach cover-ups guide help you choose.
A lightweight layer like a denim jacket or kimono protects you from air conditioning on planes and cool evenings by the water.
Add a few tops and a pair of shorts that work with these pieces, and you’ll have a full week of outfits.
Shop it: Moon Wood maxi dress or plus size denim jacket
Comfort Essentials for Travel Days
Travel days are long, so dress for comfort.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and your heaviest layer on the plane to save suitcase space. A soft pair of pull-on pants or leggings with a long tunic or oversized top keeps you comfortable in your seat.
Plan for chafing, especially in hot destinations. Pack anti-chafe balm and a pair or two of bike shorts to wear under dresses. Our chub rub guide covers more tips.
Bring compression socks for long flights. They help with swelling during hours of sitting. Pack a refillable water bottle, too, since flying and heat both dehydrate you.
If you need a seatbelt extender, you can ask a flight attendant discreetly when you board. Many travelers prefer to ask as they enter the plane so it’s ready when they sit down.
Shop it: LEVSOX wide calf compression socks or Megababe Thigh Rescue
Your Free Plus Size Vacation Packing List
Copy this list and adjust it for the length of your trip and your plans.
Clothing – four or five tops that match your bottoms – one or two pairs of shorts – one pair of wide-leg pants – one or two maxi or midi dresses – one lightweight layer, like a denim jacket or kimono – one or two swimsuits – one cover-up – bike shorts for under dresses – pajamas and underwear for each day
Shoes – walking sneakers – comfortable sandals – one dressier pair for dinners
Comfort and care – anti-chafe balm – sunscreen and after-sun lotion – blister bandages – compression socks for the flight – a refillable water bottle
Extras – a crossbody bag – sunglasses and a hat – a portable phone charger
Shop it: BAGSMART travel crossbody
Packing Light and Feeling Great
The best vacation outfits mix and match easily and fit the plans you actually have. Start with your itinerary, then build around a few versatile pieces in one color palette. With the packing list above, you’ll fit everything in one suitcase and spend your trip enjoying yourself instead of worrying about what to wear.
Shop Whitney’s favorite plus size finds on her Amazon storefront. Follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.
