A colorful week in a backpack

As a lover of lists, streamlining, organizing, style, and travel, I love packing as a creative challenge. My personal style runs more neutral and clean-lined (thank you '90s minimalism for imprinting on my impressionable fashion heart), but I love seeing how others shine more colorfully. One of my very dear, very colorful friends recently asked me to create this week in a backpack for her tropical vacation. Here's where we landed:

• Floral midi dress: Comfortable smocking, a full lining, and pockets are everything you want in a cotton travel dress. Beautiful prints always travel well (they're more forgiving of splashes and wrinkles). This piece also comes in other sweet prints and several solid colorways.

• Straw fedora: Who doesn't look more chic and cool in a straw fedora and sunnies? This two-pack includes one khaki and one beige fedora at a great price.

• White peasant top: Here's the sweet, stretchy, MVP of your backpack that will pair with anything from skirts to shorts to pants. You could even pop it over a slip dress for additional looks.

• Pink bodysuit: You wouldn't believe how versatile a bodysuit can be for packing light. Pink looks fantastic on everyone and functions as a bright neutral that packs a ton of punchy style paired with other brights. See the proof above! The square neck and smoothing compression are also super flattering.

• Leather slides: Pure perfection in scrumptious rich suede with a designer silhouette and a memory foam sole. I like this versatile cognac color, but if you're more colorful, the rich emerald or yellow would also work with this backpack.

• Pink slip skirt: I looove a slip skirt for travel. They pack down to nothing, look gorgeous and modest on every kind of body, and work with anything from an oversized sweatshirt and sneakers to a lace blouse and strappy heels. For this backpack, I especially love this pink skirt with the pink bodysuit.

• White sneakers: You know the drill about white leather sneakers. Take your pick of innumerable options, but you won't find a more versatile shoe for travel. I love these classic Lacostes (that little alligator!). My pro tip: buy your size equivalent in men's styles to get extra room in the toe box.

• Red polka dot shorts: I am not a huge shorts fan, but I'm so excited about this adorable pair. The print manages to be colorful, versatile, and classic and that stretchy wide waistband looks like a dream.

• Straw crossbody: Handmade of leather and rattan, this circle crossbody is a summer style staple. Note the pretty bright lining.

• Green palazzo pants: As an expert in melting your way through summer, I love airy, wide-leg pants to keep you cool and looking appropriate and festive. This lush print looks beautiful.

Subscribe to get the weekly newsletter with exclusive essays and other content.

__________

Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, traveler, and pilgrimage leader.