I decided to save the best part of my Mykonos recap for last….what I wore! I’m one of those fashion freaks who loves planning outfits for trips, but I understand that packing can be very stressful. I’m here to assure you, with the right mix of science and art, it can be mastered.

I’ve developed a standard routine for major trip preparation. Step one is to layout all the clothes/outfits I want to bring. Step two: cut everything in half. And then maybe take away one or two more pieces! Overpacking for vacation is just not necessary. If a beach is involved you will end up wearing pretty much the same thing everyday. However, if, like me, you’re a bit clothes obsessed having a few options on hand is still a must. To ensure my inner fashionista’s needs are met, I’ve established a few packing rules of thumb. This is my standard packing checklist:

> One pair of jeans/pants – white for Greece of course! {your second pair you’ll wear on the plane}

> One pair of shorts {you really don’t need more than that!}

> One short dress and one long dress

> One pair of heels, 1-2 pairs of sneakers, 1-2 pairs of flat sandals

> One sweater or sweatshirt

> 1-2 long-sleeved shirts

> 2-3 bathing suits

And then there are my favorite secret weapons: accessories! You’d be amazed how fresh an outfit feels when you add a scarf, throw on a necklace or swap out your sunglasses {I’m very into statement-making sunnies these days – The Dreslyn is my go-to for hot options}. And those little touches take up much less room in your suitcase! So stick to wardrobe basics but splurge on your accoutrements. As you also may have noticed from the pics above, I’m a huge fan of the vacation hat. It means you don’t have to touch a hair dryer for a whole week. Hello, bliss. I usually just pick up a cheap one upon arrival. I’ve never found a good way to pack a hat – have you??

To stock up for this trip, I headed to a few of my favorite spots…

Ella Moss supplied me with the entire foundation of my wardrobe including my new favorite travel companion: a great jumper that I could style a zillion ways. I also snagged a stand-out top and a cute swimsuit coverup. Your footwear is also quite important. When I travel I feel strongly about not standing out as obviously American. And wearing running shoes is a dead giveaway. I loved my chic and sleek mesh Keds for Kate Spade. I was able to walk through the cobbled streets of Mykonos Town comfortably but didn’t feel like I stuck out. I also made sure my tech was a little spruced up for the trip with a cheeky case that charged my phone!

Despite all my pre-planning, I did make a few missteps on this trip. Unseasonably cool weather and high winds left me wishing for one more warm option so a cardigan was purchased. I also forgot to carry on socks for the plane – a major must for any long haul flights! But overall I was really happy with my packing plan. Everything I brought got worn at least once and I still had room in my suitcase to bring home 1-2 souvenirs!

I consider my Mykonos style mission accomplished. But what about you?? Do you have any packing secrets you rely on? I’d love to know!

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Shop My Mykonos Must-Haves:

> Ella Moss Jumpsuit
> Kate Spade Idiom Bangle
> Taylor Frends Headphones
> Kate Spade Dot Scarf 
> Illesteva Leonard II Sunglasses
> Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant
> Ella Moss Jaquared Top 
> Kate Spade Power Trip iPhone Charger
> Keds for Kate Spade Fisher Sneakers 
> Kate Spade Gold Notebook
> Ella Moss Swimsuit Cover Up 

This post is in partnership with Ella Moss and Kate Spade. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!