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Packing for a trip should be an Olympic sport. Packing cubes or no packing cubes? Will there be laundry service at the hotel? And if not, how many pairs of underwear and socks do we really need to pack? Don't get us started on leaving room for the inevitable souvenirs. And even when we think we've got everything covered, we end up arriving at our destination mystified by how we could've possibly forgotten sunglasses or something nice to wear to dinner.
Been there, too? To alleviate the future worry, we've rounded up the five essentials from Laundry by Shelli Segal that deserve real estate in all of our suitcases. If any sound familiar, it's probably because you always have these on your list but *sigh* usually forget them — but no more!
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Semi-Formal Dresses For Nights Out
Room service is fun, but who wants to be cooped up inside on vacation? Odds are most of your evenings will be spent in a resort restaurant with a dress code, so packing a semi-formal outfit is a must. Let's not forget how transformative a post-beach shower can feel. Why ruin that moment with a pair of running shorts and a shabby T-shirt when you can exude main character energy in a one-shoulder dress and heels?
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Everyday (but Trendy) Sunglasses
Forgetting your sunglasses even when not on a trip can be a difficult mistake to live with. Squinting isn't fun anywhere. Almost any vacation calls for sunglasses, whether you're on a beach or a snowy mountain. They're like the sunscreen of fashion. While your everyday sunglasses will do fine, consider packing a pair that's just as effective as it is trendy (think: colored lenses or oversized frames). The best part about this accessory is that it can be worn while en route — a convenient characteristic when you're running low on suitcase space.
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Beach-Friendly Scarves and Shawls
These packing essentials barely take up space in your suitcase, so they should be a no-brainer. Plus, a beach-friendly scarf or shawl offers more than one benefit. Not only does a shawl elevate your swimsuit du jour, but it can also serve as a shield from the sun, especially when your shoulders are cripsing. As for a scarf, well, that can hide even your messiest, salt-tangled hair. Consider packing a lightweight cape, too. You'll thank us later if the weather doesn't go your way. No one wants to be stuck in their hotel room because they didn't pack anything remotely rain-friendly.
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Practical and Cute Hats
A hat is particularly important when spending time at the beach or outdoors in general. While sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, a practical but cute hat will offer much-needed shade to your face. When the UV index reaches nine, you'll be grateful this accessory was remembered. Not to mention its ability to spice up whatever you're wearing. A straw or crochet hat can make even the most ordinary sundress look cool.
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Statement Earrings
If there's anywhere you're allowed to be over-the-top, it's while you're on vacation. Leave your usual gold-filled huggies at home, and replace them with statement pieces that can elevate everything else you've packed. And you don't have to reserve these accessories just for a dinner or night out at the all-you-can-drink beachside bar — a pair of gemstone earrings will go just as well with a bathing suit and cutoffs.